WITH more cars than ever on the roads, motoring assistance provider, Green Flag, is urging drivers to take a hard look at their behaviour on the road and think more about safety.

It is encouraging them to make some of the following motoring resolutions:

1 Become a better driver. Most motorists have forgotten the highway code a few years after passing their test. Re-read the highway code and polish up on rules and regulations.

2 Be prepared. Allow plenty of time for journeys to avoid the temptation to speed. Plan your route before you set off and make sure you have plenty to keep the kids amused.

3 Keep calm. On today’s increasingly congested roads, stress and road rage are becoming ever more common. In the Green Flag Report on safe driving, 78 per cent of drivers admitted they had felt stressed behind the wheel. If you feel yourself getting hot under the collar, open the window, take a few deep breaths and put on some soothing music.

4 Care for your car. Hundreds of motorists experience problems as a result of poor maintenance. If you are planning a long-distance holiday, give your car a thorough check or have it serviced before you set off. Clean out all the sweet papers and parking tickets on a regular basis.

5 Think safety. Always use safety restraints, whether you are travelling one or 100 miles. Wearing a seat belt is second nature to most of us, but it is vital that all passengers - adults as well as children - wear restraints at all times in the car. The Green Flag Report found that 44 per cent of adults do not belt up in the back.

6 Be alert. Don't drive when you are tired. Tired drivers are one of the biggest causes of road deaths, with seven people killed on UK roads every week by drivers who fall asleep at the wheel.

7 Think about the environment. Make sure your vehicle is properly tuned and serviced - a vehicle in good condition uses less fuel and produces cleaner exhaust fumes.