DORSET and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has created three digital leaflets to promote safe driving as lockdown restrictions are eased.

Each of the three leaflets are designed for drivers with different levels of experience and each focus on an aspect of driving that readers may need advice on.

Leaflet one is for all drivers and includes the importance of checking your if your vehicle is safe on the road, especially if affected by the current MOT exemption. Leaflet two is aimed at older drivers and shows how they can prepare physically and mentally to return to the road. Leaflet three is for newly qualified drivers who will have been unable to build up their skills and confidence since lockdown, and also looks at peer pressure.

Amongst those key areas are the main reasons for injuries and loss of life in road traffic collisions, known as the 'fatal four'. These are: the use of mobile phones, non-use of seatbelts, excessive speed, and drink/drug driving. The leaflets also teach readers how to use the FLOWER acronym to keep their car maintained. FLOWER stands for Fuel, Lights, Oil, Water, Electrics and Rubber (tyres).

Road safety manager, Christine Sharma, said: "Since lockdown started in March, we have had to completely rethink how we deliver road safety education. There has been a dramatic decrease in the number of road traffic collisions during the pandemic, as people haven’t been driving, and our worry is that we will see more and more incidents now we’re moving to the ‘new normal’.

"We’re encouraging all drivers to take a bit of time online, going through the advice and making sure that they’re mentally prepared to be back on the roads.

"We’ve also provided a couple of quizzes so drivers can test their knowledge after reading the leaflets! In many families, all three themes will be relevant, so we’re hoping there will be plenty of discussion in the home as well."

The leaflets along with links, videos and signposting to further advice can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/road-safety-during-covid-19.