Car Safety Tips

Car Safety Tips

When you’ve been driving for a while, it can be all too easy to fall into lazy habits. Waiting a bit too long to get your service done. Skipping out on getting that light on the dash sorted out. Perhaps not checking that the car seats are correctly fitted… an endless list maybe? Well, even if you have never been in an accident and in fact are an incredibly safe driver you still need to perform necessary safety checks on your vehicle. For example, how would you feel if your airbags didn’t deploy? Devastated.

So here are a few tips for you when it comes to car safety.

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

Seatbelts

A correctly fitted seat belt will save your life most of the time. But the amount of people who don’t wear them correctly, or don’t fix twists in them is pretty high. The Traffic Highway Safety Administration says that 15,000 lives are saved each year just by a properly fitted seat belt. Don’t be tempted to tuck your seatbelt under your armpits, or avoid the crossbody strap. During a collision the seatbelt will spread to force across your body, protecting your vital organs and spinal cord.

Car Seat

Poorly fitted car seats can be deadly. If you haven’t read the manual, then you simply shouldn’t be driving with your children in the car. Each age range has a specially designed car seat that will be able to protect their bodies during an accident. They provide support and protection in a way that shouldn’t be underestimated. It is advised that children should remain rear-facing for as long as possible. There are height and weight limits that you should take into account to. If you are in doubt, then go to a specialist fitter.

Multitasking is Asking For Trouble

Sipping hot coffee, eating and hold the wheel with one hand, text, reaching in your bag… all of these things most people are guilty of. You are lucky that you haven’t had an accident due to this. Switch your phone notifications off, or active driving mode – so that you will not be disturbed and tempted to pick up your mobile phone. If you are hungry then pull over and eat, if you are thirsty then try to have a cup with a straw which requires less attention. If you feel distracted simply pull over when you can do so safely.

Bike Aware

Due to the speed and size of motorbikes, it is easy to miss them. If you are by a bike rider or cyclist, then make sure you give them enough room as your safely pass or provide them with enough room to move by you. When you are making turns, even on roads you know, you should ‘think twice, think bike’ and give a second look. Yes, this might frustrate drivers behind you, but it could be the reason you don’t hit a motorcyclist.

People Focus

More often than you would like to think, people will step out from behind cars, directly into the road. Be vigilant when you are in typically high foot traffic areas.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.