Millions of people use the roadways around the United States, and it is the responsibility of each and every individual to take care while driving and even before driving. Simple matters like seat adjustments, mirror view, securing seat belt, etc. can play a great role in safe driving
Understanding the need to Drive Safely
The risks involved in driving are created by the driver, the vehicle or the roads. It just means that the risk is always there, and the only ways to reduce it is to drive safely.
The first and foremost step to decrease the risk is to keep the vehicle in good driving condition. Driving safely and proper safety measures while driving are also necessary elements. Taking a look at the accidents that occurred in the last few years, the main reasons can be laid down as
- Physical or mentally challenged driver
- Run-off-road collision
- High speed driving
- Teen drivers
- Distracted driving
- Not following rules at intersections
Not that a single factor was involved, it usually had two or more factors working together to increase the fatality of the crash. Mostly it is the young people aged between 16 and 15 who are involved in collisions. This is because of the reckless driving style along with distractions. Youth is the time to cherish and live life and not to speed behind the wheel. Following the rules and regulations accordingly, can save you from crashes.
Vehicle Insurance
Every vehicle in the United States should compulsorily have insurance. Only the government vehicles are exempt from this. The insurance covers for the injuries, death, and loss of property. Always carry the insurance documents or its copy in the vehicle. Sometimes you might be stopped by a law officer to check the records and it is required to present the insurance papers.
Keeping Check over Vehicle
It is the responsibility of the driver to maintain a check on the vehicle before driving. In case the vehicle is not in good working condition, the higher will be the risk of taking it to the road. It will be risky for both the occupants of the vehicle and also for the others. Only if your vehicle is in good working condition, will you be able to steer your way out of danger.
Read Vehicle Manual
Take your time to read the manual provided by the manufacturer. It will be able to provide information like the fluids and its levels required for the functioning of the car, dashboard signs and lights, car servicing details and more about car operatives.
Checks on Vehicle to Prevent Trouble
Brake: Brakes are the emergency handle of the vehicle. Only the brakes can stop your vehicle. Keep a close watch over the brakes. Some signs of issues with the braking system can be noise on braking, smell, or loose brake pedals. Take the car to a mechanic in case of any doubts.
Lights: The automobiles have several different lights which serve their specific purposes like brake light, signals, headlamps and tail lights. You should be able to know when any of them is not working by checking them from outside the car. They work like warning signals to let the people on the road know that you are braking or turning. In its absence, the risk of an accident is very high.
If the headlights are not working or causing issues while driving at night, have it taken to the mechanic. The problem could be a misalignment which may be interfering with the ability to see the road clearly and also affects the other drivers.
Windows and wipers: Keep the windows and windshields in perfect condition. In any case, never drive a vehicle with shattered window or windshield. Wipers keep rain and snow off the glass. Newly released vehicles even have wipers for the rear windows and headlights to make driving easier in adverse weather conditions. If the blade of the wiper is not properly aligned, it can leave water on the glass which will cause discomfort and obstruction while driving.
Tires: Tires are the base foundation of the vehicle. Only a well-inflated tire can quickly respond to breaking.Check the tire pressure in the user manual. Check the tire pressure at intervals. A bald or worn out tire will have an increased stopping distance and will make driving troublesome on wet surfaces. It will increase the friction and thus reduce the mileage of the vehicle. Issues with tire can be noticed with unusual bounciness, increase brake distance or shaky wheels.
Make sure to check the tread and you can use the penny trick to know if it is in the defined thread limit as per rules. If the thread is not per the limit, have the tire replaced.
Steering: The steering keeps you on the track and helps to maneuver your vehicle in the right direction. If you experience difficulty in turning, take to a mechanic immediately as it is unsafe to be driving with a stiff steering.
Exhaust System: The gases produced in the engine are flushed to the rear of the vehicle by the exhaust system. If the system is leaky, it can get to the interior of the vehicle and even lead to death. Slightly open the windows when you are seated in a vehicle with the engine running. Issues with exhaust system are difficult to find and therefore make sure you have the system checked during periodic services.
Engine: Keep your engine oiled and in good working condition to ensure that you do not get stalled with a severe engine problem in the midst of a traffic. Your vehicle will have issues with starting instantly while in a traffic and that’s the simple sign of a problem with the engine. A bad engine will also give you poor economy value.
Horn: Never use a screaming horn that will be a nuisance to people. Adhere to horn rules and make sure it is working so that you can send out a warning note when required.
Objects in the vehicle: Children have a tendency to take toys and bottles with them in the car. Before driving make sure to check the interior of the car for any loose objects. Drop luggage into the vehicle trunk. Make sure that you do not have rolling objects which are likely to come under the pedal on breaking as the perils of it can be gruesome.
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