Staying Safe on UK Roads: Essential Tips for the Summer
Road safety is a commitment we all share, whether we are drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians navigating the diverse roads of the UK, from the winding Highland routes in Scotland to the bustling urban streets of London. At Bonnar Accident Law, we believe that prevention is better than a cure. While we’re always here to help you claim the road traffic accident compensation you deserve should the unforeseen happen, our top priority remains your safety and well-being on the roads. That’s why we’ve put together this essential summer safety guide packed with practical tips to keep you and your loved ones safe while travelling throughout the UK.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected: Carrying Emergency Items
No matter how short or routine your journey may seem, the unpredictable weather and varied road conditions in the UK make it vital to prepare for emergencies. You should always be prepared for sudden changes in the weather and environment. It’s advisable to always have a few things at hand, whether you are a car driver or a motorcyclist.
As a car driver, you should have the following items in your car. Please note that some of these come with an expiration date, so always set a reminder to check the validity of the item you are carrying. If it is nearing the end of its usability, replace it with a new one.
For Car Drivers, Essential Emergency Items Include:
- First-Aid Kit
If you are on medication, please include a few spare medicines in your vehicle. For example, an extra inhaler, an EpiPen, etc. A conventional first-aid kit should also have antiseptics, plasters, and bandages for quick administration if an accident occurs. - Reflective Warning Kit
These can be reflective warning triangles, a sign, traffic cones, or whatever else your local authorities deem usable. The key is to ensure that you have a warning kit that either lights up with LED or is reflective enough to alert the approaching traffic of a breakdown or an accident. - High-Visibility Vest
This is an important piece of clothing that will help you be seen from a very far distance once you step onto the road during a busy time or at night. It will also signal the relevant authorities that you have either had a vehicular breakdown or have been in an accident. - Spare Tyres and Jack
Punctures are the most common nuisance you may face on the road, be it a short trip to the nearby town or a long journey on the motorway. Always have a spare tyre and the necessary jack and tools to change your tyre. As a rule of thumb, once you have changed the tyre, you should always get the puncture fixed at the earliest and at the immediately next workstation you find. Never postpone it to a later time, especially as punctures are more common during the summertime due to the road heat. - Torch with Extra Batteries
Torches are always helpful in low-light conditions or at night. Keep it handy, and remember to change the batteries on time. Better yet, buy yourself a rechargeable torch that can be plugged into your vehicle directly.
Other Recommended Items Include:
Here are a few other things you should have with you while you’re on the road:
- Mobile Phone Charger or Power Bank
Always keep a phone charger in your vehicle or on you so you can readily reach out to the emergency services if and when there is a need. Power banks are good enough as well, but before a long journey, charge them fully at home so they can be used to power your mobile phone or an LED or any other emergency item that needs electricity. - Blankets and Bottled Water
Keep a warm blanket in the winter and always have freshly-stocked bottled water before you start your journey. Keeping yourself hydrated during an emergency is vital for your brain to make good, informed decisions. - Long-Life Snacks
If you are diabetic or have a medical condition that requires you to snack after a while, you should always keep a cereal bar, a granola bar, or nuts handy. These have a long shelf life and can help you get the quick energy boost you need. - Maps or Printed Directions
Poor GPS or cellular service can leave you stranded on roads and highways you are unfamiliar with. If you’re travelling in the country, the mobile phone service may not be reliable at every corner. So, keep a map handy or have printed directions with you to make sense of where you are and where you should be headed. Ideally, mark your journey on the map before you hit the road. - Jump Leads or Battery Boosters
Battery drains are common during the summer since the AC use is quite heavy. Keep jump leads or battery starters so you don’t get stranded without a car that can’t even start.
For Cyclists and Motorcyclists, The Recommended Items Include:
As a cyclist or a motorcyclist, you should have the following emergency items on you when you go out on the road during the summertime:
- Compact First-Aid Kit
You should have a compact first-aid kit attached to your bike, e-bike, or motorcycle. It should have the necessary items to mediate cuts or grazes in case of a fall or a slip. - Puncture Repair Kit and Pump
Ensure you have a repair kit that quickly patches a puncture to get you to the next workstation where you can get it fixed. - High-Visibility Clothing and Lights
You should always stay visible and check that all of your bike’s, e-bike’s, or motorcycle’s lights are working. These should include the headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. - Portable Multi-Tools Kit
Have a handy screwdriver kit or a multi-tool kit that can help you tighten bolts and make quick fixes while you are on the go. - Energy Snacks and Hydration Packs
In the hot weather, as a cyclist, you should have energy bars to keep up your stamina, and a hydration pack that hydrates your electrolytes to keep you going. As a motorcyclist, wearing helmets and safety gear can get you extra warm, so hydrate yourself as soon as you feel you are getting a bit too hot.
Maintaining Your Vehicle: Year-Round Vigilance
Regular vehicle maintenance is not just about extending the life of your car or bike; it’s a lifesaving habit.
What Car or Vehicle Owners Should Check
As an owner of a car, jeep, truck, or any other vehicle that has four or more tyres, you should do the following checklist to ensure your vehicle is safe on the road:
- Tyres
Ensure correct pressure and tread depth; underinflated tyres can blow out in the heat. - Brakes
Worn brake pads drastically increase stopping distances, which can easily cause accidents. - Engine Coolant and Oil Levels
Fill the coolant and oil to the safety level to avoid overheating and damaging your vehicle. - Windscreen Wipers and Fluid
These are essential during sudden summer showers. - Battery Health
The summer heat can shorten battery life. So, ensure it’s charged and corrosion-free.
What Cyclists Should Ensure
As a cyclist, during the summer in the UK, you should ensure the following when on the road:
- Brakes
Test regularly for responsiveness and pad wear. - Tyre Pressure
Even on bicycles, an under-inflated tyre can reduce performance and safety. - Chains and Gears
Keep them properly lubricated and clean for smooth operation. - Suspension (if applicable)
Regularly check for leaks or stiffness. - Lights and Reflectors
Ensure visibility, even during long daylight hours.
Communicating Clearly: Understanding and Using Signals
Clear communication on the roads can prevent collisions and confusion.
Here’s how to communicate safely:
- Signal Well in Advance
Whether you’re turning, overtaking, or changing lanes, indicate well ahead of time. This will alert every other road user to your intention, and they can set their course accordingly. - Check Signal Functionality
Faulty indicators or brake lights are dangerous and often illegal. Get them fixed immediately. If you are unable to warn other road users of your intention, it may lead to an unwanted accident, and one where you will be at fault. - Use Hand Signals on a Bike
Don’t hesitate to use hand signals when you’re on a bicycle or an e-bike. This is especially necessary if your bike lights are dim or not in use. Learn the proper hand signals in your region so you use them right. - Don’t Assume Others Know Your Intentions
It is better to be safe than sorry. Over-communicate your intention if you think it wasn’t rightly perceived by other road users. - Avoid Ambiguous Movements
Commit to your decision once you have signalled clearly. And if there is a sudden unexpected bump, animal, or pothole that you want to avoid, always warn the other road users of it as well. Don’t just swerve around it and expect that those behind you will telepathically understand your intention. Turn on your hazards and brake slowly, and then navigate it safely.
Listen and Observe: Staying Alert to Changes
Often, your vehicle will ‘speak’ to you before a serious issue arises.
Stay alert for:
- Grinding or Squealing Noises
This may indicate worn brakes or suspension issues. - Unusual Vibrations
This can be due to misaligned tyres or wheel bearings. - Burning Smells
This can be a sign of overheating, clutch issues, or electrical problems. - Pulling to One Side
This could indicate uneven tyre wear or brake imbalance. - Warning Lights on the Dashboard
Never ignore them; have them checked immediately. Go through your vehicle’s manual and see what the lit-up symbol indicates. Get it fixed immediately, especially if it is the brake oil, engine oil, or battery indicator.
Focus on the Road: Avoiding Distractions is Crucial
Distractions are one of the leading causes of accidents in the UK.
To stay focused:
- Never Use a Handheld Mobile Phone
It is also illegal and highly dangerous. - Use a Dashboard Mount
If you rely on your GPS or mobile phone for navigating the roads and streets, use a dashboard mount. If you have to change the settings, stop nearby on the side of the road and then do it distraction-free without putting yourself in harm’s way. - Keep Children and Pets Secure
Always use the baby/toddler car seats and travel crates for your pets. Some people tend to leave their pets roaming free within the vehicle. Even though this act may seem fun for your pet and you may laugh too, but is highly unsafe. Keep your pets in crates or tether them to a safety harness so they have limited mobility. Especially ensure that they don’t roam in critical spaces such as under the driver’s legs, between the driver and the steering wheel, or on any of the windshields or back windshields. - Set Up Playlists, Air Con, or SatNav Before Departure
Avoid fiddling with these while en route. Leave in style and set your beats before you hit the road, and get yourself comfortable with the right air con settings. Also, set your end destination on the digital maps so you can safely enjoy the road while driving. - Avoid Eating or Drinking While Driving
Even though you may feel thirsty or hungry during the journey, it is better to stop and eat and drink. Drinking or eating while driving significantly reduces your reaction time and focus.
Prompt Action: Replacing Damaged Parts
A minor fault today can lead to a major accident tomorrow.
Prioritise replacing:
- Cracked windscreens or mirrors
These can impair your vision and worsen over time, especially on a rainy day. Replace as soon as possible. - Worn, Faulty or Broken Indicators
These are crucial for alerting other road users of your intentions. One small wrong indication or no indication can cause a huge accident. Replace immediately. - Damaged Head or Tail Lights
This is particularly dangerous during dusk or night driving. Replace immediately. - Bike Brake Levers or Gear Cables
Damaged parts such as these can fail under stress. Brakes are an important saviour. Replace these immediately. - Number Plates
Ensure that they are clean and properly lit to avoid fines. Also, in an accident claim, a broken or unclear number plate can negatively influence your compensation.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Constant Vigilance
Staying alert to what’s around you is just as vital as what’s ahead.
Keep in mind:
- Blind Spot Checks
Check for blind spots, which is especially important for cyclists, motorcyclists, and lorries. - Use Your Mirrors Frequently
When you are in traffic, check your mirrors every few seconds. - Expect the Unexpected
Always remember that pedestrians, especially children, can behave unpredictably. Watch out and slow down. - Adjust Driving in Rural Areas
The rural areas and the roads there may have narrow lanes, oncoming farm vehicles, or animals passing the road. Be vigilant. - Be Patient with Learner Drivers and Tourists
The summer brings more tourists and learner drivers to the UK roads. Be patient and let them pass. Keep yourself safe and navigate safely.
Navigating the Night: Driving Safely After Dark
Night driving comes with increased risk due to reduced visibility.
Be safer at night by:
- Using Dipped Headlights for Oncoming Vehicles
This is to avoid blinding them with your high beam or a straight focus. - Cleaning All Exterior Lights and Mirrors
Always remember that dirty lights reduce visibility. Keep the lights, turn signals, and hazard lights clean so you can focus clearly on the road as well as alert other road users to your intended move. - Slowing Down on Unlit Roads
Hazards appear with little warning. An unlit road may twist or turn suddenly, catching you off guard. Also, speeding on an unfamiliar, unlit road can lead to a horrible accident. A slowed vehicle is a safe vehicle. - Watching for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for the wildlife, especially if you are in the countryside or the Scottish rural areas. Wildlife does not obey the traffic rules or the road signs, so it is your responsibility to navigate safely around nature and allow them to exist in peace. - Resting When Tired
Fatigue is a leading cause of nighttime crashes. Do not power through by forcing yourself to stay awake. Nor should you overly use caffeine or nicotine to help you through the road. If your body is telling you to rest and take a nap, do it to keep yourself safe and others as well.
When Things Go Wrong: Dealing with Breakdowns
Breakdowns can be frightening and dangerous, especially on fast roads.
Here’s what to do:
- Pull Over Safely
Preferably to a lay-by or hard shoulder. - Turn On Hazard Lights Immediately
This is to warn other drivers, alert the concerned authorities, and not delay the normal flow of traffic. - Exit the Vehicle from the Passenger Side
This is especially on motorways, since the driver’s side may not be safe to exit, and you may ruin an important piece of evidence. - Use the Emergency Phone
You can use the emergency phone located at intervals on the motorways in case your mobile phone is out of service or dead. - Stay Behind the Safety Barrier
Never attempt DIY fixes on live roads. No matter how experienced you are, do not tamper with the evidence, as it may influence your compensation claim.
In the Event of an Accident: Do These Immediate Actions
Even in a minor collision, the correct response can make a big difference.
After an accident, always do the following immediately:
- Check for Injuries
Check yourself, the passengers, and others involved. - Call 999 If Needed
Always report injury or obstruction-causing accidents. - Exchange Details
You should exchange details such as your name, contact, insurance, and vehicle registration. - Take Photos
Always take photos of the scene, vehicles, road signs, and any injuries. These will be crucial evidence in your compensation claim. - Contact a Solicitor
Get a certified and experienced road traffic accident claim solicitor involved for expert legal guidance, such as from Bonnar Accident Law.
Summer Driving in the UK: Specific Considerations
Summer brings longer days and holiday vibes, but also unique road hazards.
Stay safe by:
- Staying Hydrated
Fatigue creeps in faster when you’re dehydrated. - Using Sun Visors and Sunglasses
Glare from the sun is a major summer hazard. - Checking Tyre Pressure
Heat causes air to expand, increasing blowout risk. - Expecting Traffic Delays
School holidays, events, and tourism swell the roads. - Planning Regular Breaks
Fatigue leads to microsleeps, which are fatal behind the wheel. - Watching for Motorcyclists and Cyclists
The warm weather draws more two-wheelers to the roads. - Wearing Proper Driving Footwear
Ditch the flip-flops for secure shoes. - Checking Weather Updates
The heatwaves, summer storms, or flash flooding can affect travel. - Cooling the Car Before Children or Pets Enter
The interiors heat up dangerously fast.
How Bonnar Accident Law Assists You in Road Traffic Accident Claims
If you’re involved in a road traffic accident, having a solicitor in your corner can make all the difference.
Here’s how Bonnar Accident Law can help:
- No-Win-No-Fee Guarantee
You won’t have to pay us a penny unless we win your case. - Expert Legal Advice
We will tailor our services and offerings to your unique situation and rights. - Accident Investigation
We will help you gather evidence like CCTV, witness statements, and police reports. - Liaising with Insurers
We negotiate on your behalf to avoid lowball settlements. - Maximising Your Compensation
We will help you get the most out of your claim, including loss of earnings, vehicle damage, medical costs, and emotional distress.
Be Safe and Contact Bonnar Accident Law for Road Traffic Accident Claims
Summer may bring sunshine and holidays, but it also demands heightened road safety awareness. Whether you’re cruising through the Lake District, cycling along the Fife coast, or navigating the streets of Edinburgh, your vigilance could save a life, perhaps even your own.
By following these essential safety tips, you’re protecting yourself and contributing to a safer and more responsible road environment for everyone. And if, despite all efforts, the unfortunate does happen, Bonnar Accident Law is here to guide you through the aftermath — with compassion, expertise, and a firm commitment to justice.
Call us today for a no-win-no-fee compensation claim!