By R U Cautious
Every vehicle driver has a reason for driving, whether its purely for the pleasure of the experience or a way to get from A to B. Most drivers own vehicles that are used day to day, and I'd guess that most drivers are usually in a hurry to get to their destination. Sometimes drivers forget to use the basic safety equipment on board every vehicle because of our hectic lifestyles. Here are some helpful tips to remember before you set out...
1. Remember to check your lights are working before you leave home. This may seem like it will take extra time and right now you are already late for work. But if you think about it, being pulled over by the police and given a ticket for $150 will take a lot longer. Not to mention the extra hours you'll have to work to pay for the ticket, or a scarier scenario, it may cause a car accident. If you have an indicator that isn't working properly, you can use your arm as a signal out of the car window, until you have the faulty indicator fixed.
Check the headlights, all indicators, brake and any high stop lights.
2. Check your tyres - they are the only thing that stops the body of the vehicle meeting the road. It is important they are safely secured, inflated and have enough tread.
Most service stations will have an air pressure gauge and most service station attendants will help you if you have no idea what you are doing.
Having correct pressured tyres will also save you money. The fuel economy of the car is partially based on this - the flatter the tyres, the harder the car has to work to get you where you want to go.
3. Check the general body of the car. Is there anything that does not look secure? Are the doors closed properly? Have you a current Warrant of Fitness and Registration? These are other time and money savers as you are less likely to run the risk of a police stop and/or fine.
4. Once in the car, make sure you can see clearly through all mirrors and windows, and make sure that everyone is wearing a seat belt. It is the driver's responsibility to seat belt themselves and anyone aged 15 and under; and it is a good idea to make seat belt use common practice for all passengers in your car.
5. Do you remember sitting your driver's licence? You were taught all those rules for a reason - so use them! Say them out loud if you need to. The road safety rules are not there to annoy you, they actually keep you and other road users safe.
" Check your mirrors and your blindspots frequently (ie: look behind you).
" Indicate when turning, and do it properly. Not all people are psychic.
" Keep a close eye on traffic in front of you as well. Driving in high speed zones makes turning and braking even more dangerous.
" Be careful around schools: children do not always look or stop before crossing roads.
" Be kind to pedestrians: remember that once you have parked and exited your vehicle you also become one.
" Be nice to cyclists: they do have a right to use the road, despite what some drivers may think.
" If you don't want to travel 100km on the open road, you may want to consider the other motorists who do. Pull over to let others pass where safe when there is a queue forming behind you.
" However, if there is a need to travel slower because of poor conditions, do so. The drivers who want to risk everyone else's lives by driving far too fast really do need to stop and think about their actions!
" If you are going to pass another vehicle, please do it safely. There are far too many accidents caused by careless driving in New Zealand.
" When you turn at an intersection, drive on your side of the road, don't cut corners, It is annoying to other road users, and of course unsafe.
" Stop signs mean one thing and one thing only - STOP! Then drive on safely when the way is clear.
" Give Way signs are serious: it is not your turn until the way is clear for you to go.
" If you cannot safely use an intersection or roundabout, you may want to consider insurance - car and life!
" When parking your vehicle: try to park within the lines, some people prefer their vehicle without extra 'racing stripes'.
" If the road is busy and people are trying to join the flow from a car park, they usually can't move without your help. Remember that at times you will also be in their situation.
Now you can see how safe driving can save you time and money!
The Sensible Guide to Safe Driving
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