
Safe on the road? The ultimate guide.
Us Belgians spend on average one hour a day on the road by car. And for those who face traffic jams daily, that is even more. With this guide full of tips, you can do so as safely as possible, without unnecessary risks.
Before you leave
Good preparation is half the work. It saves you time and helps you drive more safely.
- Plan your route and set your GPS. This way, you already have an idea of the route and avoid distractions while driving.
- Check your vehicle. Make sure your tire pressure, lights, brakes, and other essential parts are in order. A small check can prevent a major accident.
- Put your phone away. Distraction is one of the five biggest causes of fatal traffic accidents. Although the temptation to make a call or send a text is great, it is really not okay. Put your phone away, set it to 'do not disturb,' and focus on the road.
- Agree on who is the designated driver (BOB). If you are going out with several people and plan to have a drink, make sure you know who the designated driver is and that person will get you home safely.
While driving
Once you are behind the wheel, you are responsible for yourself, your passengers, and other road users. With these tips, you keep it safe for everyone.
- Stick to speed limits. Adjust your speed depending on weather conditions, road conditions, and traffic congestion.
- e alert and focused. Avoid distractions such as eating, drinking, calling, or texting. Focus on the road and anticipate the behavior of other road users.
- Respect other road users. The road is not only for cars. Be patient and courteous, and consider all other road users. And... don’t get annoyed by those who ignore this tip.
- Use your mirrors and indicators. Nobody can read your mind, so let other road users know what you intend to do.
- Drive defensively. Anticipate the behavior of other road users and prepare for unexpected situations. This makes you less vulnerable to others’ mistakes.
- Always wear your seatbelt. This is the best way to protect yourself if you do have an accident. Also ensure all your passengers wear their seatbelts.
Once arrived
Parked your car? Then most risks have disappeared—except for car thieves, of course. With these tips, you can rest easy.
- Use an extra lock or alarm. A steering lock, a handbrake or accelerator pedal lock, an additional anti-theft alarm... If thieves see these, they usually don’t even try. You can also install a tracking system in your car so you always know where it is.
- Make your home safe too. Install a lamp or camera with motion sensor at your driveway or garage. Cameras and lights often scare off thieves. Plus, with your camera footage, you can go to the police in case of theft.
- Park your car indoors. Do you have a garage? Be sure to park your car in it. Even when going to the city, it’s better to park in a guarded parking lot than on the street.
Extra tips for a safe ride
In addition to the above tips, you can take these extra measures to increase safety:
- Take a break if you are tired. Fatigue can cause accidents. Plan your trip with enough rest breaks, especially for long distances.
- Take extra training or courses. It’s never too late to learn more, right? Improve your skills and confidence on the road and learn how to handle unexpected situations. For example, take a skid control course—always interesting!
- Drive even safer with children. Are you traveling with young passengers? Make sure they are transported correctly and pay extra attention.
Together we make the road safer! Follow these tips and stay aware of the dangers on the road. This way, you contribute to safer traffic for everyone. And that is a step in the right direction. Because at Ayvens, we see the future of mobility as not only more sustainable but also safer. So thank you in advance!