Before you set out, plan your journey by visiting www.gov.uk or check the smartphone apps from Highways England (formerly the Highways Agency) for live traffic updates. You could also listen to local and national radio for news of roadworks and traffic congestion (see section 18).
Make sure you’re comfortable. Wear appropriate clothing, especially on a long journey.
High heels and slippery soles can be dangerous as they can cause your feet to slip off the pedals. Shoes that are too wide, or that easily fall off, can be just as dangerous.
It’s a good idea to keep a suitable pair of shoes in your vehicle, just to wear while you’re driving.
The weather is another factor to consider when you’re planning a journey. If it’s really bad, it might be best to postpone your trip or use public transport. Always try to avoid driving in thick fog or icy conditions, as the risk of a road traffic incident is far higher.
Many drivers run into difficulties in very bad weather. Follow the weather forecasts and general advice to drivers through local and national media.
If you’re taking animals with you on a journey
Many incidents happen close to home on regular daily or routine journeys. If you drive to work every day, don’t leave yourself the bare minimum of time to get there.
Don’t let familiarity with your surroundings lead you to start taking risks simply because you feel you know every detail.
Remember that other road users won’t necessarily have the benefit of local knowledge, so they might drive more cautiously than you feel they should.