Tag Archives: car safety

Uncategorized

Driving Health and Safety: How to Avoid Driver Fatigue

Driving safely means more than keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. It also means keeping your focus on your environment so that you give yourself the best possible chance of anticipating hazards and reacting to events you cannot anticipate.

This means staying awake at all times, literally and figuratively. The team at Nottingham Driving School share some tips on how to do so.

Only drive when you have had enough sleep

This tip is both self-evident and for some people (especially parents of young babies) an obvious case of “easier said than done” but it is still arguably the single, most important precaution against driver fatigue.

If you are tired before you start the car then you will be fighting against fatigue throughout the whole of your journey and you may lose. Even if you do not actually fall asleep, your concentration is bound to be impaired and this can have disastrous consequences, especially if you need to react quickly.

Be careful about driving when on medication

If you’re on medication, check the packaging carefully to see if it is likely to make you feel sleepy.

Avoid driving when you are under the weather

Fighting off an illness, even a minor one like a cold, can really be tough on your body. That’s why the best prescription is often rest. When you’re under the weather, it can be dangerously easy for fatigue to creep up on you without you noticing – until it’s too late.

Try to avoid driving after meals, at least heavy meals

If you eat heavy food, your body has to work to digest it and your natural inclination will be to take a rest while it does so. The heavier the food, the more rest you will need and the more you will want to sleep.

Alcohol can also be dangerous to your concentration, even if you’re technically under the legal limit. If you’re in a situation where alcohol is flowing but you know you’re going to need to drive, then just say so or, at the very least, stick to drinks with relatively low alcohol and a lot of liquid (like beer or spritzers).

Keep the window down as much as possible

Given the Great British weather, you may need to keep the window up most of the time for your comfort and safety, but if you can roll it down, even a bit, then the fresh air can do a lot to keep you awake.

Use refreshing scents like citrus and menthol

Citrus and menthol scents really do stimulate the mind, at least for short periods, after a while either the scent fades or the body tunes it out (or a combination of both), but spraying either or both of them from time to time can be enough to get your brain (back) in gear.

Plan your trip to allow for regular breaks and use them wisely

There are two ways you can use a break in a long trip. The first is to get active. Physically get out of your car (assuming it is safe to do so), at least roll down the window to get some fresh air (if you possibly can) and in either case do some stretches. The second is to have a short sleep.

General Safety Issues

Things to do if You are Involved in a Car Accident

Written by Eada Hudes

Car accidents can happen any time and that is why it is a good idea to be prepared in advance – at the least, you need to know what you need to do if you are ever involved in a car accident. Of course, no one wants to be in one but car accidents are unexpected and can take place due to variety of factors. And if you prep in advance, then you could well save a life, the next time you are involved in a car accident or a big pile up on the highway.

  • Have the required numbers on speed dial: If you are involved in a car accident, then the first thing that you need to do is to dial for help. It is a good idea to have the local cops, some important medical centers/ hospitals on speed dial so that you can call in for assistance right away.
  • Check yourself: The next thing that you need to do is to slowly examine your body; granted that you would be in shock, but you need to carefully examine your   body as well as various external parts to ensure that you are not seriously injured or bleeding from anywhere. And if you are bleeding  from some parts of your body, then you need to immediately staunch   the flow and apply first aid to that particular area.
  • Check out the other party: Make sure that you check out the other party and see if they are If they are injured, then carry out an assessment. And if they happen to be unconscious, then you may have to carry out CPR as well, to make sure that they continue breathing.
  • Check the vehicle: You may also want to check out your vehicle and the extent of the damage to the same. If your car is totaled, then you may not have much option other than to search online for agencies that advertise their services as ‘cash for scrap cars’. You can contact these agencies and they would send someone over who   can carry out an on-spot assessment and valuation and they would let you know how much they are willing to pay, to take your totaled car.

Just Google “scrap car removal in Auckland” and that should help list the various agencies that would be more than happy to take your car off your hands.

  • Exchange information: Make sure that the other party is comfortable enough; now, you can exchange contact information as well as insurance details with each other, as you wait for the authorities to arrive.
  • Do not drink: Yes, a car accident would indeed be a sudden shock but that does not mean that you immediately consume alcohol to help deal with the same.   Furthermore, when the authorities arrive and they find you drinking on the scene, they are immediately going to assume that you caused the accident. So make sure that you stay well away from drinks and  other artificial stimulants.
  • Check others: You may also want to check your passengers, as well as the other party’s  passengers to make sure that no one else is hurt as a result of the  accident. You may also want to apply first aid to any cuts and  bruises as well.

These are some of the things that you need to do when you are involved in a car accident. You may want to read over these tips again and again until you feel that you have prepared yourself. It is important that you take all measures to prevent accidents but failing that, you may want to make sure that you know what to do, when you are involved in an accident. Furthermore, it is a good idea to always know CPR, for you never know when you need it and it would help save other lives as well.

General Safety Issues

HOW TO PREVENT THE THEFT OF YOUR CAR (GUEST POST)

Appropriate Parking Space

Every year near to one million cars get stolen and most of them never get recovered.  A car is a significant investment and you should be really vigilant about the safety measures to prevent the car-theft.

Whenever you have to park a car, bear some tips in mind. Park your car in a well lit area of the parking lot. In this case the chance of getting car stolen is lesser as one can see the thieves clearly. Also avoid parking the auto near the exits of parking lot as it’s easier for the car lifters to get away right after breaking into the car. It’s advisable to park your auto in the area monitored by either security guards or surveillance cameras. Some people go for parking lots that are not monitored as they don’t have to pay parking fee. Still, that small saving can jeopardize your car safety.

Never Leave the Docs in Car

Remember that if your car is stolen with the car documents you have given pure gold to the thief. Never leave the important papers in the glove box of the car, take them with you. The absence of docs in the auto will turn off some thieves and make the recovery of the stolen car easier.

Install a Reliable Car Security System

There are many innovative car security alarms available in the market. Cars come with a security system by manufacturers but usually it’s not that effective. Stealers have very thought-out and foolproof approaches to auto-theft. Make sure you install a security alarm which goes off whenever someone tries to break into the car. One thing is really vital in this regard: ensure that thieves know about the security system installed in your car. So, they don’t even attempt to steal it. For this there are small lights of blue or red color that are placed on dashboard and are visible from outside the car. Some cars have very effective GPS tracking systems that are able to locate a stolen car.

Avoid Uninhabited Area

If you have a high profile car you should avoid abandoned and deserted areas. These areas are usually unmonitored and there are no security guards and cameras for surveillance. Cars in such areas are vulnerable to theft. People sometimes leave their car doors unlocked with the keys in the ignition. Car stealers always prefer an unlocked car in the unmonitored area; it makes getaway easier and can’t be tracked later.

Put VIN on the Various Parts of Your Car

Most of the car stealers cannot resell a car if the Vehicle Identification Number is visible on it. Make sure that you put your VIN on almost every part of the car like engine, doors, fenders, underside of bonnet etc. In this way car stealers won’t be able resell the car and can be detected.

It’s really important to take precautionary measures to prevent the auto theft as small negligence can take away your investment of thousands of dollars in a split second. Usually the recovery of a lost car is very difficult but if your car was stolen with your cell phone that has mSpy app installed, it gets really easy to track its location via GPS.

Post by Linda Waters. Marketing executive at mSpy, blogger who loves writing about cell phone software and mobile technologies which help people.


General Safety Issues

TACTICS TO AVOID SEXUAL ABUSE

Although it is a subject that no one wants to discuss, we need to do all we can to help persons know how to protect themselves from sexual assault.  The month of April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month – a time to consider that this problem is one that is committed all too often.  Many times, assault victims don’t report it, because they become the one that is blamed for the act, rather than the perpetrator.  Rape, or sexual assault, is a violent crime, not a sexual act.

Listed below are good tips from the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault.  Please consider these ways to reduce your risk of becoming a victim: 

  • On Dates:  If you are on a first date with someone, and you don’t really know much about that person, meet in a public place, arriving and leaving separately.  If a situation makes you uncomfortable, speak up.  Don’t isolate yourself with someone you don’t know or trust.  Trust your feelings; if it doesn’t feel right, or you feel pressured, listen to yourself.  Once you say “No”, it becomes a crime if an assault takes place.
  • At Home: Have a door viewer and a dead bolt lock on your front door.  Never hide a key over a door or other obvious places.  Be cautious about revealing personal information over the phone or internet.  Keep your blinds and curtains closed at night.  Never admit strangers or unwanted contacts to your home under any circumstances.
  • In the Car:  Always lock your car when leaving and entering it.  Look in the back seat before entering your car.  Have your cell phone with you at all times.  Lock yourself in the car if you have car trouble, call for help, and wait for assistance to arrive.  If you think someone is following you, drive to the nearest public place and blow your horn.  If a police station or hospital is nearby, go there.
  • At Parties:  Go with friends and stay with your group.  Watch out for each other and leave together.  Never leave a beverage unattended.  Overuse of alcohol or drugs can decrease your awareness and make you vulnerable.  No matter how persuasive or attractive a stranger may be, never leave with that person.
  • On the Street:  Don’t walk close to alleyways and bushes.  Wear sensible clothing and shoes, which will allow you to maneuver or run.  Stay alert and aware.  If you walk or jog, take alternate routes or time on the street.  Predictable behavior is risky.  Keep your cell phone in your pocket. 

Other statistics pertaining to this topic, are the ones regarding Child Sexual Assault.  Between 75 per cent and 80 per cent of assailants are known to the family, or are family members.  Parents should know that young children do not make up stories about a subject as serious as this.  Children are never responsible for these assaults made against them; however, most children are afraid to tell their parents.  Children can be taught to use their own resources to protect themselves, such as kicking, yelling, running, getting help, etc.  The key is that they know to whom they can turn for immediate and unquestioning help.  Schools may do some instruction to children on ways to protect themselves. 

Again, we can’t turn our backs on subjects that are not pleasant to discuss.  Counselors encourage people to spread the word about ways to avoid becoming a victim.  It can happen to children, adults, seniors, any one, any age.  The National Sexual Assault Hotline, (800-656-HOPE) is available 24/7, offering free confidential services.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

NEW SAFETY ACCESSORY FOR CARS

Each April, the automotive industry reminds consumers of the importance of car care and driver safety. According to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), 80 percent of all crashes and 65 percent of all near-crashes involved the driver looking away from the forward roadway, such as retrieving a cell phone from the gap between the driver seat and console, just prior to (within three seconds) the onset of the event.

This statistic is a grave reminder that consumers still have much more to learn and is the reason Drop Stop, LLC developed and is launching Drop Stop®, a new car interior safety and convenience accessory designed to guard the gap between the seat and console and help keep drivers eyes on the road.  Drop Stop® provides a safer, more convenient driving experience. It eliminates the distraction and potential danger that exists when personal articles slip through a vehicle’s seat/console gap, causing the common knee-jerk reaction of taking one’s eyes off the road.  This handy item simply slips between the console and drivers seat and prevents hard to retrieve items from falling beneath the seat, especially when driving down the road.

Drivers need to exercise extreme caution when using their cell phones while driving.  How many of us have had our cell phones, billfolds, etc. fall between the seat and console?  It is so easy to become distracted during a call, and texting should be an absolute “no-no”.  Anything that helps to ensure our safety and the safety of those we meet on the road is a treasure.
For more details, go to www.BuyDropStop.com.

Just wish I’d thought of it!
Source:  Renee Cooper, Account Executive
Christie Communications

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

WINTERIZING YOUR CAR

We depend on our vehicles to get us where we need to go, so it’s important that we winterize them properly.  Be sure that your vehicle is in good working order when you need it most.

There are many parts that should be checked by you or a mechanic, so let’s get started:

  • Battery.  Cold temperatures reduce cranking power; your battery is asked to do more to start the engine with low temperatures, so be sure it is in good working order.
  • Wipers and windshield wiper fluid.  Replace old wipers if they leave streaks on the window.  Normal life of wipers is one year.  Leave them in raised position to keep them from freezing to windshield if car is left outside.
  • Ignition system
  • Thermostat
  • Antifreeze
  • Lights
  • Belts and Hoses
  • Exhaust system
  • Flashing hazard lights
  • Defroster
  • Brakes
  • Oil level.  Make sure you use the right engine oil. (Consult owners’ manual.) Oil thickens as it gets cold.  Oil with (W) in the viscosity index is formulated for winter.
  • Heater

Some other things to consider:

  1. Be sure your tires have adequate tread.  If you live where there are heavy snow conditions, it might be wise to carry a set of tire chains in your vehicle.Keep your gas tank full or half-full at all times, if possible.
  1. Carry a cell phone with you, as well as a list of emergency numbers.
  1. Consider using non-toxic de-icing substances such as clean cat litter, sand, fireplace ash to prevent hazardous waste.
  1. When warming up your car, let it idle normally.  Revving a cold engine won’t warm it up any faster.

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