Here’s some tips to help you from IAM RoadSmart to help you be a safer and greener motorist in 2020.

New year, new car?

Think about the effect your car can have on the environment. Those short trips have the biggest impact so look into alternatives. If you are looking to get a new car, make sure you research its emissions because they’ll affect the road tax you pay. Choose one with the latest safety equipment such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB)

Eyesight

The NHS suggests having an eye test every two years. It is your responsibility to ensure you’re fit to drive. Getting your eyes tested regularly will also show up any concerns at an early stage. You can check your vision yourself – can you read a number plate clearly from 20 metres?

Weather

Follow weather warnings all year around. If the weather is poor, consider postponing your journey or plan another method of transport if possible.

Year-round maintenance

Clean your windows, lights, mirrors and number plates regularly. You should spend around 10 minutes every week checking your vehicle’s fluid levels, tyre pressure, lights, tread depth and windscreen wipers.

Eco-driving

A planned drive is usually a more economical drive. Having a good sense of your vehicle’s power and gears will save fuel and make it safer to drive.

Anticipate

Consider what the traffic and other people around you may do; especially at traffic lights, roundabouts and junctions. Observing, anticipating and planning should be at the heart of your driving

Refuel

Be sure to keep an eye on your tank, especially when planning a long journey. Refuelling early saves you the stress of trying to find a petrol station in an area you don’t know. Running out of fuel causes hundreds of totally unnecessary motorway breakdowns every year.

Finally, Richard Gladman from IAM Roadsmart advises us to reflect and evaluate our motoring goals by resolving to become better drivers in 2020, to benefit our cars, passengers and other road users into the bargain!

For more information

See the IAM Roadsmart website for details of their onroad training and assessment courses.