SAFE DRIVING TIPS FOR LONG DRIVE > FESTIVE SEASONS – BALIK KAMPUNG.

Festive season now come again.Everybody are already have their own plan to go back to their “kampung” or village.It will be a happy moment in our life if we can gathered together with our family.It is really a wonderful moment.So, here, we want to provide some extra information for you all for your safety.

>>SAFE DRIVING TIP: PREPARE BEFORE YOU GO.

Preparation is the key to any successful long drive. To avoid mechanical problems that could lead to an accident while you’re driving, review your vehicle’s preventative maintenance guide and complete any recommended repairs. In addition, check your tire wear and pressure, engine and wiper fluid levels, and then test your headlights, brake lights and reflectors to be sure they are working properly.

This is something you should do before setting off so it’s best to do so the day or evening before the journey (also when returning). Items to check would be:

Check your tyre codition before a long journey.

1.CONDITION OF TYRES AND AIR PRESSURES.

Look for any sharp objects stuck in the tyres and remove them. If the treads are nearly smooth, you would run the risk of skidding on wet roads so be sure that there is enough tread depth (check with your tyre dealer on this). If the pressure on one tyre seems unusually lower, consider going to the tyre shop and ask them to check for punctures or slow leaks. Don’t forget to also check the spare tyre and make sure it has enough air. Space-saver tyres (the smaller skinny type) need to be pumped to a high pressure of around 60 psi.

2.ENGINE OIL LEVEL.

Check the engine oil level, usually by pulling out the dipstick (circled). If the level is too low, overheating can occur and cause damage.

3.HEADLIGHTS, HORN AND SIGNALS.

Most of your driving home may be done in daylight but you still need to have working headlights and especially the brake lights. Signal lights should also be functioning properly and  of course, the horn should be working.

Ensure that your wiper blade in good condition.

4.ROUTE PLANNING.

If you are using the same route as the one you have been using for years, then you probably don’t need to do any planning. But if you are going to a new place, perhaps a holiday resort, taking a look at a map and planning could reduce stress in the event you are confused by directions along the way.

>>SAFE DRIVING TIP: ON THE JOURNEY

1.USE SEAT BELT.

It’s compulsory for the front and rear occupants to have the seatbelts fastened when the vehicle is moving. For little ones, a childseat would be a good idea to give them added protection.

2. WATCH SPEED LIMIT & YOUR LANE.

According to most driving professionals, excessive speeding is the primary reason drivers lose control of their vehicle. Regardless of whether you slide on an slick road, rear end someone due to tailgating or turn at too high of a speed, driving too fast causes accidents. To ensure safe driving, go the speed limit – and slow down when road conditions or traffic congestion becomes more complicated.

Observe speed limits and don’t drive on the emergency lane otherwise you could get stopped by the police. Remember that speed limits on some roads have been reduced during this holiday period.You may be in a hurry to get to your destination but don’t break the law getting there. Note that speed limits have been reduced on federal roads (what are known as the ‘old roads’) as a measure to reduce accidents.

3.USE EXTRA CAUTION IN CONSTRUCTION ZONES.

Lorry drivers usually have an advantage over passenger cars because they have a higher vantage point. They can see upcoming construction zones and other road hazards before you do.

Construction zones generally create traffic congestion, as well as uneven pavement, forced lane changes and perhaps even a “driving on the berm” lane. These road changes lead to confusion and create dangerous driving conditions, so stay extra vigilant, and never speed, when driving in a construction zone. Because road construction is difficult to predict and often sprouts overnight, pay attention to construction signage even if you are familiar with a highway route.

4.BE AWARE OF BLIND SPOTS & BE VISIBLE.

To prevent an accident, be aware of your own blind spots. Never change lanes without re-checking your mirrors and using your signals. If you are driving next to a semi-truck, don’t hover. Safely pass the truck as quickly as possible, without speeding.

It’s proven that being visible to other motorists can reduce collisions so if you like, you can switch on your headlights. This is especially useful on secondary roads which pass through areas that have trees and the lighting may not be so good. The lights will alert approaching drivers some distance away so they won’t overtake.

5.RAIN AND WINDS.

It may rain or it may not, that’s something we can’t always be sure of. At least we don’t have ice on the roads here so that’s at least one less hazard. When it rains, be sure your headlights are switched on. In some rainy conditions, strong winds may also occur so you should be prepared for the vehicle being blown a bit. If you find the driving too stressful or you are nervous, find a safe spot to pull over and wait till the conditions change.

6.STAY ALERT.

Driver fatigue is a challenge for drivers. Passenger car drivers need to be sensible about staying alert and focused on traffic during a long drive. Get plenty of rest the night before any long trip, so you are well rested for your drive. In addition, stop occasionally to stretch your legs, and don’t overload on junk food – the carbohydrates can make you sleepy.

Staying alert also means minimizing distractions. Reduce the chance of an accident and promote child car safety by keeping your children entertained in the back seat, especially during a long drive, by planning quiet, self-directed activities.

7.LIMIT CELL PHONE USE.

As most drivers already know, a cell phone can be a lifesaver if you experience car trouble or an accident. However, most cell phone use while driving, especially among teen drivers, is unnecessary and can lead to an accident. The use of a hands free device, such as a wireless Bluetooth device or speakerphone, can keep you safer by reducing distractions if you absolutely must use your cell phone while driving.

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