Is it safe to drive in the UK? Yes, it is. The United Kingdom is one of the safest countries in Europe for motorists. However, there are safety rules, statistics, precautions, and of course having a UK drivers license that you’ll need to navigate the motorways.
Like in most countries, the inability of motorists or British cyclists to adhere to safety precautions is the most frequent cause of traffic accidents. Smartphones and sleepiness are also frequently mentioned as the main reasons for driving without road awareness.
In this article, you will learn how to keep safe on UK motorways. You’ll also see which countries are the top ten safest in Europe.

UK road safety statistics

Roads are necessary for our daily lives. We all rely on them to get goods and services, whether we are driving, riding, strolling, or traveling as passengers. But regrettably, this has a cost, including the deaths and injuries of individuals. Road fatalities and injuries are preventable, though. The last few decades have shown that comprehensive and efficient road safety measures can lower the number of fatalities and injuries on the road. Despite having one of the greatest records in the world for road safety, about five people still pass away on British roads every day. Showing that there is so still a lot to be done.

Furthermore, cycling is becoming more popular in the UK, since it offers a number of health and environmental advantages. British cyclists and motorcyclists make up only 1% of all motorway traffic.

Also, they account for just under 20% of all traffic fatalities in Great Britain and are more likely to crash and sustain injuries than passengers in cars. This is due to the fact that they do not benefit from all the safety protections offered by vehicles, like seat belts, airbags, and other impact protection equipment. Hence, more precautions still need to be taken to prevent an increase in cycling-related fatalities.

Top 10 safest roads and countries in Europe

What are the 10 best Safety rules on the road?

• Avoid driving during peak times. Although Friday and Sunday will also see about 4.3 million car trips apiece, Saturday is anticipated to be the largest day with about 4.6 million journeys.
  
  The busiest time on the roads will be between 10 am and 3 pm on Saturday, and the worst congested times will be between 10 am and 6 pm on Sunday and 7 pm on Friday.
• Check all vital components, including tires, oil levels, seats, and mirrors, before you get behind the wheel.
• If you can help it, stay off the highways and bus lanes when driving.
• Obey the posted speed restrictions.
• Take extra care around cyclists, pedestrians, and other road users. Children frequently make rash decisions. Exercise particular caution around parks, schools, and other locations where there may be greater pedestrian traffic.
  
  More so, be aware of and prepared for other drivers. Regularly check your mirrors, and before making a course change, do not forget to look into your blind spot.
• Avoid using a phone while driving. Even when utilizing a hands-free phone, making or receiving a call can result in an accident.
• Wear a back belt. Unbelted rear seat passengers in an accident have the potential to kill or seriously hurt the driver or a front seat passenger.
• Avoid drinking and driving. Even a modest amount of alcohol can make it difficult for you to drive. Avoid drinking and driving to drive safely.
• Never drive drowsy. Over 10% of traffic accidents are estimated to be caused, in part, by driver fatigue. On a long journey, schedule at least a 15-minute break every two hours.
• Baby and child car seats need to be installed correctly and inspected before each journey.
• You should be completely focused. Provide enough space between your car and other vehicles, and drive without hesitation when on the highway.
• You can determine which way the road is turning and how acute the bend is by staying alert. As a result, you will adapt as needed to turn successfully and effectively stay on the road.

7 ways to avoid fines and keep yourself safe while driving

1. Be alert

   Knowing the specific regulations in your location will help you avoid breaking ambiguous limitations and incurring a large charge.

2. Know when to utilize bus lanes

   An expensive fine for a relatively minor offense, being caught in a bus lane at the wrong time of day may cost a driver up to £160. Driving into the bus lane to avoid a rapidly approaching emergency vehicle would still result in a fine, adding to the agony.

   
   

   Most drivers will act on their instinct to move aside as soon as they can, but doing so could result in costly punishment. This is due to the fact that when approaching an emergency vehicle, traffic laws still apply.

3. Use the council parking lots

   In 2015, a new law was introduced that gave drivers who parked their cars in council-owned spaces a ten-minute grace period after their ticket expired.

   
   

   Common sense won out in this case. Drivers now have more time to return to their vehicles without worrying about receiving a £70 parking citation for being even a few minutes late.

4. Lane hogging

   If a driver spends too much time in one lane on the highway, they risk being charged with reckless and imprudent driving. A guy who occupied the center lane in West Yorkshire was fined almost £1,000 and given five points on his license.

   
   

   Drivers are urged not to use the outer or middle lanes of the freeway unless they are passing another vehicle to reduce the chance of being caught for this offense. Although it might appear straightforward, doing so could end up saving drivers hundreds of pounds in unwarranted fines.

5. Avoid premium fuels

   While premium fuel might have advantages, especially for high-performance vehicles, most drivers will not notice significant increases in their vehicles economy. The recommendation is to generally use ordinary fuel. And if you have the money, occasionally treat your engine to a tank of premium fuel

   
   

   Additionally, gas prices fluctuate frequently. Hence, premium fuel typically costs 10 pence more per liter while in other regions it might cost up to 30 pence more. Filling a car daily with premium fuel is simply not cost-effective due to the astronomically high pricing.

6. Advanced driving course

   Enrolling in an advanced driving course would be advantageous for more youthful drivers who have recently passed their test, but it could also benefit more seasoned drivers.

   
   

   The lessons are a helpful approach to obtaining experience navigating Britains most difficult driving situations, like at night. Best of all, participating in a course could assist in lowering a drivers insurance premiums.

7. Be aware of warning lights

   Motorists should be aware of the various warning lights that could appear in their vehicles. These should always be looked into when they occur on the dashboard because ignoring them could result in further harm to the car.

   
   

   It is advised that drivers always read the owners manual when purchasing a new car to properly comprehend all of its functions.