Sydneycarwrecker.com.au reminds consumers to slow down this summer while travelling by vehicle and follow these 10 points to avoid accidents.
A National Safety Council study published last month shows that seat belt use varies broadly from state to state and the need for drivers buckling up continues to be the first element of traffic mishaps across Australia.
In 2018, an estimated 9,500 people died needlessly because they were not using seat belts. As more and more Australians hit roadways and improve highway congestion this hard-working summer season, Sydney Car Wrecker reminds consumers to slow down and follow these important points to stop accidents to a minimum:
- Pull into traffic slowly. Stop, Look, Listen. Be aware of hidden spots, including those in rearview mirrors and behind windshield pillars or highway road symbols. Also, when at a crossing doing a right-hand turn, look at both areas at least double before the performance. Vehicles can seem almost out of nowhere very swiftly, so exercise caution when pulling into a busy intersection.
- Watch for red-light runners. Count to three before entering an intersection on a green light. Look both directions and be sure no one is trying to speed through a yellow light. Exercise caution when passing semis. Truck drivers have a huge blind place on their right-hand side, so be extremely cautious when running next to an 18-wheeler. If you cannot see the truck’s side mirrors, the truck driver cannot see you.
- Keep at most limited one hand on the steering wheel. Reduce in-car distractions such as improving radio stations or CDs, cell phones, eating or immediately taking a hand off the wheel. A gust of wind, pothole or a blown tire could send the vehicle into another lane and cause a serious collision.
- Watch for kids. Children and animals have a way of quickly jumping out from between impounded cars and into roadways. If you are driving in a residential area with kids present, watch carefully and slow down.
- Perform engine carrying regularly. Avoid unexpected stalls or another vehicle failure by changing the oil daily and keeping tires properly stretched.
- Scan 12 seconds ahead. Always concentrate on the area where you will be driving in 10-12 seconds. For highway driving, keep located far enough from other vehicles so if someone were to suddenly stop or swerve, you could withdraw them.
- Look backwards when backing out. Fender benders in parking lots are all too common, so look out for vehicles leaving parking spaces. Don’t depend on mirrors alone — physically look over your right shoulder while steering to alleviate obstructed points mirrors can create.
- Do not tailgate. Leave a three-second cushion between you and the car in front of you and begin your trip quick just so you don’t speed to make up time. As attractive as it may be when in a hurry, tailgating is an important element of collisions.
- Be polite to other drivers. No one owns the paths, so approach others with honour and record any unusual driving action to authorities.
