Maintaining the overall condition of the vehicle by the driver has been dealt with in the previous section. In this chapter you will know the checklist of things that you have to note before taking the car out for the drive.
Securing the Load
Fastening the load might seem like a simple matter but, we have put it on the top of checklist before the drive due to the importance of the matter. It is dealt with strictly by law whereby a high fine and jail term is imposed on any person found to have neglected securing the load and consequently causing a crash. The weight should be checked so that nothing slides, falls, or is released to the air. There are some measures to be taken while securing the load
- Never overload
- Fasten to the vehicle
- Use rope or straps
- Use a sturdy tarp over the whole load.
- If transporting animals, secure them too in place.
- Make sure that it wouldn't fall even on a sudden brake.
- Do not leave clothes or sheets loosely hanging
In case you see a vehicle with improperly secured loads, call the traffic department and try to keep a far distance.
Keep the Glasses Clean
You see the road ahead and behind through the glasses. To have a safe and comfortable driving experience, it is necessary to keep the glass clean. Here are some tips to help you in the same
- Always keep a class cleaner with paper or towel in your vehicle to clean windshield if required.
- Maintain the window washer full before going on a long drive. Use antifreeze washer in cold temperatures.
- Avoid smoking with closed glasses as it creates a film on the interior of the glass.
- Clear all the glasses clean before driving especially in cold climates.
- Never stick decals or hang things in front of the mirror as it can obstruct the view.
- Keep the lights clean and change it in a case of damage. The light output will reduce in the event of a dirty light lens.
Seating and Mirror Adjustments
Once your seat yourself in the driver seat, the first thing is to adjust the mirror and the seat comfortably.
- Check if you have a good visibility of the road ahead. Adjust the position accordingly. In case you are of a short body, you can use a seat cushion. Some people make the mistake of pushing the seat right towards the steering and thus making it difficult to use the steering. Do not do this. Distance the seat at the right length from the steering wheel.
- Try touching the feet below the brake pedal. This is the right height required.
- Do not overcrowd the vehicle. Check if you can view through the mirror and can control the vehicle comfortably.
- Adjust the rear view mirror so that you can see out through the back mirror.
- There is a trick to set the side mirror. Lean a little forward and look in the mirror, if you can see a small portion of your vehicle, then you will be able to see the traffic behind easily.
- Set the mirror to the time of the day if you are using a day/night mirror.
- Adjust the head restraints to settle right behind your head.
Safety Gears
It is illegal to drive without fastening the seat belts or child restraints. The seat belts are for your own safety and government has put in strict laws so that the individuals are prevented from being thrown out the vehicle in case of a collision. Buckling up properly can ensure that you are held in place in the vehicle. Even if you are on a short trip probably to the shop in the next street, make sure you wear the seat belt, buckled up children in child restraints and if required use the booster seats. Check if the vehicle door is locked and child lock activated if you have kids in the car. By locking the door, you can prevent the door opening up on a swerve or a sudden break.
It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure the safety of every person in the car especially children. Check the seat belts of children before starting it. Fine and citation will be proceeded over the driver for anyone under 16 years who is not wearing the seat belt. For older people, the individual itself will be responsible for the fine.
People sometimes take air bags to be a replacement for seat belts. Only if you are in the exact position in the car will the deployment of the air bag direct towards you. Without the seat belt fastened, the person will likely sway away from his location and the air bag will not be able to save him.
How to Wear the Seat Belt Correctly
Most seat belts come in two parts either separated or together. Both are essential to staying in place.
- The shoulder belt should pass through the chest and away from the neck.
- The lap belt should go across the hip right under the stomach.
- Do not put the shoulder belt in your back.
Child Safety Restraint
According to reports, most of the car crashes have had children between 1 and 12 as the victims. To prevent this, use child safety seats. There are several child safety seats available according to the age of the child. Ensure to latch in the position as some people due to laziness, just place it on the seat without locking it in. This can be more dangerous. There are laws to check for child safety in cars
- Children below 13 years of age should not sit in the front seat.
- Child safety restraint should be used for the child till he is 8 years old or till he attains a height of 4'9".
- The best child restraints are rear facing car set or a forward facing one. They come with a harness and holds the baby in place without pushing the child out.
- The booster seat can be used for older children.
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