How’s My Driving? - Safe Driving Blog Tips
Valentine’s Day is all about connection, care, and putting others first. But love isn’t only about hearts and flowers...it’s also about how we share the spaces and journeys that connect us every day.
The roads we travel aren’t created equal. Some have smooth tarmac, wide lanes, and big signs. Others are coastal lanes, narrow country roads, or busy high streets full of people, bikes and buses. And among all this traffic are the most vulnerable users, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, whose risk of injury or death is far higher than that of car occupants.
In Great Britain in 2024:
- • Pedestrians accounted for about 15% of all road casualties and over a quarter of fatalities, despite being a much smaller share of traffic.
- • Pedal cyclists and motorcyclists also continue to face disproportionate risk when involved in collisions.
- • Together, vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists) made up around half of all road fatalities in 2024.
Those numbers are real people, children crossing a road, a commuter on two wheels, someone enjoying an evening walk. None of them wear airbags, and none of them have the metal protection that cars do. And that’s exactly why love, true care, means respecting their space on every journey.
Love on the Road Isn’t Romantic...It’s Responsible
Think about Valentine’s Day messages:
Slow down. Pay attention. Respect boundaries. Protect the one you care about.
Now imagine applying those to the road:
Slow down for pedestrians
A low approach at crossing and junctions isn't just courteous, it can be life saving. With so many pedestrians involved in collisions each year, reducing speed even slightly buys more time to spot and protect someone on foot.
- • Reduce speed in built-up areas and near crossings.
- • A simple 5 mph reduction can cut stopping distance and save lives.
- • On narrow streets, anticipate unpredictable movements.
Give cyclists their space
Cyclists are more exposed and vulnerable on roads dominated by vehicles. Whether it’s leaving extra room when overtaking or checking blind spots before a turn, space equals safety.
- • Keep at least 1.5meters (5 feet) when overtaking a cyclist on the road.
- • In poor weather or at high speeds, increase this distance further.
- • Remember: side mirrors don't always catch everything, be proactive.
Anticipate motorcyclists
Motorbikes can be harder to see, especially in traffic or low light. Reducing distractions and watching mirrors can be the difference between a close call and a serious collision.
- • Allow at least one full car width when passing where possible.
- • Check mirrors, anticipate sudden changes, and avoid tailgating.
Behaviour Matters More Than You Think
Advanced safety systems, better roads and smarter vehicles help, but they don’t replace awareness. At How’s My Driving?, we’ve been saying for years that behaviour drives road outcomes more than tech alone. Feedback, coaching, and consistent habits are where real change happens.
Valentine’s Day isn’t just a date on the calendar, it’s a reminder that caring for others is an everyday choice, especially on the roads we share.What can you commit to?
This Valentine’s, consider this a safety pledge:
I will give vulnerable road users the space they deserve.
I will slow down when conditions demand it.
I will be alert, aware, and respectful, not just when it’s convenient, but always.
Because love, like safety, isn’t situational. It’s intentional.
Happy Valentine's Day.
12 February 2026