Connolly Motor Group: Top Road 5 Safety Tips!

Here at Connolly Motor Group we know that one of the most important things on the road is ensuring you and your loved ones are safe.

That’s why we have complied this list of our top 5 Road Safety Tips to help you stay safe on all of your journeys...

1. Avoid Distractions:

Distracted driving is among the major causes of accidents. Hence, one should avoid taking phone calls while driving. Always connect your phone to your cars hands-free or else put your phone on mute if you don’t have one. This will help you keep concentration fully on the road and avoid being distracted.

2. Regular Servicing:

Whether you drive a 2021 car or an older model, regular maintenance is a must. Many of us use our cars daily but can be guilty of putting the car service on the long finger. However, having it serviced could be the difference between a minor repair job and a serious and expensive fault down the road. It’s recommended that you have a professional service every 15,000 kilometres / 10,000 miles, which may consist of a simple oil change or could involve a full-service check of the vehicle including safety checks.

The most vital part of a car service is to have your oil changed. If you don’t regularly change your oil, sludge may build up which will prevent the engine from being correctly lubricated. This could result in engine failure and an expensive repair. Having a regular service will help you avoid this problem and save you money in the long run. Although you should schedule to have your car serviced regularly, there are times when it’s particularly important.

3. Check your Tyres:

The tyres on your vehicle are the only part of your vehicle in contact with the road. Therefore, they play a key role in vehicle safety. Why is tyre safety so important?

Your safety, along with the safety of your passengers and other road users, could depend directly on the condition of your vehicle’s tyres.

Our top tips when checking your tyres are :

• Ensure they are the right kind and size for your vehicle
• Be properly inflated
• Be free from defects
• Have a thread depth of at least 1.6mm

4. Take Regular Breaks on long journeys:

Driving while severely fatigued can pose a serious risk to. To combat the effects of driver fatigue, the RSA advises drivers to:

• Stop, park in a safe place and take a nap for 15 minutes (set your mobile phone alarm). This is the most important tactic.
• To really make the most of the break, take a caffeine drink before the nap (150mg of caffeine e.g. 2 cups of coffee).
• After the nap, the caffeine should have started to take effect.
• Then get some fresh air and stretch your legs for a few minutes.
• We think this is great advice to follow which will allow you to take a rest and recharge yourself for the rest of your journey.

5. Carry a breakdown kit:

We know that anything can happen when on the road and there’s nothing worse than a breakdown. We recommend carrying the following with you in the boot of your car:

• High visibility vest
• Spare fuel
• Appropriate footwear in case you need to leave your vehicle e.g. boots
• A hazard warning triangle
• Spare wheel (Check that your spare wheel is in good condition and is fully inflated. Some cars may have an inflation repair kit instead of a spare wheel. Make sure that you know how to use it.)
• Tow Rope
• A shovel
• De-icing equipment (for glass and door locks)
• Spare bulbs
• A fire extinguisher
• A working torch
• A car blanket, additional clothing & some food and water

In summary, whether you're looking to go fully electric or drive a hybrid, there has never been a better time to make the switch than this year. You can view our wide range of plug-in electric models and fully electric vehicles on our website.