SAFETY CHECKS while Driving

By Bhadresh Bundela

Yes, we all know that there are people who love their cars and can't do without it. Not even on a day when it's raining cats and dogs. Drive if you must, but not at the risk of your life and that of the others. Here are some essential safety tips you must follow when you head out in your car on a rainy day...

1. Always carry a first-aid kit
Ensure you have a first-aid kit in your car stocked with necessary emergency medication such as bandage, pain relief spray, pain killer tablets, antiseptic/anti-allergic cream etc. In case of minor mishaps, this first aid kit will come in quite handy.
2. Keep medicines within reach
If you suffer from diabetes, blood pressure, asthma or any illness for which you take prescription drugs, keep a stock of your medicines in the car. You can keep them safely in the glove box of your car.
3. Stay connected to radio for any emergency weather news
Ensure that your FM radio is in working condition to tune into any urgent weather announcements that could help you in planning your commute.
4. Install a mobile battery charger
If you take your car out often enough during monsoons, it’s essential for you to have a mobile battery charger in your car. This will allow you to always stay connected with people in times of emergencies, inform them about your whereabouts or call for help, if the need arises.
5. Drive over-cautiously
Rains call for over-cautiousness. If you must continue driving during heavy downpours, drive slower. Leave plenty of room between you and the next vehicle. Give a truck or bus extra distance. Turn on your headlights and watch out for pedestrians. Also, defog your windows or preferably drive with your windows rolled down. Slow down when you are driving through still water. Even a small amount can cause your vehicle to lose control.


DOUSE OUT VEHICULAR FIRES

Car fires are not only scary, they are extremely dangerous too. Just do a quick check on the following to limit chances of accidents:

• Short circuits in car systems are one of the major reasons behind car fires. Keep an eye on your fuel/oil tank. A leak here is potentially dangerous.
• Cabin fires in larger vehicles like trucks, buses, and trailers are generally caused due to a stray spark, so avoid smoking while driving.
• Inflammable cargo, which is improperly loaded, is another reason for vehicular fires.
• Tires with less air pressure tend to burst and lead to accidents.

However, if, despite your best attempts, you still find yourself face to face with a fire, these are the steps you should take:
• Stop the vehicle and switch off the engine.
• Get passengers out and away from the vehicle.
• Use a fire extinguisher. It is advisable to carry one in your vehicle.
• Disconnect battery terminals if possible.
• Pull out burning wires, if any, by using the jack handle or a stick.
• Try to extinguish the burning wires with a large piece of cloth. Never touch a burning wire with bare hands as electric burns can be very serious.
• Water can be used on wood, paper, or cloth, but do not use water on an electric fire (you can get a shock) or a gasoline fire (it will spread the flames).
• A burning tire must be cooled. It will require lots of water.
• Cover the fire with mud, dirt, or sand if available nearby.
• If the fire is not extinguished in spite of these actions, it is better to get away from the vehicle as the fuel tank may explode.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS TO KEEP IN YOUR CAR

Car owners can never know when an emergency will strike. Your car could break down on a lonely highway or you could meet with an accident just when you’re mindlessly cruising along. Having certain items in your car at all times can help you out of sticky situations.

To make sure you’re not stuck when your car breaks down, always stock in your boot, jumper cables, pliers, an adjustable wrench and a screwdriver.

For minor cuts and scrapes in case of an accident, a first-aid kit will come in handy.

In case of long drives, do remember to keep blankets, a pillow, adequate supply of any regularly needed medication, drinking water and some food items like canned nuts. Of course, if you carry cans, remember to carry a can opener!

IS YOUR CAR EQUIPPED FOR LONG DISTANCE DRIVING?

Driving when it’s foggy, misty or rainy? Then use these tips to avoid accidents due to blurred vision:
• Drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance of your visibility.
• Make sure that “you see and also, can be seen”.
• Use dipped headlights or front fog lamps.
• Leave windscreen wipers on and also clean the side glasses whenever you can.
• Avoid hanging on to the lights of the vehicle ahead; it only gives a false sense of security.
• Driving in fog after dark is very dangerous. Don’t rush and as far as possible avoid driving in these conditions.
• Watch your speed, you may be going much faster than you think. Do not step on the gas to get away from a trailing vehicle.

Check and clean windscreens, lights, reflectors and windows every time you halt.

DON’T LET YOUR CAR BE THE NEXT TO GO!

The incidence of car thefts is no longer a rarity these days. People not only eye entire vehicles but also individual car parts and accessories. So beware! Lest yours might be the next one to disappear!

Practice these car safety measures. It's better to be safe than sorry!

Unlocked vehicles are open invitation to the joy-rider. Never leave your vehicle with the engine running or the keys dangling from the ignition.

Always park your vehicle in well-lit and busy area.

Make sure to carry your vehicle registration with you always.

Stealing car equipments-accessories is also profitable. Use engraving tools to mark equipment such as batteries, stereos & hubcaps.

Was your car or a car accessory ever robbed?
Share your experience here

DRIVING IS SUPPOSED TO BE PLEASURABLE…UNTIL YOU CRASH!

Accident rates are triple at night. We list out some essentials dos for night driving, follow them for safer driving.

• Besides the natural phenomenon of darkness, that adds to the hazard, alcohol, fatigue, drowsiness and carelessness contribute to an accident in their small ways. Alcohol is ‘THE’ factor that plays an important part in more than half of the crashes at night. Weekend night driving is that much more dangerous. So do not drink and drive. Even one drink can induce fatigue. Also when you feel drowsy, your concentration levels and reflexes are not as sharp. Alcohol also acts as a depressant and even one drink can induce fatigue.

• Twilight is one of the most dangerous times to drive. Your eyes have to constantly keep adjusting to the failing light and you also need to discern the traffic around you. Remember that others need to see you just as you need to see others so if you feel uncomfortable turn on your headlights.

• Some drivers do not lower their beams. If you watch the right edge of the road as a steering guide you can avoid the glare.

• Reduce your speed and increase your following distances. It is more difficult to judge other vehicle's speeds and distances at night

AVOIDING BLURRED BLUNDERS

Driving when it’s foggy, misty or rainy? Then use these tips to avoid accidents due to blurred vision:

• Drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance of your visibility.
• Make sure that “you see and also, can be seen”.
• Use dipped headlights or front fog lamps.
• Leave windscreen wipers on and also clean the side glasses whenever you can.
• Avoid hanging on to the lights of the vehicle ahead; it only gives a false sense of security.
• Driving in fog after dark is very dangerous. Don’t rush and as far as possible avoid driving in these conditions.
• Watch your speed, you may be going much faster than you think. Do not step on the gas to get away from a trailing vehicle.
• Check and clean windscreens, lights, reflectors and windows every time you halt.

AVOIDING MISHAPS ON POOR ROADS

Driving on a poor surface road, one that has oil, water, sand, loose mud of gravel spread on it is risky business. Besides this, roads marked with potholes, sloping surfaces, unpaved roads also fall within the category of poor road surfaces. We hear about numerous cases where a driver loses control over the vehicle because the tyres could not get a grip of the road or it was littered with potholes.

One can never be too careful while driving on a poor road surface. But there are some basic precautions which if adhered to can make a world of difference, primary being avoid an accident.

• For starters avoid speeding on a poor road surface, speeding on a poor road surface is clearly inviting trouble.
• If you are driving in a higher gear, shift to a lower one so that the speed is automatically under check and you can easily maneuver the vehicle in case of eventualities.
• As far as possible avoid changing directions, in case you must, make sure you do so and after giving all necessary indications to approaching vehicles on either side.
• Hold the steering steadily and firmly chances are that it may wobble.
• Avoid breaking hard or abruptly on poor road surfaces.

DRIVING WITH HEADLIGHTS IN DAYTIME

This may sound crazy, but you’re actually safer off on the highway with headlights on --- even in day time. Already, in countries like Sweden and Canada, turning on the headlights whenever the car is driven is a common practice. In fact in the US there’s a law for two-wheelers that makes it mandatory for the lights to be turned on along with the ignition switch. The reason for this is simply that your car becomes more visible to oncoming drivers. So don’t scoff the next time you see someone driving with their headlights on during the day. It’s a proven safety measure.

ARE YOUR DOORS LOCKED?

Be sure to regularly check to see if the door locks of your car are functioning smoothly. After you get into your car make it a point to shut the door properly and lock it. Do not unnecessarily leave any doors unlocked.
People tend to string their house keys and car keys together. This is a common folly. Keep separate key chains for your house and car keys never leave keys in the ignition, no matter how short the stop.
Always look for well lighted areas for parking.
If a stranger offers help ask him call the mechanic or tow garage for you. Decline the offer for a lift to the nearest petrol pump or mechanic’s garage.
Driving is a pleasure and take adequate precaution to see that it does not turn into a nightmare.

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