You have just bought a new or used car and want to start a new era of driving safely? This article is made for you! Here are some tips to take care of your car while protecting your passengers and yourself.

Before leaving

It may seem obvious, but not many people actually do it so here’s a quick reminder of what to check on your vehicle. Do not start the voyage if your tire is smooth, have them changed before it’s too late. Go to a service station to check the pressure as well. You will find this information on your doorstep, by lifting the valve of your tank or in the maintenance book of your car. Two pressures are usually indicated, the first for normal use of your vehicle, the second when loaded. Take this into account when going on vacation. This takes only a few seconds and can change everything during sudden braking or driving on slippery surfaces.

On the way

Once on the road, put your hands at “10:10” on the steering wheel and drive carefully avoiding any distractions. Be sure to adapt your driving to traffic especially during departures on vacation. Speed ​​limits are not everything. When roads and highways are loaded, set your speed on the vehicles around you. Do not ride too slowly to avoid obstructions to traffic.

Another important point is the safety distances which, when they are not respected, lead to serious accidents. Keep in mind the “two seconds” rule to maintain an acceptable safe distance. It is very simple to apply: choose a fixed object in the distance like a traffic sign or a bridge and wait for the vehicle in front of you to pass up to it.

Then say “independence, independence” equivalent to two seconds. If you arrive at the marker before the end, you are too close. You can also follow the white stripes on the side of the road, 2 safety bands, 1 danger band as the signs say.

DRIVING IN RAIN OR IN STORMY WEATHER

During rain or heavy rain, in order to limit aquaplaning and circulate safely, we recommend that you:

• Lift the foot of the accelerator
• Check the condition and pressure of your tires often
• Respect the safety distances
• Stick to the speed signs
• Anticipate braking

We remind you of the speed limits on the wet road, namely, 70 mph for rural freeways, a 45 mph minimum speed limit, 65 mph for other 4 lane divided highways, and 55 mph for all other highways. 

 ADOPT A SAFE DAILY DRIVING

NIGHT DRIVING

It differs completely from daytime driving. We are often dazzled by the low beam or headlights of other vehicles. Here are some details:

Try not to look at the headlights of other cars

Reduce your speed

Change the position of your interior mirror. There is a night position.

TIRES: LOOK AT THE WEAR RATE AND CHECK THEIR PRESSURE

For a perfect grip, do not ride with under-inflated tires. You must follow the recommendations of tire manufacturers or manufacturers. Those that are recommended vary depending on your load at the back. Then increase the pressure of the tires in the same place. Depending on their wear rate you can swap your wheels. During a puncture, simply loosen the wheel, use your jack to replace it with your spare wheel. This must be checked regularly.

ADOPT RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR

DRUNK DRIVING

For your safety and that of your passengers, use a breathalyzer when leaving a restaurant (if you have drunk, of course). He will inform you about your alcohol level and during a control by the police, you will not be in violation. Thus, you will not be penalized with a fine.

Arizona is a no-tolerance state for DUIs, meaning you can be arrested with a blood-alcohol content higher than the legal limit of 0.08 percent, which means that you should not drink a single drink

MEDICATION AT THE WHEEL

Also watch out for drugs that can cause drowsiness and decreased reflexes.

 BEHAVIOR

In traffic jams, it is better to turn the engine off in order to consume less fuel and to avoid releases of particles to the environment. Try to control yourself by avoiding inadvertent honking, incivility and aggression at the wheel (we know, it’s not always easy).

TELEPHONE ON THE FLY

For your safety, it is forbidden to phone, drink or eat while driving (but you already know that). The Bluetooth hands-free kit is allowed. SMS are not allowed. We keep both hands on the wheel!

If you have a teenager at home, know that he can do driving accompanied. Like you, he must respect all speed limits as well as the Highway Code.

PREVENTION AND ROAD SAFETY

Do not hesitate to obtain brochures, documents and visit the websites of associations that aim to reduce the death rate and accidents. There are many organizations whose mission is to perform Crash Tests. Thus, by buying a new car with 5 stars, you can be sure that it has responded positively to all safety tests.

Now that you know all about our safety tips, the best you can want is to pay attention to yourself, your loved ones and other road users. To do this, check all equipment of your vehicle. Beware also of all users on motorbikes, bikes etc. Finally, if your tires are worn out, buy new ones!