Road safety advice and campaigns

As a rule, keep two seconds behind the car in front, and double this if the weather is bad. You can work this out by taking note of when the car passes a post or other landmark, and counting two seconds. You should not pass the same spot before two seconds.

Always leave enough space to react to a sudden hazard, such as emergency vehicles.

Tiredness can kill and can be as dangerous as drink driving. One in five accidents on major roads are caused by tiredness. Make sure to take regular breaks when driving for a long distance, and do not drive if you are too tired.

The AA has more helpful tips on how to avoid driver fatigue.

Do not use your phone whilst driving as it is a dangerous distraction. Using a phone whilst driving makes you four times more likely to be in a crash. Hands-free systems can take up to 40% of mental resource away from the task of driving and therefore also pose a risk to your safety. If you need to make a call, find a safe place to park first.

Pedestrians must also give their full attention whilst out walking and should not be distracted by their phone. Take particular care when crossing a road as using your phone can increase your chance of being in a collision with a bike or vehicle.

Brake provide more information on the risks, the law and penalties of using a mobile whilst driving.

Always stick to speed limits. You are twice as likely to kill someone at 35mph than at 30mph. Even a small increase in speed can make a huge difference.

The RAC's stopping distance made simple can help you understand how long it takes to stop at different speeds.

Straight and flat Fenland roads are far more dangerous than they appear, so here are some tips on how to drive them safely:

• Drive at a suitable speed for the road and conditions.
• Avoid distractions such as mobile phones. Rural roads can be unpredictable, so it’s important to stay focused on driving and spotting hazards.
• Look out for sharp bends after long, straight stretches and leave plenty of time and distance to slow down.
• Always wear a seatbelt - it will help prevent injury in a crash, and it will increase your chances of escaping if you enter water.

Be aware of how different weather conditions affect the road, and check your vehicle is fit for the season. To find out how to prepare your car for winter visit Winter driving – reduce the chance of breaking down | RAC Drive.

If there is water or ice on the road and you lose control, do not brake and ease off the accelerator until you gain control.

Brush up on what to do if you find yourself in bad weather with the RAC's guides to driving in heavy rain and keeping safe in snow.

It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They greatly impair your perception and reaction time. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), it is the biggest single factor in road deaths in the UK, particularly among young drivers.

We partner with Cambridgeshire Constabulary to support the ‘I am Des’ campaign.

The driver is responsible for making sure all passengers are wearing seatbelts before setting off. Backseat passengers can kill those in the front seat if they are not wearing a seatbelt.

Seatbelt laws and guidance can be found at Seat belt law - how to keep safe and avoid fines | RAC Drive.

Younger drivers between 17 and 24, disproportionately males are involved in the worst injury and fatal collisions. This is a UK wide issue. The Road safety strategy - GOV.UK is setting bold targets to try to tackle these issues.

Cambridgeshire County Council partners with @FirstCaruk on Tiktok to deliver Road Safety messages to young drivers as well as our in-person workshops for sixth forms and colleges. Find out more at Secondary school and college road safety education.

Information for cyclists can be found on our Cycling page.

Find out more about the Hierarchy of Road Users in the Highway Code.

Motorcycles are a legitimate mode of transport for domestic, leisure and commuting purposes. Cambridgeshire County Council partners with Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service to offer BikerDown workshops.

As a pedestrian always be aware of what is going on around you, look both ways and wait to cross a road. Make sure you can hear and see what is coming and avoid distractions like mobile phones. Avoid walking between cars as this reduces your visibility and others’ visibility of you.

Find out more about the Hierarchy of Road Users in the Highway Code.

Always slow down when driving near a school or an area where children are. Remind children to be aware of cars and to take extra care when walking to or from school.

The RAC provides the ultimate school run guide.

Visit our Road safety education for schools page to see how we can support with Road Safety for schools.