Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Road Saftey Tips for Drivers

Are you a responsible driver? About a million people all over the world die of road accidents every year. Follow these essential road safety tips for your own sake and others.

1. Belt yourself
– whether you are on the front seat or back, you are still at risk.

If you don’t, you could kill someone in the front as well as yourself.
Check if everyone is belted well before you hit the road and make sure you do, even on short trips.
Seats must be suited to your child’s size , weight, and for your vehicle. They must be
properly fastened as well. Avoid using second-hand seats; only brand new and reliable brands.

2. Wake yourself
Don’t risk driving when you’re sleepy.
If you do, chances are you’ll keep nodding while driving.
Research shows that the greatest risk of falling asleep at the wheel is between midnight-6am and 2-4pm; so get enough rest before setting off.
If ever you feel drowsy while driving, pull over; experts suggest to get a cup of coffee or an energy drink with caffeine. After drinking, park beside a busy and well-lit area and nap for a few minutes to give time for the caffeine to kick in.
Start driving only if you are alert again.

3. Sober yourself
Don’t drive under the influence of any substance.
Don’t drive if you feel heavy and tipsy after drinking; trying to look sober won’t work and there’s a big chance you’ll doze off and crash. Sleep it off somewhere until you get sober.
Don’t be an idiot. Alcohol slows your responses, dulls your judgement and vision and impairs your ability to drive; same goes for illegal drugs.
If you go out to drink with friends, it’s better to let your sober friend (with a driver’s license) drive on the way back home.

4. Control yourself
Don’t overspeed.
Check your speedometer and don’t go over the speed limits. The faster you go, the harder you’ll hit anything or anyone.
Watch for the speed limits by the side of the road. In some countries, speed cameras are installed and you’ll have to pay a hefty amount of money or worse, crash your car.
Don’t attempt to overtake if you’re not so sure the road is clear.

5. Prep yourself
Drive wisely in bad weather conditions.
When it rains, make sure your headlights function well and keep them on a dipped beam when necessary.
Slow down especially when you’re on wet and snowy roads; you might skid and topple over.
Drive at least 4 seconds behind the vehicle infront of you and avoid braking and steering sharply.
Make sure to bring an emergency winter kit stocked with cloth, ice scraper, glass cleaner, anti-freeze, kitty litter, jack and wrench.

6. Alert yourself
Don’t get distracted while driving.
Pay attention to the road and avoid answering your mobile phone or changing a CD or song in your mp3 player. It only takes a split second to overlook potential danger.
Be fully aware of your surroundings and you’ll be able to avoid hazards along the way. Driving is a complicated activity that requires your full concentration.
Cyclists and pedestrians need to be watched out for especially in round abouts and pedestrian crossings.

7. Check yourself
Inspect gear and vehicle fluids.
Worn out tires may cause serious accidents. Use a tyre pressure gauge to make sure they are also properly inflated and do not have tears.
Do you have enough break fluid? Is there a leak? Check for scheduled check ups on your vehicle.
Also make sure your head lights are cleaned properly and bulbs aren’t blown. You need ample visibility on the road.

by Amalia Aviles
www.autoterminal.com

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