We have just published a post on Winter Driving Tips and I thought I would also take the opportunity to try and spread some Christmas driving goodwill.

I recently witnessed some bizarre actions on the roads which is nothing new but considering the amount of snow we are seeing in the UK at the moment (particularly around my locality of Greater Manchester) I was pretty shocked at how inconsiderate people can be.

Not only can a little consideration help to make our roads safer but in my opinion it can help to ease road rage. If you think about it, doing a good deed makes you feel good, so being nice when out driving should do the same, right? Here are some of my ‘good driving deeds’ that I think we should all try to stick to, especially in the Winter months:

In the rain and snow, don’t just stick to the speed limit; Go slower!

Visibility is reduced, the roads are more slippy and you are possible a little more tense than usual. Forget the idiot driving up your rear as if to try and make you go faster. Rise above it and keep your conscious clear and stress levels low.

Let someone out at a junction

We all know what it’s like when stuck at a junction to a main road when there are no traffic lights in operation. It’s even harder in Winter with traffic build ups. If you are approaching a junction at slow speed, ask yourself if you can slow down a bit more and let someone out. It will hardly delay your journey if you do. Just make sure you do it safely!

Take more care at traffic lights

We all see it. Amber shows and cars speed up to try make it before it turns red. Even if you manage to retain control of your car on those slippy roads you could scare the hell out of other drivers (and pedestrians) and when drivers are panicked they can do odd things that they wouldn’t normally do.

Keep an eye on the pedestrians!

If you think you are cold in your car, think about those on foot. Pedestrians may try to cross a busy road while the traffic is slow moving and since their visibility is reduced (hats, hoods, brollies) YOU as the driver of a killing machine should take the moral high ground! Also heed rule 108 of the Highway Code: “give way to pedestrians crossing the road into which you are turning”.

Don’t just watch what is in front of you

This is nothing new. When you are taking your driving lessons you need to be aware of what is happening further up the road and everything around you. Even more so in harsh conditions since vehicles ahead, behind or at the side of you could so easily skid out of control. Be aware and be prepared to respond calmly and safely.

No distractions

Surely we don’t need to reiterate that using your mobile phone when driving is against the law but we all continue to see it. Only the other day I looked in my rear view mirror at traffic lights and watch a person approaching clearly examining their phone (possibly texting). In those few seconds you take your eye of the road ANYTHING can happen. 72% of you agree using a mobile phone is dangerous so why do it?. Lighting and extinguishing cigarettes, changing the music station, drinking coffee are other things that take your attention from the road – surely they can wait?

Any more? Please feel free to share your own views.