Road safety is absolutely crucial for all drivers. When you’re driving a vehicle, you are responsible for your own safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of other road users. Driving a vehicle on public roads is a privilege that mustn’t be taken lightly. When driving, you truly have your life, as well as the lives of everybody around you, in your hands.
When sensible safety measures are adhered to, driving is enjoyable, convenient, freeing, and safe. All drivers need to know how to drive safely and to make sure their vehicle is roadworthy and fit for purpose. For disabled drivers, there are some extra safety measures that need to be taken.
Some road safety tips are specifically for disabled drivers. Disabled drivers often need to adapt to their cars, operate adapted controls and other modifications, and keep extra safety equipment in their vehicles. In this disabled road safety guide, we’ll go over 10 important road safety tips for disabled drivers.
1. Choose To Drive The Safest Vehicle Possible
Not all vehicles are created equally when it comes to safety. As a general rule, new vehicles will have more advanced and effective safety features. To be as safe as possible when driving, it’s essential that you choose a high-quality vehicle that is well designed and well built.
Shop around and ask experts. Driving a safe vehicle is crucial for staying safe on the roads.
2. Make Sure You Have The Appropriate Vehicle Modifications For Your Disability
Many disabled drivers require vehicle modifications to enable them to drive. These modifications make it possible for a person with physical limitations to drive safely and enjoyably. Vehicle modifications for disabled drivers provide both comfort and protection.
It is essential for road safety that you research the available modification options and install those that are appropriate for you.
3. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Well Maintained
Having a safe vehicle is essential – but a vehicle that is not properly maintained will not be safe, no matter how high-quality a model it is.
It is essential and a legal requirement to have your vehicle fully checked over once a year. But much more often than this you should be checking your vehicle’s lights, tires, mirrors, brakes, and windshield. A well-maintained vehicle is a safe vehicle.
4. Keep Informed About Weather Conditions
This is especially important for disabled drivers who live in areas that experience hazardous or especially changeable weather, and for drivers who are embarking on a long journey.
Weather can be a serious hazard. Snow, ice, rain, wind, heat – any extreme weather is a big cause for concern when it comes to road safety. So make sure you know what weather to expect on your journey and prepare accordingly.
5. Focus On Driving And Avoid Distractions
Mobile phones are a common cause of serious road accidents. Even though it is illegal to use a mobile device while driving, many people still break this law, and the consequences are often grave.
When you are driving, it is essential to avoid all distractions and focus solely on the task at hand.
6. Practice Defensive Driving
If all drivers practiced high-quality defensive driving, there would be very few traffic accidents. So what should a good defensive driver do?
- Always have safety as a first priority.
- Be very aware of your surroundings.
- Do not rely on good driving from other road users.
- Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
- Drive at a safe speed.
- Avoid distractions.
7. Stay Alert And Do Not Drive When Sleepy
Falling asleep at the wheel is not uncommon. Sleep, and often micro-sleeps that last mere seconds, are a common cause of death on the roads.
If you are feeling sleepy, it is absolutely crucial that you pull over and rest. Take a short nap, drink a coffee, get fresh air. Only drive again when you are feeling rested and fully alert.
8. Keep Suitable Emergency Equipment In Your Vehicle
It’s essential to keep emergency equipment in your vehicle in case of an accident or breakdown, burst tires, or other emergencies.
Every vehicle should have:
- Spare tire, tripod jack, wheel wrench
- Tool kit
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight and batteries
- Reflective triangles and a reflective vest
- First aid kit
- Drinking water
- Fire extinguisher
- Duct tape
- Cell phone and car mobile phone charger
- Warm clothes and blankets
- Snow shovel, snow brush, cat litter for traction
- Windshield washer fluid
9. Keep Back-Up Medication In Your Vehicle
If you require medication, you should keep back-up medication in your vehicle in case of emergencies. In case of a crash, you should make sure that your medication is clearly labeled and identified as yours.
You should also keep any allergy information clearly to hand for emergency services to find.
10. Make Sure You Always Have Your Disabled Parking Permit With You
It is very important to always remember to have your up-to-date disabled parking permit with you when you travel. If you forget your disabled permit, you may encounter problems if trying to find and use disabled parking.