Driving impairments and how to avoid them

It’s a privilege to own a full driving licence, you’ve worked hard to pass your test and should be proud of your achievements.

Drive a car and you have a responsibility to yourself, your passengers and fellow road users to stay safe when you are behind the wheel.

Don’t worry though, just avoid this behaviour and you’ll be a courteous driver.

Fancy a pint?

We’ve all seen the drink driving campaigns on the television so why is it that some motorists still think it’s fine to have a pint or two and stagger back to their car? Alcohol affects your ability to drive, regardless of the amount you consume, even after one pint your senses are dulled, your reactions are slower and you’re putting yourself and other road users at risk.

Don’t drink and drive. Have a soft drink if you are driving, get a taxi, use public transport or kip over at your mates, why risk your life and the lives of others just because you fancy a pint.

Take care with medicines

If you have been prescribed medicines by your doctor and it clearly says on the bottle ‘avoid driving’ this isn’t a misprint, you really shouldn’t be behind the wheel.

Prescription drugs can impair driving, they make you drowsy, you find it hard to concentrate or stay awake, your senses are numbed and you don’t react in the same way.

Talk to your GP about the medicine they have prescribed, if it says ‘steer clear of driving’ this is a clear instruction not a recommendation, don’t drive until you have finished the course.

Take time for a nap

Driving a long way and feel tired? Pull over and have a power nap in a safe place. Don’t fight the feeling, tiredness wins every time, if you are drowsy you might fall asleep at the wheel and cause carnage.

Plan your route, have regular breaks every 2 hours or so and stay refreshed behind the wheel. Too many drivers are involved in serious incidents caused by tiredness, if you need a break take one and get some shuteye for 20 minutes or so.  

Ignore the phone

Texting or talking on a hand-held phone whilst driving is madness as well. Not only could you cause an accident due to the distraction, you could receive points on your licence and a fine as well, depending on the severity of the case you might end up in court and be banned from driving too.

As a new driver all it takes is for you to receive 6 points on your licence within 2 years of passing your test and your licence will be revoked.

Avoid this by leaving the phone alone, or use a hands-free device, just make sure you are in complete control of the vehicle at all times.

Passing your test is a brilliant feeling, we’ll get you to test standard and help you pass with flying colours, just take care once you are out on the road driving solo.