Click for More.
With the un-official summer driving season due to begin this Memorial Day weekend, here’s a NON-CRASH COURSE in safe driving. Harmless driving is more than keeping a gas tank sufficiently full. Always plan enough time on long trips to stop, to stretch, get something to eat, return calls or text messages, and change drivers or rest if you feel drowsy. Above all don’t drive distracted; defy speed limits, and do drive sober. Both alcohol and drugs whether legal or illicit can cause impairment. It is illegal to drive impaired by any substance in all states – no exceptions. They can and do ruin the skills critical for safe and responsible driving such as coordination, judgment, perception, and reaction time.
“A little planning and some safety checks might spare you from dealing with the consequences of a breakdown — or worse, a highway crash,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said today. “Before heading out, check the weather, road conditions, and traffic. Don’t rush through your trip; allow plenty of time to get to your destination safely. And always familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go, even if you use a GPS, and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.”
NHTSA Suggestions
Check for Recalls – NHTSA’s Recalls Look-up Tool lets you enter your license plate or vehicle identification number (VIN) to quickly learn if your vehicle has a critical safety issue, and, if so, steps for free repairs. You can also download NHTSA’s SaferCarapp and enter your vehicle and equipment information. If a recall is issued, you’ll get an alert on your phone.
Tires – Make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, which is listed in your owner’s manual and on a placard located on the driver’s door pillar or door frame; and don’t forget to check your spare if your vehicle is equipped with one. To get an accurate reading, check pressure when tires are cold, meaning they haven’t been driven on for at least three hours. Do not inflate your tires to the pressure listed on the tire itself — that number is the maximum pressure the tire can hold, not the recommended pressure for your vehicle. A tire doesn’t have to be punctured to lose air; all tires naturally lose some air over time. Underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure.
- Inspect your tires at least once a month and before long road trips. Look closely at your tread and replace tires that have uneven wear or insufficient tread. Tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch or greater on all tires. Look for the built-in wear bar indicators or use the penny test to determine when it’s time to replace your tires. Place a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your vehicle needs new tires.
- If you find uneven wear across the tires’ tread, it means your tires need rotation and/or your wheels need to be aligned before you travel.
- Check each tire’s age. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing tires every six years regardless of use.
- Since electric vehicles are typically heavier than gas-powered vehicles, they require EV-specific tires to bear the weight, maximize performance and electric range, all while minimizing tire noise. Whether the vehicle is gas-powered, electric-powered, or a hybrid, all tires require similar maintenance. Low-rolling-resistance tires for conventional vehicles could also have lower tread life.
Cooling System – Make sure you have enough coolant inside your vehicle, and that the coolant meets the manufacturer’s specifications. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for specific recommendations. You or a mechanic should check the cooling system for leaks, test the coolant, and drain or replace old coolant as needed.
Fluid Levels – If you drive a conventional vehicle or a hybrid, be sure to check your vehicle’s oil level periodically. If it’s around the time to have the oil changed, now would be a good time to do it. Also check fluid levels in the following:
- brake
- automatic transmission or clutch
- power steering (if hydraulic)
- windshield washer
Make sure each reservoir is full; if you see any signs of fluid leakage, take your vehicle in to be serviced. Remember, if you drive an electric vehicle, be sure to check applicable fluid levels, too!
Batteries
Have a mechanic check your battery and charging system, and make any necessary repairs or replacements. For hybrid-electric vehicles, keep gasoline in the tank to support the gasoline engine. See NHTSA’s Hybrid and Electric Vehicle guide for more information on high-voltage batteries.
Lights
Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights. Be sure to also check your trailer brake lights and turn signals, if necessary.
Wiper Blades
After the heavy toll imposed by winter storms and spring rains, windshield wiper blades may need to be replaced. Like rubber belts and hoses, wiper blades are vulnerable to the summer heat. Examine your blades for signs of wear and tear on both sides. The blades can also deform and fail to work properly in both directions. If they aren’t in top condition, buy new ones before you go.
Floor Mats
Improperly installed floor mats in your vehicle may interfere with the operation of the accelerator or brake pedal, increasing the risk of a crash. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mat installation and use retention clips to secure the mat. Always use mats that are the correct size and fit for your vehicle.
Stock Your Vehicle
Even a well-maintained vehicle can break down, so it’s advisable to put together an emergency roadside kit to carry with you. A cell phone tops the list of suggested emergency kit contents since it allows you to call for help when and where you need it. Recommended emergency roadside kit contents include:
- Cell phone and charger
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Flares and a white flag
- Jumper cables
- Tire pressure gauge
- Jack (and ground mat) for changing a tire
- Work gloves and a change of clothes
- Basic repair tools and some duct tape (for temporarily repairing a hose leak)
- Water and paper towels for cleaning up
- Nonperishable food, drinking water, and medicines
- Extra windshield washer fluid
- Maps
- Emergency blankets, towels and coats
Plan Your Route
Before buckling up, check the weather, road conditions, and traffic. Don’t rush through your trip; allow plenty of time to get to your destination safely. And always familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go, even if you use a GPS, and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.
Protect Everyone
Seat Belts
Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. Ensure that everyone else in your vehicle is buckled up in age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, or seat belts.
Car Seats
- Remember that all children under age 13 should always ride correctly buckled in the back seat of the car.
- Make sure car seats and booster seats are correctly installed and that any children riding with you are in the right seat for their ages and sizes. See NHTSA’s child passenger safety recommendations to find the right seat for your child’s age and size.
- Visit NHTSA’s Child Car Seat Inspection Station Locator to find a free car seat inspection station near you or to get information on virtual inspection options.
- Never leave your child unattended in or around a vehicle.
- Always remember to lock your vehicle and to keep your keys out of reach so children do not play or get trapped inside.
- Remember to always check the back seat before you leave the car.
Backing Out and Parking
Before you back out of a driveway or parking spot, prevent backovers by walking around your vehicle to check for children running and playing. When using a backup camera, remember that kids, pets, and objects may be out of view but still in the path of your vehicle. When children play, they are often oblivious to cars and trucks around them. They may believe that drivers will watch out for them. Furthermore, every vehicle has a blind zone. As the size and height of a vehicle increases, so does the “blind zone” area. Large vehicles, trucks, SUVs, RVs, and vans are more likely than cars to be involved in backovers.
Safe Summer Driving – 2024 Memorial Day Weekend Tips
Click for More.
With the un-official summer driving season due to begin this Memorial Day weekend, here’s a NON-CRASH COURSE in safe driving. Harmless driving is more than keeping a gas tank sufficiently full. Always plan enough time on long trips to stop, to stretch, get something to eat, return calls or text messages, and change drivers or rest if you feel drowsy. Above all don’t drive distracted; defy speed limits, and do drive sober. Both alcohol and drugs whether legal or illicit can cause impairment. It is illegal to drive impaired by any substance in all states – no exceptions. They can and do ruin the skills critical for safe and responsible driving such as coordination, judgment, perception, and reaction time.
“A little planning and some safety checks might spare you from dealing with the consequences of a breakdown — or worse, a highway crash,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said today. “Before heading out, check the weather, road conditions, and traffic. Don’t rush through your trip; allow plenty of time to get to your destination safely. And always familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go, even if you use a GPS, and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.”
NHTSA Suggestions
Check for Recalls – NHTSA’s Recalls Look-up Tool lets you enter your license plate or vehicle identification number (VIN) to quickly learn if your vehicle has a critical safety issue, and, if so, steps for free repairs. You can also download NHTSA’s SaferCarapp and enter your vehicle and equipment information. If a recall is issued, you’ll get an alert on your phone.
Tires – Make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, which is listed in your owner’s manual and on a placard located on the driver’s door pillar or door frame; and don’t forget to check your spare if your vehicle is equipped with one. To get an accurate reading, check pressure when tires are cold, meaning they haven’t been driven on for at least three hours. Do not inflate your tires to the pressure listed on the tire itself — that number is the maximum pressure the tire can hold, not the recommended pressure for your vehicle. A tire doesn’t have to be punctured to lose air; all tires naturally lose some air over time. Underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure.
Cooling System – Make sure you have enough coolant inside your vehicle, and that the coolant meets the manufacturer’s specifications. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for specific recommendations. You or a mechanic should check the cooling system for leaks, test the coolant, and drain or replace old coolant as needed.
Fluid Levels – If you drive a conventional vehicle or a hybrid, be sure to check your vehicle’s oil level periodically. If it’s around the time to have the oil changed, now would be a good time to do it. Also check fluid levels in the following:
Make sure each reservoir is full; if you see any signs of fluid leakage, take your vehicle in to be serviced. Remember, if you drive an electric vehicle, be sure to check applicable fluid levels, too!
Batteries
Have a mechanic check your battery and charging system, and make any necessary repairs or replacements. For hybrid-electric vehicles, keep gasoline in the tank to support the gasoline engine. See NHTSA’s Hybrid and Electric Vehicle guide for more information on high-voltage batteries.
Lights
Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights. Be sure to also check your trailer brake lights and turn signals, if necessary.
Wiper Blades
After the heavy toll imposed by winter storms and spring rains, windshield wiper blades may need to be replaced. Like rubber belts and hoses, wiper blades are vulnerable to the summer heat. Examine your blades for signs of wear and tear on both sides. The blades can also deform and fail to work properly in both directions. If they aren’t in top condition, buy new ones before you go.
Floor Mats
Improperly installed floor mats in your vehicle may interfere with the operation of the accelerator or brake pedal, increasing the risk of a crash. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mat installation and use retention clips to secure the mat. Always use mats that are the correct size and fit for your vehicle.
Stock Your Vehicle
Even a well-maintained vehicle can break down, so it’s advisable to put together an emergency roadside kit to carry with you. A cell phone tops the list of suggested emergency kit contents since it allows you to call for help when and where you need it. Recommended emergency roadside kit contents include:
Plan Your Route
Before buckling up, check the weather, road conditions, and traffic. Don’t rush through your trip; allow plenty of time to get to your destination safely. And always familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go, even if you use a GPS, and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.
Protect Everyone
Seat Belts
Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. Ensure that everyone else in your vehicle is buckled up in age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, or seat belts.
Car Seats
Backing Out and Parking
Before you back out of a driveway or parking spot, prevent backovers by walking around your vehicle to check for children running and playing. When using a backup camera, remember that kids, pets, and objects may be out of view but still in the path of your vehicle. When children play, they are often oblivious to cars and trucks around them. They may believe that drivers will watch out for them. Furthermore, every vehicle has a blind zone. As the size and height of a vehicle increases, so does the “blind zone” area. Large vehicles, trucks, SUVs, RVs, and vans are more likely than cars to be involved in backovers.