How to protect yourself and others on the road this summer | Tenant news

With more people sharing roads and pavements during the summer holidays, it’s important to be aware of those around you. Here are some things to keep in mind this summer as you get out and about with your family.

Look out for others

Sharing roads and pavements means being mindful of the people around you.

If you're driving, slow down in residential areas and take extra care near junctions and crossings. Be patient with people who may need more time to cross the road, including wheelchair users, people with limited mobility and families with young children.

If you're walking or using a wheelchair or mobility scooter, make sure you look around for oncoming traffic before you step out into the road. Where possible, use designated crossings and try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing to check they have seen you or wait until they slow right down.

Stay visible

Bright sunlight can make it harder to see what’s happening around you, so take extra care when using roads and pavements.

Wearing bright or light-coloured clothing can help others see you more easily, while reflective items can also be useful when visibility is lower. Particularly if you’re running or cycling.

If you're driving, keep your windscreen clean, as dirt and marks can make glare worse. Use suitable sunglasses if bright sunlight affects your view and if you’re buying new sunglasses, make sure they’re labelled as suitable for driving and road use.

You should also know your breaking distance and leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front. You need to be prepared for other drivers to react more slowly in bright conditions.

Plan your journey

Making sure you’re prepared before you head out can help your journey go more smoothly.

If you're walking, cycling or using a wheelchair or mobility scooter, check your route before setting off and take water with you, especially on longer journeys or warmer days.

If you're driving, check your tyres, lights, oil, screen-wash and coolant levels, and make sure you have enough fuel or battery charge.

Plan regular breaks on longer trips, as tiredness can affect your concentration and reaction times. The Highway Code recommends taking a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours of driving.

If you're travelling with children, make sure they’re using the correct child car seat for their age and size. Everyone should wear a seatbelt throughout the journey, even on shorter trips.

Stay safe in heat

Hot weather can affect everyone when spending time outdoors. Long journeys in the sun can leave you feeling tired or dehydrated, while cars can become extremely hot very quickly.

Take water with you if you're heading out and try to take breaks in the shade if you’re spending a long time outside.

If you're driving, never leave children, older people or pets in a parked vehicle, even for a short time. Temperatures inside a car can rise dangerously fast, reaching 47°C within an hour.

For more guidance on staying safe when driving, walking, cycling and using the roads, visit www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code.

************

Have you signed up to the tenant portal, My Habinteg, yet? It’s quick and easy, and gives you access to a full breakdown of your service charges. Sign up now . And, if you'd like to receive the digital version of tenant newsletter Update, instead of the print version, please email comms@habinteg.org.uk and ask to be added to the mailing list.