Posted 03 July, 2020 at 13:45
Author Mark Bradshaw on behalf of Pronounce Concierge Service
MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau) is highlighting four simple questions drivers should ask themselves to help get #ReadyfortheRoad as the nation prepares to set off following months of reduced road traffic activity due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
With restrictions easing and the hospitality sector set to return from this Saturday, as many as one million furloughed staff from the sector may start returning to work, which will also see big numbers of the public heading out to food and entertainment venues.
To help drivers be free to get back on the road safely and legally, MIB is supporting the national campaign #ReadyfortheRoad, led by the UK’s National Roads Policing Operation and Intelligence (NRPOI) committee, by highlighting four simple questions drivers should ask themselves:
Is my car insurance valid?
Of course, no one wants to see their car seized for having no insurance. However, MIB a not-for-profit organisation that works with police to take uninsured vehicles off the road, reveals there are common mistakes everyday people make that can lead to their car being seized, such as:
Despite a 70% drop in road usage during the lockdown 40,000 vehicles were seized for no insurance in just over three months since nationwide restrictions were introduced on 23 March. While the majority of these seized vehicles’ owners were intentionally driving without insurance, many cases could have been avoided if people had been ready for the road.
For clarification in relation to an insurance policy, drivers should contact their insurer. To check if a vehicle is showing as insured on the Motor Insurance Database (MID) - which is used by police to spot uninsured drivers - this can be done for free at askMID.com
Is my tax and MOT up to date?
The next big question is on tax and MOT. It’s important to stay on top of a car’s legal documents so the owner’s freedom to drive is protected and roads are kept safer and fairer for everyone else. This can be done easily online. Remember to check:
To learn more about the legal obligations of drivers and riders, visit Gov.uk
Guidance on checking a vehicle’s tax status is also found on Gov.uk
Is my car roadworthy?
Questioning if a vehicle is roadworthy is also essential. Since the coronavirus outbreak, people have been staying indoors more and using their cars less. If a car is not used regularly then it can affect its health and it can invalidate insurance (even if the MOT is up to date). Have a think about:
Further advice on checking if a vehicle is safe for the road can be found at Gov.uk
Am I aware of changes to the road?
Lastly, Government restrictions have meant many people have changed their daily routines and consequently, the way they interact with the roads. It’s important to stay alert to surroundings and be aware of the following changes that have been noticed on roads across the UK:
Further information on safe driving can be found on the DVSA's Safe Driving for Life initiative.
QUOTES
“With the national lockdown easing many more of us will be heading back to work or going out to entertain with friends and family, for the first time in a long while. By taking a short moment to ask ourselves if we’re ready to get back behind the wheel, we can help to keep our communities safe.
Sadly, over 26,000 people are injured by an uninsured or ‘hit and run’ driver each year and many of these cases could easily have been avoided. Before you drive please make sure you have valid insurance and do the right checks, so you know you’re ready for the road.” – Anna Fleming, Chief Operations Officer at MIB
“We want to make sure our roads policing resources are used to target the minority of motorists who are posing a high risk of harm. A lot has changed on our roads in the past few months. With national restrictions easing and roads continuing to get busier, we encourage drivers to play their part by making sure they’re safe and legal to drive before they set off.” – Paul Keasey, Detective Superintendent, National Roads Policing Operations and Intelligence (NRPOI)
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