Blind spots can be one of those things that you might forget to check, but did you know how important it is to check your blind spots?

So what are blind spots?

A blind spot is an areas that cannot be seen when you are looking ahead or when you're checking your mirrors. The main blind spot areas are:

What to do when moving off?

• Make sure you check your mirrors to see what is happening around you, then loom over your right shoulder before you move off. 

• Some vehicles have ‘assistive technology’ such as reverse-assist alarms. These devices help reduce blind spots, but they won’t remove them entirely. Always use your mirrors and glance over your shoulder before you commit to any decisions. 

• Changing lanes

• Joining a motorway or dual carriageway

• when traffic is merging from, the left or the right

Hitting rush hour traffic can be very frustrating, we know - we've all been there. But we have come up with some top tips for driving in that dreaded rush hour!

Plan your route carefully and avoid congested times if possible – it’ll save you stress as well as petrol!

Look further ahead

Take a look down the road ahead of you to see what is happening, this will help increase your chances of anticipating changes in the traffic. This will also give you time to avoid problems that may cause accidents.

Stay calm

Don't get angry, there is nothing you can do about the traffic. If are late for something like work just give them a call and explain the situation, if you are stuck in traffic there is no where you can go.

Turn on the radio

Listen out for traffic and travel updates or listen to some music to keep yourself entertained. Make sure that you stay concentrated on the roads because traffic could start moving again at any time. 

Keeping your car and the contents of your car safe is becoming more demanding, with thieves evolving with new ways to commit car crimes. But dont worry, we have come out with some tips for protecting your car and it's contents.

Whether it’s your beloved car itself or the valuables within it, your car is as much a target for thieves as it ever was.

Parking:

If you are leaving your car it is important to leave it in a safe area. Try and leave it in a well lit area even in the daylight.

If you’re parking on your driveway or in a car park, make sure you park as close as possible to your home or another occupied building

Also try to park it somewhere where you can easily see your car and around other cars, thieves tend to target cars that are parked alone. 

Locking:

Also double check that your car is locked! Lock your car and try opening the door to check it is securely locked before leaving.

Most modern cars have have an anti lock system but it's worth checking 

Hide you contents:

This may seem obvious but so many people forget to do it. Items like Satnav's are the most obvious gadget that gets left on display. But other items include Mobile phones, wallets, cash and handbags. 

If you have an item that is of value to you and you have hate to lose take it with you and don't leave it in the car. If you cannot take these items with you hide them. Hide them in the boot of the car, under the seat or within one the the car's compartments. 

Also don't leave your windows open, no matter how little the gap is.

Driving while being tired is a dangerous combination. People are aware of the dangerous of drink driving but may not realise that tired driving can be just as fatal. Sleepiness slows reaction time, decreases awareness, impairs judgement and increases your risk of crashing. 

Our Advice:

• Plan your journey before setting off and include breaks every few hours if it is a long journey.

• If you are already tired do not start a journey.
• Try to avoid long trips at unusual hours like between midnight and 6am.
• If you start to feel tired find a safe place to stop like a service station and drink some coffee or a high caffeine drink and try to rest for 10-20 minutes. 
• The only way to combat your sleepiness is a proper sleep so a nap is only a short term solution. 
• If you are driving with a passenger who is insured to drive the car, try alternating who drives so you have a chance to rest. 

Congratulations you have passed your driving test! And now it's time to get onto those roads alone. This can be a scary time for new drivers but don't worry, we are here to help calm down those nerves! 

Offering lifts:

The freedom of driving is a great feeling. Knowing you and your friends can now go wherer you want whenever you want. Just think of the endless drive through's you can have... But take it easy. Having friends in your car can be a huge distraction! Tell your friends they can have lifts as soon as your are more comfortable driving alone.

Switch off your phone:

Mobile phones are another huge distraction so before you set off make sure it's turned off. 

Pass Plus:

If you are really nervous about solo driving then you can take part in the Pass Plus course. This gives you an additional 6+ hours of practice with a professional instructor. The Pass Plus course has 6 modules, covering driving:

Make drivers aware:

Get some 'P plates' and display them on your car to let other drives know that you're a new driver. 

Practice, Practice, Practice:

It may take a while until you feel completely comfortable on the roads. Take some time to practice around your local area and go out with a parent if this helps you feel calmer. You are likely to make a few mistakes but remember this happens to everything and practice makes perfect! 

Happy Safe Driving! 

Witnessing an accident can be a really daunting thing to deal with. The main thing to remember is the stay calm and do not panic.

Calling Emergency Services:

Witnessing an accident can be just as traumatic as being involved in one. Your instincts are likely to be telling you to help and while this is all very well, it’s important to be calm and collected.

Consider your own safety, as the last thing you want to do is cause another accident.

If you’re in a car, use your hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic of an incident.

Once at the scene, check to see who is injured and to what extent and call the emergency services.

Firstly you should try and get together all the witnesses and get any many people as you can to help. 

If someone is trained in first aid get them to assist the injured until the emergency services have arrived. 

Also try and keep onlookers back from the scene and make sure the scene is safe from any further incidents. 

Make sure that someone speaks to the emergency services consistently so that they get all the information they need. It is best that the person on the phone is calm. 

Looking after the injured: 

If there are people who are badly insured do not try not to move them unless it is dangerous to leave them where they are. 

If you are skilled in first aid make sure that:

If you are not trained in first aid the best thing to do is the leave the injured until the Emergency services arrive. Offering comfort and emotional support is the best thing that you can do. 

After the Emergency services has arrived: 

You may be asked by someone involved in the accident or the police after the accident to give you name and contact details. This is usually to help who is investigating the accident. 

You should make notes and write down a detailed account of what you saw before, during and after the accident. Also if you took photographs after the accident use these as well.