Driving SafetyDriving Safety

2010 initiatives2010 initiatives

Stop, think and actStop, think and act

• Awareness of hazards of the actual journey, making sure the vehicle and driver are both fit

• Anticipation of other road users and abnormal driving conditions

• Attention to the actual act of driving – continuously considering the impact of distractions (such as eating, drinking, taking medication, being tired etc) and

• Attitude – driving defensively at all times – not everyone has the same knowledge of driving safety that you may have

Awareness

AwarenessAwareness

• Ensure your vehicle is in safe condition

• Plan your journey ahead

• Make sure you’ll be well rested

• Ensure you are not impaired by alcohol or drugs

AwarenessAwareness –vehicle in safe –vehicle in safe conditioncondition

Ensure your vehicle is in safe condition

• Maintaining your vehicle with an occasional visual inspection and fluid level check requires almost no time, and even less effort.

• You don't have to be a mechanic, or even mechanically minded, to perform visual inspection

• And although these activities cannot replace the suggested service schedule recommended by the manufacturer, they do offer increased protection for both you and your car in between dealer visit

• Video

How to perform visual inspection

• Daily check – walk around your vehicle before you start the journey and check if:

− Tyres are free of visual defect

− Pressure in Tyres appear adequate, tyres not flat of excessive low in pressure

− Wheels apper upright

− Windscreen and mirros are clean and free of defects

− Lamps and indicators are free of defects and functional

Awareness –vehicle in safe conditionAwareness –vehicle in safe condition

Awareness –vehicle in safe conditionAwareness –vehicle in safe condition

Check fluids in the vehicle

• Engine oil

• Coolant

• Windscreen washing

• Brake fluid

Engine oil –weekly check

• Oil is the life blood of your car. Without is, you would not make three miles

• Checking your car's oil level is the single most important thing you can do to extend the life of your car's engine.

Awareness –vehicle in safe conditionAwareness –vehicle in safe condition

Awareness –vehicle in safe conditionAwareness –vehicle in safe condition

Brake Fluid –weekly check

level between low and max

Coolant – weekly check

level between low and max

Windscreen wash –top up only

Make sure concentration of the fluid is such that fluid can’t freeze in winter

Awareness –vehicle in safe conditionAwareness –vehicle in safe condition

Tires – weekly check for:

• Pressure - follow OEM’s recommendation

•Tread depth – minimum 1.6 mm

•Defects

Carry out regular vehicle inspections with the help of a checklist

Vehicle check points

Awareness –vehicle in safe conditionAwareness –vehicle in safe condition

Safety belt inspection

First aid kit

Road safety kit

Check condition of the windscreen wipers

Test your knowledge

Question no.1:You should check your oil level when....A)The engine is runningB)The engine is off but on its normal running temperatureC)The engine is off and the oil is cold

Question no.2:Incorrect tire pressure can cause....A)Unbalanced handlingB)Dangerous heat build upC)Poor fuel economyD)All of the above

Question no.3:Which of the warning lights on the picture means you should have your brake pads checked?A) AB) BC) C

Question no.4:What does this symbol mean?A)Your car needs to go to the workshopB)Your car’s coolant level needs topping upC)Your car’s battery needs changing

Awareness, plan your journey aheadAwareness, plan your journey ahead

• Think ahead where you are going

− Check the map, download the journey plan or set your navigation device

• Consider weather conditions. Journey can take much take longer if weather conditions are bad.

• Check ahead the conditions on the roads you’ll use. Understand if there are any obstacles or any detours. Call your local motorist society and seek their advice.

Awareness, plan your journey aheadAwareness, plan your journey ahead

• Consider if you‘ll need any special accessories for your car e.g. chains in the winter.

• Start your journey on time

• If your driving would be long, consider use of alternative transport (train, airplane)

Test your knowledge

Question no.1: In heavy rain it is best to...A)Only brake when you have toB)Ride the brake pedal to keep the disc free of waterC)Apply the brakes time to time

Question no.2:Do you know what number to call in the Emergency?

Driver fatigue is a physiological and psychological condition that can greatly affect your driving judgment and abilities.

Driver fatigue not only impacts your alertness and response time but also increases your chances of being involved in car accidents.

Awareness,make sure you’ll be well restedAwareness,make sure you’ll be well rested

See a video

Symptoms of driver fatigue:

• overall sleepy,

• groggy or

• exhausted feeling

Awareness,make sure you’ll be well restedAwareness,make sure you’ll be well rested

Who suffers from fatigue?

• Everybody.

• Anybody who hasn't had a good night's sleep

• Young people aged 16 to 29 are at higher risk for driver fatigue

• Males are more likely than females to suffer from the disorder

High-Risk Times of Day for Driver Fatigue

There are certain times of the day and night when our energy levels naturally dip.

These circadian rhythms are part of a normal sleep/wake cycle.

In reaction to these dips, between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., drivers are more at risk for experiencing driver fatigue.

Awareness,make sure you’ll be well restedAwareness,make sure you’ll be well rested

How to Prevent Driver Fatigue

• Avoid alcohol, which contributes to sleepiness, large meals and any medications that might make you drowsy.

Awareness,make sure you’ll be well restedAwareness,make sure you’ll be well rested

• Remember to stay hydrated, get a lot of fresh air and incorporate environmental stimuli when possible (music, conversation, etc.).

• Establish a realistic driving plan, one that does not require you to drive long periods without a good night's sleep and healthy breaks.

• Share the driving whenever possible and try to really rest when it isn't your turn to drive.

Awareness,make sure you’ll be well restedAwareness,make sure you’ll be well rested

• The number one way to prevent driver fatigue is to get enough sleep. This means sleeping for at least six to nine hours each night.

• When driving, take a break at least every two hours. During your breaks nap, eat a snack, drink a caffeinated beverage, etc.

Owners of the Q initiativesTest your knowledge

Q1: I can tell when I'm going to go to sleep.

True or False?

Q2: I'm a safe driver so it doesn't matter if I'm sleepy

Q3: You can stockpile sleep on the weekends.

Q4: Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night.

Q5: Being sleepy makes you misperceive things

Q6: Young people need less sleep

Q7: Wandering, disconnected thoughts are a warning sign of driver fatigue.

Q8: A micro sleep lasts four or five seconds.

Q9: On a long trip, the driver should never take a break but try to arrive at the destination as quickly as possible.

Owners of the Q initiativesAwareness – Don’t drink and driveAwareness – Don’t drink and drive

• Any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive.

• There is no foolproof way of drinking and staying under the limit, or of knowing how much an individual person can drink and still drive safely.

Owners of the Q initiativesAwareness – Don’t drink and driveAwareness – Don’t drink and drive

Each person's tolerance to alcohol depends on a range of factors including:

• Weight • Gender • Age • Metabolism • Current stress levels • Whether they have eaten recently • Amount of alcohol

Owners of the Q initiativesAwareness – Don’t drink and driveAwareness – Don’t drink and drive

The only safe option is not to drink alcohol if you plan to drive, and never offer an alcoholic drink to someone else who is intending to drive.

Test your knowledge

Q1: Most alcohol consumed passes out of the body when you go on the toilet

True or False?

Q2: The effect of one pint of beer on a person wear off after half an hour

Q3: Black coffee will help you to sober up after drinking to much alcohol

Q4: Food in the stomach slows down the rate at which alcohol has it’s effects

Q5: A small person is more affected by alcohol than a larger person

Q6: After drinking the equivalent of 4 pins of beer, the likelihood of having an accidents is at least 30 times greater