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Road safety for all: #RethinkMobility
The 7th annual UN Global Road Safety Week is happening this week and the theme is #RethinkMobility. The focus is reducing the number of road traffic accidents among pedestrians and cyclists by shifting to more sustainable transport, such as walking, cycling, and using public transport.
By addressing the entire transport system, including actions to create safe roads by changing transport types, vehicles and driver behaviour, the World Health Organization hopes to reduce traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030.
Sharing the road with other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can be challenging in today's fast-paced world so it's essential to know how to share the road safely and prevent accidents. These are our top tips to keep you and other road users safe:
Leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you
When sharing the road with other drivers, maintain a safe distance from them. The three-second rule is a good guideline to follow, keeping a minimum distance of three seconds between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Remember to be aware of your blind spots and check them frequently, especially when changing lanes or merging onto a highway.
Give cyclists space and keep an eye out for them
When sharing the road with cyclists, give them plenty of space, leaving at least one meter between your car and the bike when passing. When turning right at an intersection, be sure to check for cyclists in the bike lane to your right and signal your turn while waiting for them to pass before making your turn. Reverse parking is a safe way to park your vehicle as it allows you to see bike and pedestrian traffic when leaving your parking space. Even when you’ve parked, being aware of cyclists is essential. Always look for cyclists before opening your car door, especially on streets where the bike path is on the road.
Slow down and take extra precaution around pedestrians When sharing the road with cyclists, give them plenty of space, leaving at least one meter between your car and the bike when passing. When turning right at an intersection, be sure to check for cyclists in the bike lane to your right and signal your turn while waiting for them to pass before making your turn. Reverse parking is a safe way to park your vehicle as it allows you to see bike and pedestrian traffic when leaving your parking space. Even when you’ve parked, being aware of cyclists is essential. Always look for cyclists before opening your car door, especially on streets where the bike path is on the road.
Pay attention to buses and trams
When sharing the road with buses and trams, give them more space to manoeuvre, avoid their blind spots, and anticipate their movements, including sudden lane changes. Also, be attentive to pedestrians boarding or disembarking from buses and trams. Do not attempt to overtake a bus or tram when turning and be mindful of the increased stopping distance a tram or bus may need, especially in poor weather.
Avoid distractions and communicate well
Lastly, communication and avoiding distractions are essential for road safety. Use your turn signals to indicate your intentions and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions such as phones or other electronic devices while driving, as they can impair your ability to respond to sudden situations on the road.
Sharing the road with other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians requires patience, awareness, and caution. By following these tips, you can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe on the road.
SafePlan Zero
LeasePlan aims to make its fleet the safest in the industry by working towards zero serious bodily injuries by 2030. SafePlan Zero includes content, tools, guidelines and reports on the three major safety areas: the driver, the vehicle and fleet management. For more information on our SafePlan programme, please contact us.
