{"id":3126,"date":"2017-01-16T16:44:56","date_gmt":"2017-01-16T16:44:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/roadsandtransport\/safe-travel\/road-safety\/safer-people\/driving-safer-for-longer\/"},"modified":"2024-04-03T18:09:10","modified_gmt":"2024-04-03T17:09:10","slug":"drivers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/roads-and-transport\/safe-travel\/road-safety\/safer-people\/drivers\/","title":{"rendered":"Drivers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Considerate
Drivers: Turn off your engine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

All drivers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

98% of collisions are caused by human error. Each year approx. 1,700 people die on roads in Great Britain. Our Devon collision data dashboard<\/a> shows 353 people either died or were seriously injured in road traffic collisions in 2022 in Devon.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most risky behaviours, often known as the ‘Fatal Five’<\/a>, are the main causes of serious injuries and deaths on the region\u2019s roads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Inappropriate or excessive speed<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Not wearing a seatbelt<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Driver distractions, e.g. driver using a mobile phone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Careless or inconsiderate driving<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Devon and Cornwall Police give tips and advice for all drivers on driving safely<\/a> and there is more general guidance in the Highway Code<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Share this Space<\/a> gives guidance on sharing the road with others including giving people walking and cycling plenty of time and space. Be alert, be patient and be nice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Child car seats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The following websites give advice on which choosing, buying and fitting the correct child car seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Good Egg Car Safety<\/a> – supported by the government and road safety organisations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Short films from RoSPA<\/a> to help you select a seat that matches your child’s weight and height.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    gov.uk<\/a> – the rules on child car seats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    RoSPA <\/a>– choosing and using child car seat<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Find a child car seat safety advisor in the South West<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Car Seat Smarter<\/a> – six short films on how to keep children safe on every car journey<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Younger drivers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Young drivers – Vision Safe is aiming to reduce young driver collisions (visionzerosouthwest.co.uk)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Young males aged 17-24<\/a> are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured compared with car drivers aged 25 or over \u2013 and young male drivers are more likely to crash with passengers in the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Mates Matter<\/a> campaign is calling on friends to do what they do best \u2013 look out for each other.
    Specifically calling for mates to intervene and stop their mates when they are tempted to drink driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Honest Truth<\/a>, Learn 2 Live <\/a> and Road Safety Knowledge Centre Young Drivers section<\/a> have advice, guidance and support for young drivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Modified exhaust systems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s illegal to modify the exhaust system to make a vehicle noisier<\/a> after it has been \u2018type approved\u2019 (checked it meets environmental and safety standards).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Driving for work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Business Drivers – Vision Safe aims to reduce business driver collisions (visionzerosouthwest.co.uk)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    An estimated one third of road traffic collisions in Britain involve someone at work according to the Road Safety Observatory<\/a>. They also state that “For the majority of people, the most dangerous thing they do while at work is to drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Road Safety Knowledge Centre Driving for Work section<\/a> has guidance, reports and research to help all those who drive for work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Driving for Better Business programme<\/a> works on the simple idea that employers have a role to play in the safety of drivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Older drivers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Older drivers – Vision Safe is aiming to reduce elderly driver collisions (visionzerosouthwest.co.uk)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Free advice to help older drivers to continue driving safely.<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    IAM RoadSmart Mature Driver Review<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For many older people in Devon a driving licence is an important symbol of independence. Cars make it easier to go shopping, get to appointments and keep in touch with friends. We are committed to helping people to retain their independent mobility whilst remaining safe on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While some older drivers may be able to continue driving well into their 80s and 90s it\u2019s important for them to regularly assess their driving and make adjustments if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Frequently asked questions<\/h3>\n\n\n