Travelling safely

by public transport, taxi, car or bike

Traffic news

For the latest information on traffic and road closures:

• listen to your local radio station - BBC Radio Kent 96.7FM or 104.2FM, or Heart 103.1FM or 102.8FM
• get updates from @kent_police and @KentHighways on Twitter if it's safe for you to do so.
• visit the Highways Agency traffic website (but remember it's illegal to use a mobile while driving)
• select 'TA' (traffic announcement) on your car radio.

Car

• keep your car in good condition and make sure you don't run out of petrol (watch the video below).
• keep doors locked when driving and keep bags and other valuables, such as mobile phones, out of sight
• park in well-lit or busy areas and, if you park during the day, think about what the area will be like if you are returning when it's dark
• lookout for the 'Secured car park' sign or visit their website for more information
• if you break down on the motorway, follow the arrows to the nearest phone - don't cross the carriageway but wait outside your car as far as possible away from the carriageway - if you feel threatened, sit inside the passenger seat
• don't give lifts to or accept lifts from people you don't know or don't know well
• don't drive if you have been drinking or using drugs
• don't take a lift from someone who has been drinking or using drugs
• in bad weather, take extra care as stopping distances are longer when it is raining, make sure your brakes and lights are working for you set out and ensure your windscreen is completely clear berore setting off.

Visit the Direct.gov website for more advice on driving safely.

 

Watch our vehicle maintenance advice video

 

Bike

• make sure you always wear protective clothing and a crash helmet
• if you've put your bike away for the winter, before you next use it make sure you check the brakes, steering and tyre condition before using it again 
• visit the DirectGov website for more advice, news and information for riders
• download a CRASH card - fill this in and put it in your helmet to give paramedics important information about you in case you're involved in a collision and are unconscious

Public transport

• plan your route before you go
• wait for a bus or train somewhere well lit if possible
• sit near other people if possible, the driver if you are on a bus or near the conductor if you are on a train
• move if someone is making you feel uncomfortable

Taxis

• always keep the number of a reliable firm handy
• avoid minicabs or private-hire cars that tout for business and are unlicensed
• if you are going to be out late, try to pre-arrange a lift home or book a taxi in advance
• make a note of the taxi company name and number and leave it with a friend
• check that the taxi is the one you ordered - if you are unsure, don't get in, call the taxi company to double-check.
• when you get in the taxi, sit behind the driver in the back seat
• if you feel uneasy, ask to be let out in a well lit area where there are plenty of people

Do you drive for work?

If you drive for work or are a Kent-based business whose employees drive for you, you can get advice on road safety and the law on the Driving Business Safely website.

Run by the Kent and Medway Safety Camera Partnership, the site provides:

• information on the responsibility of businesses to look after their employees who must drive for work
• guidance on the role of safety cameras
• statistics on road safety