30th July 2021

National Road Victim Month – staying safe on the road

National Road Victim Month is held annually in August to remember all people who lost their lives or have been injured on our roads. In the UK only last year 24,470 people were killed or injured in reported road traffic incidents.

What are the dangers in August? 

When the weather is warmer, there are more cyclist and motorcyclist on our roads, who are one of the most vulnerable road users. Vehicle performance can be also affected by the hot weather e.g. overheating or tyre damage which can lead to accidents. According to RAC, more children are also involved in road accident during summer, as they spend more time playing outside.

With this in mind, we decided to pull together some of our safety factsheets to keep you and others safe on the road.

Accidents and injuries involving motorbikes are a serious issue on British roads with research showing that motorcyclists account for 19% of all road user deaths.

Read our guide for some helpful tips on how, as a driver, you can help make the roads safer for motorcyclists

In recent years, the number of cyclists on the roads has also increased significantly. Not only is it a cheaper and healthier way to travel, but cities such as London are now offering bike hire schemes and cycle lanes that make travelling on two wheels easier than ever. While cycling is generally considered a safe activity, collisions and accidents do happen. To make the highways safer for everyone, here are our tips for driving around cyclists.

Road traffic accidents involving child pedestrians are common, as children under age of 16 are one of the most vulnerable road users.

Accidents are preventable and we all have a part to play in, so here we share some of the safety tips on how to protect children on the road.

It’s important to make sure that your vehicle is in good condition. To avoid vehicle breakdown and costly repairs, vehicle walk around check is highly recommended.

Driving a van? Read our guide about the daily checks that you should carry out inside and outside your van to make sure it’s roadworthy.

  • Tyre safety

Poorly-maintained tyres can affect your car’s efficiency and performance, as well as having serious safety implications too. Read our guide for top tips to help get the most from your tyres.

  • Vehicle overheating

Overheating can cause serious engine damage and increase the risk of an accident, so it’s important to pull over quickly to a safe place if the coolant temperature warning lights up.

Find out more about the dashboard warning lights which you shouldn’t ignore if they stay on your dashboard whilst the engine is running.

  • Driving kind

Kindness is probably not one of the words that might come to mind when you think about driving. We are all likely to have felt some frustrations when we are stuck in traffic, or when someone has shown little courtesy to us by cutting us up. Here are some tips for you to consider which can help make the roads a happier and kinder place to be.

  • Driving tired

Fatigue is a major contributory factor in crashes in the UK, with too little sleep radically affecting driver attention, awareness, reaction time and ability to control the vehicle. Driving tired can be as dangerous as driving under the influence – it slows down your reaction and decreases your awareness. Read our guide for tips on how to avoid falling asleep at the wheel.

  • Dangerous driving habits

Dangerous driving habits can lead to major traffic accidents or a few points on your driving licence plus a penalty if being caught. Find out more about the dangerous driving habits and how to reduce the associated risks on the road.

Planning your journey in advance is important as it allows you to reach your destination by choosing the best route possible and avoid unforeseen road closure.

Keep in mind the weather conditions, and plan ahead your stops if you are going on a long journey. Take regular breaks and get enough sleep before getting behind the wheel to prevent drowsy driving.

Find out more about our Summer Driving tips

Take a look through our library of driver factsheets to help keep you safe and up to date on the roads: KINTO Driver Factsheets