Produced in association with

Suzy Lamplugh Trust

The vast majority of journeys we makewill be free from incident or threat.Occasionally, we may have cause forconcern. The excellent advice in this bookletshould help make car travel safer and lessstressful for everyone.

I am delighted to recommend the booklet toall drivers and congratulate GEM MotoringAssist and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust on aworthwhile initiative.

Konnie Huq

Suzy Lamplugh Trust is the only UK charityentirely devoted to providing everyone insociety with the practical support and

personal safety guidance they need to reduce their fear of crimeand develop skills and strategies for keeping themselves safe.

The key to driving safety is planning and preparation, recognizingand avoiding risks. We’ve worked with GEM Motoring Assist to puttogether some tips for personal safety while on the road.

About Suzy Lamplugh Trust

Suzy Lamplugh Trust works to raise awareness of the importance ofpersonal safety. Their mission is to provide solutions that effectchange in order to help people avoid violence and aggression -and live safer, more confident lives.

For over twenty years, the Trust has had a positive and practicalapproach to aggression and violence – providing training andresources to both people in the workplace and in the community.

Photographs of Konnie Huq courtesyJohn Eccles

P-L-A-N your own personal safety

Prepare yourselft assess your risks. We can all take responsibility for our own personal safety, taking steps tomodify or change our behaviour according to the risks

t try to be relaxed. You can exacerbate a difficult situation if you are rushed, stressed, or afraidt avoid confrontation. Do not meet aggression with aggression. Talk your way out ofproblems: stay calm, speak gently, slowly and clearly. Breathe out slowly to help you relax

t respect other people’s space. Each of us has our personal buffer zone which we are quick todefend

t avoid an aggressive stance: crossed arms, hands on hips, a wagging finger or raised armwill challenge and confront. Avoid looking down on anyone or touching someoneunnecessarily

Look confidentt a confident person is much less likely to beattacked

t be alert when out and aboutt keep fit. Good posture, stamina, strength andtension control can all aid personal safety

t hold your head up, be aware of your surroundingsand potential hazards

t know where you are going and how to get there

Avoid putting yourself at riskt your aim is to remain safe!t thinking things through and planning for the unexpected helps you to feel confident andreact well in emergencies

t read this page often. ‘If this were to happen - then what would I do?’ Take a fewmoments to consider what you would do if a problem should occur

t let someone know, with at least a note to say where you are going and when you willbe back. Tell them if your plans change

Never assumet …it won’t happen to me. Nobody is invincible. Even though the chances are slight, don’tbury your head in the sand

t …your fears are unfounded. Do not ignore your instincts or the ‘funny feeling’. ACTstraight away

t …a ‘good samaritan’ is what, or who they appear to bet …that your mobile phone will work

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Personal Safety on the road

Think aheadt where possible travel by day on main, well used roads. Plan your route in advance andcheck that you have an up-to-date road map or Satellite Navigation System in the car soyou won’t need to ask for directions

t if you have to travel after dark, tell someone your destination, your route and what timeyou expect to arrive. If your plans change, let them know

t take your mobile phone - and make sure that the batteries are charged before you setoff. Carry change in any case - your phone may be out of range at a crucial time

t ensure your car is serviced regularly. Check petrol, oil, coolant-level and tyres, especiallybefore a long journey

t join a national breakdown organisation. See the back of this leaflet for details of how tojoin GEM Motoring Assist Breakdown Cover

While drivingt harassment or actual attacks are rare, but they do happen. Forethought can give youmore confidence and minimise the risk

t keep the doors locked and the windows closed as much as possible, especially in builtup areas and stop-go traffic or when travelling alone

t keep alert so you know where you are t remember, tiredness kills. Take a break on long journeys t never pick up hitch hikers

Personal possessions in your cart keep your doors lockedt NEVER leave valuables, such as handbags or mobile phones on the passenger seat - theycould be ‘snatched’ at traffic lights

t don’t leave valuables in a parked car

Parkingt NEVER leave your car unlocked, even on a garage forecourt when you go to pay forpetrol. If possible use an immobiliser

t choose a safe place to park. Park in a well lit area where there are people about,especially if you don’t intend to return to your car until after dark

t if you park in a multi-storey car park choose a space close to the exit and ramp and awayfrom pillars. Reverse into position to give you a quick get away. Park close to theattendant if there is one

t make sure you know exactly where you parked so you will not have difficulty findingyour car

t if you are a woman by yourself, try not to advertise the fact. Put spare shoes, bags etc.into the boot before leaving the car

t consider what you would do if your bag was stolen - keep your keys, money and mobilephone separately

t ask a friend or colleague to walk you to your car if you feel unsafe about yoursurroundings

t when you return to your car, have your keys ready and check the back seat (use a torchat night) before you get in. Lock the doors and drive away without delay

Dangerous situationst if you can see or become involved in an incident avoid getting involved in an argumentwith the other parties

t if you are confronted with ‘road rage’ do not get out of the car; keep your windows upand your car locked

t if your car starts to ‘play up’, stop in a busy, well-lit area, preferably near a phone box, ifyou don’t have a mobile phone. Get help immediately by calling your motoringorganisation or garage. (If you are not already a member, you can find information onjoining GEM Motoring Assist Breakdown Cover at the back of this leaflet.) If you feelvulnerable and in need of special attention, inform the recovery helpline operator

t NEVER give lifts to strangers. If you see an accident or another driver in difficulty do notstop. Telephone the Police as soon as possible and report what you have seen

t if a car pulls up alongside or behind you and the occupants try to attract your attention itmay be a genuine warning. However, keep your doors locked and drive to a busy placesuch as a service area or garage forecourt before stopping. Even then keep your doorslocked until you are confident there is no danger

t if someone in a car is deliberately trying to intimidate you, or if you think a car isfollowing you, keep driving until you reach a busy, public place, such as a Police, Fire orAmbulance station, pub or garage forecourt

t if a car travels alongside you at the same speed, slow down and allow them to pass. Ifthe driver persists, drive to a busy, public place and use a public or mobile phone to callthe Police

t if a car pulls in front of you and forces you to stop, leave the engine running. If thedriver, or passenger then gets out and approaches you, turn on your hazard lights,reverse as far as you can and sound your horn continuously, no matter what time it is

t if the occupant of a car beside you at traffic lights or a junction tries to attract yourattention simply ignore them. Don’t make eye contact.

Emergency ChecklistUseful items to have with you in the car:

t it is worthwhile to have your driving licence with you whenever you drive. However, it isunwise to leave your licence in the car

t keep a note of your insurer’s details and policy number to hand. DO NOT keep yourvehicle registration document or insurance certificate in the vehicle

t mobile phone with fully charged battery (It is illegal to use a handheld phone whilstdriving and we recommend that you do not make or receive any calls, even handsfree,whilst driving, as this may distract your attention)

t breakdown recovery details and telephone numbert up to date road atlas or Satellite Navigation Systemt sunglasses/spare spectacles if appropriatet cloth/chamois covered screen cleanert note book and pencilt torch plus spare batteryt spare change/phonecardt shriek alarm to disorientate an assailant.

Keep an emergency kit in the boot containing the following items:t reflective/fluorescent jacket or tabardt waterproof coat/umbrella. Flat walking shoest spare fuses/bulbst warning trianglet fire extinguishert puncture aerosolt first aid kit.

On long winter journeys, consider taking:t screen de-icer. Ice scrapert travel rugt warm coat, wellington boots and glovest spadet a mat or sacking for extra tyre grip in deep snowt drinking water and snack bar.

Car maintenanceProper vehicle maintenance and preparation for your journey are essential elements forsafety. Have your vehicle serviced regularly and ask your garage to check any items yoususpect may be faulty.

Familiarise yourself with your vehicle. Make sure you fully understand all the warning lightsand that you know where the spare wheel and jacking points are located.

The following weekly check list may also help you to avoid suffering the problem of abreakdown:

Tyrest check the tyre pressure (including the spare) as shown in your vehicle handbookt look for signs of wear. Beware of any bulges or cuts in the side walls. Ask your local tyrespecialist for a free safety check.

Oilt check the oil level ensuring first that the car is parked on a level surfaceand that the engine has been switched off for at least ten minutes.

Coolant systemt ensure that the coolant system is topped up to the necessary level withthe correct coolant

t the coolant system on many cars is sealed. However, there will be a smalltank to allow the system to be topped up if necessary. Refer to thevehicle handbook or your garage for details

t NEVER attempt to check the coolant level whilst the engine is hot.

Windscreen, windows and mirrorst clean the windscreen and windows inside and out, and wash the exterior mirrors. Ensurethat the washer bottle (fluid) is topped up with water and an approved additive

t look for signs of wear on windscreen wiper blades and replace them when necessary.

Lightst check that all lights and indicators are clean and workingproperly. Carry spare bulbs and fuses in the car. Familiariseyourself with the location of the fuse box.

Fuelt never allow the vehicle to get low on fuel. Fill up as soon as thegauge drops below the half way mark

Batteryt many breakdowns are the result of failed batteries. A car batteryshould be serviceable for around two to three years. If you havedifficulty starting your car, get the battery checked as soon as possible. Some batteriesneed to be topped up occasionally with battery fluid - your vehicle handbook will givethe details.

What to do if you break down

If your vehicle breaks down, think about safety, first:

Consider your own safetyt get your vehicle off the road if possiblet ensure your passengers are safe and that animals are kept under control.

Warn other road userst warn other traffic by using your hazard warning lights if your vehicle is causing anobstruction

t put a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your broken-down vehicle on the same side of the road, or use other permitted warning devices if youhave them. Always take great care when placing them, but never use them onmotorways as this may put you in danger from oncoming traffic

t keep your sidelights on if it is dark or visibility is poort do not stand (or let anybody else stand) between your vehicle and oncoming traffict at night or in poor visibility do not stand where you will prevent other road users seeingyour lights

t wear a reflective/fluorescent jacket or tabard.

Calling for helpt do not use mobile phones if there is adanger from petrol spillage or fumes

t contact the emergency services by dialling999 or 112 (the international emergencycode), or if you are a member call GEMMotoring Assist Breakdown Cover or otherbreakdown organisation

t give clear instructions of your generallocation: road number, direction of travel andspecific local land marks will aid your rescue

t also tell them your vehicle type and colour,registration number and how many persons are in the vehicle

t an indication of the cause of the breakdown will also helpt when help arrives, ask for proof of identity.

Motorway breakdowns

Leave the motorway at the nearest exit or pull into a service area. When this is not possible:

Safety firstt use your indicators or hazard warning lights and pull on to the hard shoulder. Stop as farto the left as possible, with your wheels turned to the left

t try to stop near an emergency telephone (every mile on the hard shoulder) with the frontpassenger door as close to the phone as possible

t you must leave the vehicle by the left-hand passenger doorst wear a reflective/fluorescent jacket or tabardt do not cross the carriageway to reach a closer phonet it is safer to wait on the verge. (Remember, 10% of motorway accidents are collisionswith vehicles parked on the hard shoulder.) Do not leave the keys in the car. If possible,lock all the doors except the front passenger door, which you should leave fully open soyou can get back in quickly if needs be

t keep passengers away from the carriageway and children under control. Make surechildren are safe – do not leave them in the car by themselves

t if you are an elderly or disabled person, or have small children with you, you may decideit is more sensible to stay in the vehicle. If so, park it as close to the verge as possible

t you must leave animals in the vehicle, with windows only far enough down to let in air. Onlylet them out of the vehicle in an emergency, but keep them under proper control on the verge

t do not attempt even simple repairs and do not leave the car bonnet open.

Get helpt walk to the nearest emergency telephone, following the arrows on the marker postsevery 100 metres at the back of the hard shoulder. Calls are free and connect directly tothe Police - they will know where you are. Stand behind the phone and watch out forpassing traffic, or anyone approaching you

t give full details, also inform them if you feel vulnerable. Tell them the number of yourbreakdown organisation, your car registration and the number shown on the nearestmarker post

t return and wait near your vehicle, preferably behind the barrier on the motorway embankment t when help arrives, ask for ID and check that the breakdown person knows your namet NEVER get into a car with a stranger or try to hitch a liftt if someone offers help, stay inside your car with the doors locked (keep windows partiallyopen) and ask them to phone your breakdown organisation for you

t if a car stops while you are waiting for help and you feel uneasy, stay in the passenger seatof your car and lock the door. Phone the Police and give them the car’s registration number

t when rejoining the motorway, always increase speed on the hard shoulder and watch fora safe gap in the traffic.

Travelling with childrenSince May 2006, it is compulsory to use safety beltsand child restraint systems in all vehicles in Europe(Directive 2003/20/ EC). It is also mandatory to usechild car seats within the EU for children up to theheights of 1.35m or 1.5m depending upon themember state.

Before travelling abroad check the regulations that apply in the countries to be visited. You can find more information on our website atwww.motoringassist.com/driving-in-europe

Ensure children are secured in the correctseat/seatbelt for their age. It is the driver’sresponsibility in law to ensure that all children under the age of 14 comply with the seatbeltlaws. The tables opposite and overleaf summarise the main legal requirements for wearingseatbelts.

Always buy a new child seat unless you are very sure of the history of one obtainedsecond-hand. A child should NEVER be put into any restraint previously subjected to the stress of acollision, or violent stop.

Ensure that the child seat is fitted properly every time. It is no good if you don’t. Check thatany metal fastenings have not become overheated in strong sun.

Mums to bePregnancy is no excuse for not wearing a seatbelt, but ensure that the lap belt goes acrossboth hip bones under the ‘bump’ - not over it - with the diagonal belt across the chest asnormal.

AirbagsAirbags are a proven safety feature when used in conjunction with a seatbelt. They havesaved many lives and minimised injuries for countless others.

However, there are certain guidelines that should be followed:t refer to the vehicle handbook regarding the airbag systems fitted to your cart NEVER fit a rear-facing car seat with an active airbag in front of it.

If in any doubt, seat young children in the rear seat, properly restrained.

Children may become bored on long journeys. Take time to plan your route to includeplenty of ‘comfort’ breaks and provide them with some form of safe ‘in-car entertainment’that will not distract your driving.

Car Seat groups explained

Up to 13kgs (approx birth to 9-12 months)A rearward facing seat which can be used in the front or rear of the car. DO NOT use on a passenger seat fitted with an activefront airbag.

9-18kgs (approx 9 months to 4 years)A forward facing seat which can be used in the front or rear of the car. These sometimes have a choiceof upright and reclined positions. * see note below.

15-36kgs (approx 4 to 12 years)A forward facing high back booster seat which can be usedin the front or rear of the car. The booster seat lifts the childand positions the adult lap and diagonal seatbelt correctly. * see note below.

Booster CushionsAt time of printing†, booster cushions are still legal in the UK.However, because they offer no side impact protection, somemanufacturers have already stopped producing them. Theymay be withdrawn altogether if future European SafetyStandards are tightened, requiring minimum levels of side impact protection.Highback booster seats with proper side impact protection are therefore recommended for all children up to 135cm tall. You can find out more about this issue at: www.motoringassist.com/carseat

Child’s weight and approximate age

Images courtesy Britax UK. Further child car seat safety information is available at www.britax.co.uk

† February 2011

* See what your car handbook says about children in seats with frontal air-bags. We strongly recommendthat advice should be followed because air-bags are powerful safety devices that must be treated withrespect. Children, and adults for that matter, should not sit close to an active frontal air-bag. We suggestthat the car seat should be as far back as possible from an air-bag.

Seatbelts - your responsibility as a driverWhat the law saysThe law says that all children up to 135cm tall (around 4'5"), or the age of 12, whichevercomes first, in the front or rear seats in cars, vans and other goods vehicles must travel inthe correct child restraint for their weight with very few exceptions.

Visitors to the UK from abroad must also use the correct child restraint for their children -there are no exceptions for them. Family and friends expecting visitors should make surethat their visitors understand the rules. They may need to help them make arrangements so that children use the correct child restraint at all times. Car rental companies can supplychild restraints for their customers if booked in advance.

Front Seat Rear Seat Who isresponsible?

DriverSeatbelt mustbe worn if fitted - Driver

Child under 3 years of age

Correct childrestraint mustbe used

Correct child restraint must be used. If one is not available in a taxi, child may travel unrestrained

Driver

Child from 3rdbirthday up to 135cms in height (or 12th birthdaywhichever theyreach first)

Correct childrestraint mustbe used

Correct child restraint must be usedwhere seat belts fitted. Must use adultbelt in a rear seat if correct child restraintnot available: in a taxi OR for a shortdistance in an unexpected necessity OR if 2 occupied child restraints prevent

fitting a thirdA child 3 years and over may travelunrestrained in the rear seat of a vehicleif seat belts are not fitted in the rear.

Driver

Child aged 12or 13, or over135cms inheight

Seatbelt mustbe worn ifavailable

Seatbelt must be worn if available Driver

Passengersaged 14 andover

Seatbelt mustbe worn ifavailable

Seatbelt must be worn if available Passenger

Motorhomes/Campervans are treated in the same way as cars, vans and goods vehicles for seat belt wearing purposes.Reproduced with permission of Department for Transport. Further information from www.think.dft.gov.uk

Accident witness checklist

Date: ....................................................... Time: ............................................

Location: ........................................................................................................

Road Number/Type: ........................................................................................

Weather Conditions: .......................................................................................

Other driver’s details

Name: ...........................................................................................................

Address: ........................................................................................................

Telephone No: ................................................................................................

Insurance Company: ................................ Insurance Certificate No: ...............

Expiry Date: ...................................................................................................

Vehicle Registration Number: ................... Police Officer’s Number: ................

Witness

Name: ...........................................................................................................

Address: ........................................................................................................

Name: ...........................................................................................................

Address: ........................................................................................................

Brief description of incident: ...........................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

GEM Motoring Assist is a road safety organisation established in 1932. Ourprincipal aims are to improve safety for all road users through the sponsorshipand initiation of accident prevention measures throughout the UK and to providemotoring and safety information to our members.

For more information, visit our website at

www.motoringassist.comor call 0845 3700 940 - lines open 24hrs

GEM Motoring Assist is a trading name of the Guild of Experienced Motorists which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Auto Express Driver Power Survey for Breakdown Cover, winners 2010, runner up 2009 and winner 2008. Terms and conditions apply on all breakdown polices, which are available on request.

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