Reckless driving covers a number of motoring offences, ranging from aggressive behaviour behind the wheel to tailgating, driving without due care and attention, driving while disqualified, driving without a licence and driving under the influence. According to one motoring website, reckless driving is responsible for around 25 per cent of road traffic accidents in the UK, with statistics particularly high among new and young drivers .
In fact, the Association of British Insurers claims that 18-year-olds are responsible for around 50 collisions a day on UK roads with young drivers ten times more likely to be killed or severely injured than drivers in their forties. This can be attributed to a number of factors including inexperience and a general lack of awareness about road dangers.
As well as sticking to the speed limit, ensure you understand and apply the other rules of the road. Police figures show that those driving at twice the legal alcohol limit are 50 times more likely to be involved in a fatal road accident so never drive under the influence. Don`t drive when tired, don`t use a mobile phone behind the wheel and pull over to tune your radio or read a map.
Driving safely can help you save on car insurance too as most car insurance companies reward drivers with no-claims discounts. There are three insurance options available in the UK – third party, third party fire and theft and comprehensive cover. Third party cover is the minimum level of car insurance required by law, however comprehensive cover, as its name suggests, offers more protection for you and your car and can provide reassurance in the event of a claim. Whatever level of car insurance you opt for, always shop around and compare multiple quotes to ensure you are getting a good deal.
You can read into this; Having passed a driving test does not mean that you are equipped with all the driving skills you need. Experience is the ‘key’ driving skill, so drive with extreme attentiveness after recently passing a driving test.