Safety and Security

The importance of safe driving cannot be overstated. 1,580 road deaths were reported in the 12 months to June 2020, while there were more than 130,000 casualties.

Airbags have prevented thousands of deaths and countless injuries over the years. Learn how they work in Start Rescue's guide.

New proposals aim to ensure roadworks are completed sooner, while redirected funding promises to tackle the UK’s pothole problem.

If you notice a chip or ‘ding’ on your windscreen, it's important to get it fixed promptly - to avoid a full windscreen replacement. Read our guide.

Find out what you should know if you’re new to driving in the UK, including: road safety rules, proper headlight use, Congestion Charge, ULEZ and more.

You are allowed to use your own car for your practical driving test, but it must meet certain requirements. Learn more.

Van deadlocks provide extra security to help prevent the theft of tools and other valuables – or the van itself. Read our van deadlock guide.

Knowing what to do if you break down will help you and your passengers stay safe until help arrives. Read our 8 essential safety tips for dealing with a breakdown.

The new 20 mph speed limit for urban roads in Wales has reignited debate over the UK's speed limits - and the impact speed has on both safety and the economy.

Learn how to ensure your dog is comfortable and safe on a long road trip: covering supplies, safety harnesses, break planning and more.

Your complete guide to temporary speed limits on UK roads. How do they work? How are they enforced? What are the penalties?

Feel anxious behind the wheel? We look at why driving can stress us out, and what mindful - and practical - techniques we can use to get back on the road.

Regular long distance driving can affect your health - try these simple travel workout exercises on your next trip.

A number of unwritten rules form the notion of ‘good driving etiquette’ - these are not enforced by law, but make everyone’s lives better.

Here’s what you need to know about towing with an EV, plus a list of electric cars that can tow. Learn more.

eCall is a system for contacting the emergency services. It can be activated manually or automatically. Learn more.

Learn about road rage and how to avoid getting triggered by other road users - and what to do if someone directs their anger at you.

What are the most effective and quickest ways to deal with a tailgater? Learn how to manage space around you on the road.

Learn how to join, overtake and exit a motorway safely. Avoid ‘bad etiquette’ behaviour such as tailgating, middle road hogging and unnecessary use of the hard shoulder.

Learn about the UK’s child car seat and seat belt laws – and how to maximise your child’s safety when travelling by car.

Learn how to complete a parallel park in 6 simple steps - also known as the 121 method in the UK and elsewhere.

Learn how to stay safe when driving behind a HGV or larger vehicle – and how and when to overtake in a safe manner.

Many vehicle safety systems have been developed in recent decades, many of them now mandatory in new UK cars. Here are 11 of the most important…

Your driving without tax questions answered: Can you tax a car without MOT, without V5C, without insurance? Has my car got tax?

Find out what is coasting, why coasting is a potentially dangerous practice and why in a modern car it won’t actually reduce your fuel consumption.

Car cloning remains a serious issue for UK motorists: Learn what it is, how to spot it, and how to report it to the DVLA/police. Learn more.

UK police harness a variety of technologies to catch drivers exceeding the speed limit. Here are 15 of the most common systems on our roads.

Electronic stability control (ESC) is a safety system on modern cars that prevents loss of control when manoeuvring. It can reduce collisions by 25%.

From new 20mph speed limit zones to improving safety for at-risk groups, 2022 has seen a number of driving law changes. Read them here.

Looking to drive again after time off the road? Our guide explains how to do it safely, and covers practising, refresher courses, and more.

One-way streets allow traffic to pass in one direction only. They may free up parking space for residents but may also encourage higher speeds. Learn more.

All new vehicles in the UK are fitted with traction control systems, which help maintain drive power and prevent slippage on slippery surfaces or while cornering.

Before driving a long distance, check your vehicle, pack essential items and plan your route. Learn more from Start Rescue...

Learn how to keep your van and tools safe from thieves by considering these van security systems, from deadbolts to alarms to window film.

Learn the difference between single and twin electrics - used to connect towing vehicles to caravans, trailers and bike racks.

Even after you’ve passed your test, there remain things to learn about driving. Here are 12 tips that will help make driving easier and safer.

It's a good idea to brush up on your stopping distances for: a better view of the road ahead; sufficient braking distance; and reduced fuel consumption.

Discover the best ways to reduce or eliminate discomfort when driving with lower, middle or upper back pain, or sciatica.

Learn how to tow a caravan safely to avoid snaking or pitching; avoid overloading (and stay within the law), with our complete guide.

A tyre tread depth of below 1.6mm increases the risk of having an accident, and could result in a £2,500 fine for each tyre that does not meet the legal minimum.

It's easy to find out if your vehicle is insured. Just visit the Motor Insurance Database (MID) and enter your car registration. You'll find out instantly if your car is insured. The service is free.

Taking your pet on a car journey? Use suitable restraints; restrict food before your set off; and schedule regular toilet and exercise breaks. Read our full guide.

How to cut the chances of a car park prang, and how car park accident insurance claims work - depending on whether you’re at fault or not.

Driving carelessly can lead to a number of offences from minor to serious. You could end up with penalty points, a fine, police warning or even imprisonment.

Here we list some of the most common ways motorists - wittingly or unwittingly - invalidate their insurance. Be aware this list is not exhaustive.

The UK is set to follow the EU by introducing speed limiters to all new cars from July 6 2022. Learn more about speed limiters.

Minimum speed limits are rare in the UK, but driving too slowly in certain other situations may be regarded as dangerous driving by police. Read our blog for the low-down.

While car thefts last year were considerably lower than pre-pandemic, they remain a big problem: these were the most-stolen cars in 2021...

What is a VIN - vehicle identification number? Can I do a VIN number check in the UK? Where is the VIN number on a car?

If a motorist has put themselves, their passengers or other road users at risk, you can report them to the police. Learn how.

Tyre speed ratings tell you how fast a tyre can be driven without impacting safety. Every tyre is tested by engineers to ensure it can handle the specified speed.

Is it illegal to spark up in your own car? Find out about the law as it relates to smoking while driving, and smoking with under-18s in your vehicle.

There are several possible reasons why your car alarm keeps going off unexpectedly - read on to learn more.

When can you drive in a bus lane with your car? What are the penalties for using one at the wrong time? All you need to know about correct bus lane usage.

Driving at night is inherently more risky than during daylight hours. Here are ten ways to reduce those risks…

If you're switching over to an automatic gearbox, read our guide on how to how to drive an automatic car

Straightforward ways to prevent your car being stolen or broken into, covering keyless (relay) thefts and catalytic converter thefts.

If you hit livestock, a donkey, mule, dog or horse, you must inform the police. For cats and other animals there are recommended courses of action.

Why do drivers speed? Find out common reasons for breaking the speed limit, and how convictions can impact insurance premiums.

Potholes, blind spots and under-capacity highways can all make driving less fun, more costly, and more dangerous. Here are Britain's worst roads.

Debates over EV fire risks, how much CO2 they produce, and their impact on people with pacemakers & IDCs, continue to rage. But what’s the truth?

Excessive window tints; tinted lights; exhaust decats: Just some of the car mods that could land you in hot water with the police - and result in a failed MOT.

Knowing how to deal with a car accident properly will help keep you and others safe, and protect you from liability.

Learn what cruise control is for and how to use it safely on the road. Also find out when not to use it.

Abandoned vehicles can be hazardous, an eyesore and reduce the quality of life of people living nearby. Here's what to do if you find one.

Low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) have polarised many Londoners, but advocates of safer, cleaner, quieter roads appear to be in the majority.

Pelican, Puffin, Toucan, Zebra, Equestrian - do you know how these crossings work? Refresh your memory with our complete guide.

Pelican, Puffin, Toucan, Zebra, Equestrian - do you know how these crossings work? Refresh your memory with our complete guide.

Many motorists with GPS sat navs have noticed a discrepancy between their speedometer and their GPS. Which is correct? And why is there a discrepancy?

Wearing suitable footwear and clothes is critical for staying in full control of your vehicle. Here's what to avoid wearing behind the wheel...

There are many steps you can take to help prevent theft of your catalytic converter, from defensive parking to adding physical barriers to your car's underside.

How to securely fit a child car seat. A quick installation guide for both main types of child car seat - the seat belt-secured type, and the ISOFIX type.

Dashcams (in-car cameras) can support insurance claims and capture criminal behaviour. They may also reduce insurance premiums with 'black box' cover.

What are smart motorways? What are the different types? What are the penalties for breaking smart motorway rules? What should I do if I break down on a smart motorway?

The simple answer: torque is what you feel pushing you back in your seat when you hit the accelerator; horsepower is the speed you reach once that acceleration is complete.

Careless driving covers a number of offences from minor to serious. Punishments include a police warning, penalty points, a fine or even imprisonment.

As a motorist, regular eye tests are essential. You should have your eyes tested every two years, or as your optician advises.

Advanced driving courses aim to make you a more confident, competent driver. Such courses may result in you paying less for your car insurance.

Aquaplaning can be a terrifying experience: Learn how to regain control if it happens to you - and discover how to prevent it in the first place.

Countryside driving presents unique hazards and challenges. Read our guide and learn how to stay safe when motoring in the beautiful British countryside...

Read our quick guide to the three main UK speed bump types: cross them at the right speed and the right gear to avoid damage to your vehicle.

There are a number of signs that could indicate your brakes are slowly failing.

Be ready in case you have a car accident: exchange details with other parties and call the police and ambulance if there are injuries. Learn more.

Overnight parking rules depend on whether the land is private or public. Causing obstructions, littering and staying too long mean you may be asked to move on, or face a fine.

By knowing UK road signs you're helping to keep yourself, your passengers and other road users safe. And by avoiding collisions you'll keep your no claims bonus safe, too.

Our handy how-to guide describes the various options available if you want to mount your bike on your car’s roof or rear.

Do you know the load limit of your car? Overloading your vehicle could see you faced with a £300 fine and three penalty points. It’s a good idea to get acquainted with your load limits, which should be detailed in your user’s manual. If you need more capacity, consider a trailer.

The simple answer: torque is what you feel pushing you back in your seat when you hit the accelerator; horsepower is the speed you reach once that acceleration is complete.

Heard of understeer and oversteer, but not sure what they mean? Take a look at our quick guide to understanding - and avoiding - this potentially hazardous phenomenon.

Speed cameras are used throughout the UK to catch speeding motorists with a view to reducing road traffic injuries and deaths. Read our guide.

Be sure to properly care for your tyres in order to drive safely.

We explain the four write-off categories: A, B, S and N - and ask whether buying a repaired write-off is ever a good idea...

If you're going on a long journey, it is important to take steps to ensure children don't cause distractions.

There are a number of steps you can take to reduce your chances of being the victim of car crime.

Here's our advice on mobile phone safety when you are driving.

If you intend to tow a caravan or trailer then make sure you understand the following safety tips.

If your motorbike is stolen then recovered by the police, they may charge you a £150 recovery fee and £10 daily storage fee. Find out all you need to know with our quick guide...

While damage caused to your car by the road may be frustrating, you may be able to make a claim.

Riding a motorbike can be exhilirating but make sure you stay safe on the road.

Have you noticed your airbag warning light come on? It could mean your airbag system is not working. It's critical to get it checked out with a reputable mechanic.

Considering buying a classic, vintage or even veteran car? Learn how to handle the choke, gear changes, braking and more, with our guide on driving old cars.

ISOFIX is the safest way to transport a child in a vehicle. Learn how it works and why it has revolutionised the way we travel with infants by car.

Learn what the EU tyre label means - in relation to fuel efficiency, wet grip and noise.

You must inform the DVLA if you have certain medical conditions. Some conditions may impact your ability to drive safely.

A new report has revealed the cars most likely to be stolen in the UK, following Home Office data that shows car thefts have increased 49 per cent in five years.

Learn how UK speed limits were introduced and how they compare to other countries around the globe.

When should you use fog lights on UK roads? Get familiar with the rules, and learn how to keep safe when driving in foggy conditions.

A guide to key safety equipment to look for in a car, from seatbelts and airbags to antilock braking and electronic stability control systems.

Learn how to use jump leads to start your car battery with our detailed guide. Get back on the road quickly with startrescue.co.uk.

Read our guide to driving safely and sensibly on our motorways: information about entering and exiting; correct lane usage; speed limits; Active Traffic Management (smart) motorways; night driving and more.