Road Safety & Security
Driving Safely
Driving is arguably a privilege, a reflection of one’s character and manners, and to some an art in itself. But drivers also have a responsibility to ensure that their right to drive does not put them in harm’s way or endanger the lives of others. To that effect, drivers can minimize the risk of accidents by subscribing to the following recommendations.
General Recommendations
Always obey traffic laws, as they are designed to protect you, your loved ones, and other drivers on the roads
Keep your eyes on the road and never turn around to talk to passengers sitting in the back seats
Hold the steering wheel with both hands at all times, in the optimal "10 o'clock – 2 o'clock" configuration
Never use a mobile phone when driving, as studies have shown a clear correlation between traffic accidents and the use of mobile phones when driving
When you need to use your mobile phone, park your car on the side of the road, and only where permitted
Avoid driving when feeling tired or sleepy, as it can seriously impede your ability to concentrate and keep your eyes on the road
Do not drink hot liquids in open containers while driving
Keep car audio volume at a level where you can still hear your own voice
Never rush or lose patience as stressful driving can reduce your focus and increase risk of collision and dangerous situations in general
Ensure that your car is well maintained, as car maintenance and regular check-ups keep your car in great condition and guaranty your security and peace of mind as well as the safety of others
Never drink and drive!
Handling Various On-Road Situations
Anticipate what might happen on the road by closely observing the movement of the traffic and pedestrians all around
Anticipate what might happen on the road by closely observing the movement of the traffic and pedestrians all around
Reduce speed when driving on unfamiliar roads or in unfavorable weather conditions such as rain, fog, snow, etc., as these factors significantly reduce visibility and increase the risks of losing control of the vehicle
Turn on the lights of your car between sunset and sunrise, as well as in all weather conditions where visibility is reduced
When entering a dark tunnel, turn on the lights of your car and remove any sunglasses you might be wearing
If your vehicle breaks down, turn on the warning lights (flashers) and avoid stopping in the middle of the road or right around a corner, so that other drivers can be able to see you and stop in time.
Driving in Varying Conditions
Have your headlights properly aimed. Misaimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road
Avoid smoking when you drive as cigarettes' nicotine and carbon monoxide hamper night vision
Turn off all interior lights, as any source of light inside the car will seem extremely bright and will make it more difficult to see
When driving behind another vehicle, maintain your headlights on low so as not to blind the driver ahead of you
If an oncoming vehicle doesn't lower its headlights from high to low, avoid glare by watching the right edge of the road and using it as a steering guide
Never overdrive the headlights of your vehicle and be sure that your vehicle is able to stop inside the illuminated area
Driving in Varying Conditions
Always make sure that your windshield wipers are fully functional before driving
De-fog and clean your windows before driving
Remember to reduce your speed, as it takes longer to stop or react in wet weather
Try to stay towards the middle lane, as water tends to pool in the outside lanes
Maintain sufficient distance with the car ahead of you and try to drive in its tracks
Avoid following large trucks or buses, as the spray created by their large wheels will reduce your vision
Avoid using the brakes to slow down, if possible, and take your foot off the accelerator instead
Be cautious after driving through deep puddles, as your brakes may not be as effective afterwards. When passing through a deep puddle, and before having to stop again, test your brakes by applying them lightly to dry them out (after verifying that no one is following you too closely)
Never use cruise control, as there is a chance that your car might actually accelerate if you "aquaplane"
Pull over and wait for the rain to stop if it's raining so hard that you can't see the road or the car in front of you
Avoid splashing pedestrians!
Driving in Varying Conditions
Always check the pressure of your vehicle's tires, as changes in temperature can affect them considerably
Check the antifreeze levels and the freeze line in your vehicle
Reduce your speed and allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the vehicle in front of you
Brake smoothly to avoid skidding, and if your wheels start to lock up, gently take your foot off the brake
Use low gears to keep traction, especially when driving up the mountains
Never use cruise control on icy roads
Don't assume that your vehicle can handle all conditions, as even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads!
Driving in Varying Conditions
Keep a safe distance with the vehicle in front of you
Keep an eye on your speedometer and reduce your speed considerably
Turn on your fog lights and use low beams, as high beams direct light up into the fog making it difficult for you to see
Always use your defroster and windscreen wipers in foggy conditions to keep the windows clear
Signal early when you have to, and avoid stomping on your brakes
Use the right edge of the road or painted road markings as a guide
Driving in Varying Conditions
Ensure that your tires do not show any cracks or bulges on the sidewalls, as rubber is more prone to failure in extreme heat
Check all hoses and belts made out of rubber in your vehicle for cracks, leaks, bulges, and areas where the rubber feels thin or wea
Verify the pressure on your vehicle's tires, as under or over-inflated tires are prone to blowouts under high temperature
Ensure that your vehicle's cooling system is in good working order and filled with the factory-recommended coolant mixture for extreme heat conditions
Never leave a toddler, a child, or an elderly person in a car parked in the heat
Avoid going off-track when driving in the desert
Deflate your tires a bit, for more control, when driving in the desert
Understanding Traffic Signs
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