Muscle Cars Blog

For most drivers, their car is a necessity; a means of travelling from ‘A’ to ‘B’, to commute to work or merely to taxi the kids about. For others, their cars are a form of escapism, a necessity with benefits, or even a hobby. But so often drivers become complacent and ignore the subtle perils of the open road.

With 30% of traffic accidents occurring less than 1 mile [1] from home and the rise in traffic on the roads (by 12% between 1997 and 2007) [2], it is important that road users are aware of the different dangers that they will be faced with. Ignoring these dangers can cause accidents which can result in costly car insurance premiums, injuries and even fatalities.

Here, in no particular order, we have suggested five hazards motorists should consider when driving.

1) Cyclists
We are all familiar with the environmental benefits of cycling, but anyone can hop on a bike and cycle into the unknown. So few cyclists have taken the cycling proficiency exam, and even fewer follow by the Highway Code [3].

Without high visibility clothing and adequate lighting, many cyclists render themselves invisible until the unsuspecting motorist is driving behind them. Many cut in and out of waiting traffic in jams, with little consideration that they are cutting in and out of the motorist’s view.

2) Children and Teenagers
Children playing in residential streets can cause dangers. Hidden from the view of oncoming traffic, children can appear unexpectidly from in-between parked cars, causing a danger for themselves and road users. It is important that in residential areas and near schools especially, motorists are extra vigilant and maintain the speed limit at all times.

Young children do not only present a hazard to motorists, teenagers also cause accidents due to their lack of concentration. MP3s, hooded clothing and even the use of a mobile phone takes the teenager’s concentration off the of the road. Extra caution should be taken when approaching groups and individual teenagers [4].

3) Speed Cameras
Although they are designed to reduce the number of accidents on a road by reducing speed, drivers actually tend to slow down suddenly, causing a hazard for those driving behind them. It is therefore important to maintain the recommended two second gap [5] stopping distance at all times, to ensure sudden braking is accounted for.

4) Accidents and Road Works
Road works cause a problem when motorists become angered and take risks [6]. It is important that caution is taken when passing through an area with road works, to avoid any hazards.

When accidents do happen, it can cause a distraction to passing traffic. It is crucial that drivers focus on the road ahead rather than any incidents on the roadside.

5) Litter and Rubbish
Litter and rubbish dumped at the road side can spill onto the road, which could get in the drivers way. It is important that motorists are vigilant and are aware of such hazards when driving.

Broken glass, oil and even plastic carrier bags can cause a skid, a blow-out or simply obscure the view of the driver [7].

In all instances of roadside dangers, it is crucial that road users (drivers and pedestrians alike), use caution when on the road and are continuously aware of their surrounds and the hidden dangers that may be lurking at the side of the road.

[1] WhatCar.Com – http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/most-crashes-happen-close-to-home/242472 (August, 2009).
[2] Times Online – http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/article3200991.ece (January, 2008).
[3] GMTV – http://www.gm.tv/articles/32853-careless-cyclists.html
[4] Think Driving – http://www.dft.gov.uk/think/focusareas/driving/?whoareyou_id=
[5] Direct Gov – http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/travelandtransport/highwaycode/dg_070304
[6] Smart Motorist – http://www.smartmotorist.com/traffic-and-safety-guideline/what-causes-car-accidents.html
[7] Direct Gov – http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Usingmotorwaysandroads/Reducingroadcongestionandpollution/DG_185137

Hannah Warder writes for MediaVest (Manchester) on a number of car related topics such as car insurance quotes.

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