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Keeping yourself safe on the road while travelling for work

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14 December 2018

Did you know that more than a quarter of all road traffic accidents may involve someone who is driving for work, according to the Department of Transport?

If you are an at-work driver, it’s worth reading our top driving tips as they will help you to stay safe and avoid a road accident.

Follow driving for work policies

Your employer will have policies and procedures in place for drivers who use a company vehicle or their own vehicle for work. Your employer should make sure that any company vehicle is properly registered, taxed, MOT’d and insured. If you are using your own vehicle, your employer has a legal duty to ensure it is safe to drive, however, it is your responsibility to inform your insurers that you use the vehicle for work, and how you do so.

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Regularly check your vehicle

When driving for work on a daily basis, it’s important that your car is maintained. Whether it’s a company car or your own vehicle, make sure your tyres are in good condition, and check your oil and get it changed regularly. We recommend learning how to change your car’s fluid levels, such as the antifreeze, coolant and wiper fluids, so you know how to top them up to avoid breaking down.

Be alert at all times

Pay attention to any oncoming traffic or warning signals, and be aware of other road users. Look out for pedestrians and cyclists who are sharing the road, especially if you are driving in the dark during the early hours of the morning, driving at night, or during poor visibility.

Make sure you are fit to drive

If you have any medical conditions or health issues that could affect your ability to drive safely, you must inform your employer and the DVLA.

Your eyesight should be in good condition. As a rule, you must be able to read a vehicle number plate from 20 metres (about five car lengths) in good daylight. If you need glasses or contact lenses to drive, you must wear them at all times when driving – it is an offence not to do so.

You should also make sure that you are well rested and get plenty of sleep before a long drive. If you do feel tired, find somewhere safe to stop (not on the hard shoulder), and take a short nap before starting your journey again.

Give yourself time

If you are scheduled to be somewhere by a certain time, make sure you give yourself plenty of time so you can arrive at your destination safely. Be prepared for traffic, road closures, adverse weather conditions and any other contributing factors that could potentially delay your journey. It might be worth leaving earlier than you need to so you can avoid putting other road users at danger by rushing.

Remember the rules of the road

Unexpected delays and traffic jams can get the better of us all, but it’s important to stay calm in these situations and follow the rules of the road. Avoid speeding and tailgating if the driver in front is driving too slow and you’re trying to manoeuvre around them. It’s important to remember that it’s better to drive safely and arrive in one piece than it is to drive aggressively and cause an accident.

By planning ahead, checking your car and following your employer’s work policies, you can ensure that you’re safe while driving on the roads for work.

Author Bio:

Thompsons Solicitors has helped injured people to secure compensation for almost 100 years. Our team of committed personal injury lawyers have decades of experience running and winning car accident claims.

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