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Vehicle Care
Good driving starts with proper vehicle maintenance. The following items
should be checked regularly as part of your pre trip, enroot and post trip
inspections:
• Brakes
• Belts (fan, alternator and A/C)
• Tires and tire pressure
• Engine fluids (motor oil, coolant, power steering)
• Lights (tractor & trailer must be per trip)
• Wiper blades
• Windshield and window cleanliness
Cell Phones
Cell phones are very popular and many people now own one. Research indicates
that the use of cell phones while operating a vehicle is a safety hazard.
Some research indicates a driver's reaction time is slowed by three to four
times while using a cell phone. The best and safest situation is to stopped
when using the phone.
Driver Conditions
Being sleepy is dangerous when you are behind the wheel. Sleepiness slows
reaction time, decreases awareness and impairs judgment. The following are
some danger signs for drowsy drivers:
• Your eyes close or go out of focus by themselves.
• You have trouble keeping your head up.
• You can't stop yawning.
• You have wandering, disconnected thoughts.
• You don't remember driving the last few miles.
• You missed your exit.
• You keep driving out of your lane.
• Your speed becomes variable
Tips for staying awake:
• Get plenty of rest.
• Avoid driving at night if possible.
• Adjust your vehicle's environment to stay alert. { seat, radio, .....}
• Watch your posture.
• Take frequent breaks and exercise.
• Stop for light meals and snacks.
• Don't allow your eyes to become fatigued and hypnotized. Wear sunglasses
in daylight to fight glare.
• Break the monotony.
• If all else fails, pull over to a safe and secure
area and sleep.
Safe Following Distance
• One way to practice safe driving is to allow plenty of space between you
and the other vehicles. Read more on
Road-Tips
Approaching Intersections
Most accidents occur at intersections, and within two to three seconds after
the light changes. Follow these tips to avoid many intersection accidents:
• As you approach any uncontrolled intersection, never assume the other
driver is going to yield. Cover your brake with your right foot and prepare
to stop.
• If you are approaching an intersection where the light has been green for
a while, cover your brake and prepare to stop.
• If you are stopped at an intersection with a traffic light and it turns
green, wait. Make sure the traffic has stopped. Never assume. Look left,
right and back left before proceeding through the intersection.
• Always look for pedestrians at intersections.
And be fit to drive before you
start driving. Else you endanger other road users!
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