HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2017-10-19, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017.
Tips to lessen stress, dama
e caused by breakdowns
Keeping safe on the roadside
Few driving experiences can be as stressful as a vehicular breakdown mid -trip. Aside from
immediately being waylaid from their destination, drivers can also find themselves on the
roadside facing high velocity traffic and having nowhere to turn for help until a mechanic or tow
service arrives. Some tips and tricks can alleviate the stress and danger faced during a an
automotive breakdown including using hazard lights, popping the hood and trunk to make the
vehicle more visible and road flares. (MS photo)
MS — Knowing what to do when a
car breaks down can make such
unfortunate situations much less
stressful for drivers. Smartphones
and WIFI networks may make it less
stressful to cope with broken down
vehicles.
However, WIFI networks are not
always accessible in remote
locations, so drivers would be wise
to revisit these tips for handling
broken down vehicles, courtesy of
Esurance, in advance of their next
road trip.
• Turn on hazard lights. Hazard
lights inform other drivers that
something is wrong with your
vehicle and the sight of hazard lights
typically compels fellow motorists
to give drivers a wide berth and
facilitate their moving off of the
roadway.
• Attempt to get off the highway.
After turning on their hazard lights,
drivers who know or suspect
something is wrong with their
vehicles should try to get off the
highway. Move into the right-hand
lane as soon as possible, ultimately
trying to get onto the shoulder. Avoid
the left-hand shoulder if possible, as
the left lane is a passing lane and
motorists likely won't be expecting
vehicles in this area of the highway.
• Turn the steering wheel away
from the road. Broken down
vehicles are unpredictable, and
drivers may not have the luxury of
pulling over onto flat road surfaces.
Turning the steering wheel away
Plan for off-roading
MS — Off-road driving is a fun
hobby for many drivers. Such
driving requires more than turning
the wheel and seeking adventure.
Knowledge of how to traverse
unpaved roadways and having the
proper equipment can help off-
roading enthusiasts avoid pitfalls.
Anyone new to off-roading should
know the basics, but even
experienced off-roading enthusiasts
can benefit from brushing up on
their skills.
EQUIPMENT
A vehicle equipped to traverse
unpaved roads is a necessity.
Although many SUVs and trucks
are promoted for outdoor living,
many need some modifications to
handle the rigor of off-roading.
While aftermarket experts can help
motorists prepare their vehicles for
off-road excursions, drivers should
know that the wheelbase and
clearance of their vehicles may need
to be adjusted. Modifying traction
control, choosing the right tires (and
possibly lowering the air pressure
for more grip) and determining if
axle strength is sufficient are
additional considerations.
Engines might need to be tuned
for slower speeds. In addition,
Continued on page 15
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from the road prevents it from
rolling into traffic if drivers are
forced to pull over on an incline.
• Be especially careful before
exiting the vehicle. Exiting a broken
down vehicle can be very dangerous,
especially when drivers are forced to
pull over on busy highways. Drivers
who have pulled over into the right
shoulder should wait to exit the car
until there is ample time for them to
get out and safely make it to the
shoulder. If necessary, crawl across
the front seat and exit using the
passenger -side door. All passengers
should exit the vehicle on the
passenger -side if the car has been
pulled onto the right shoulder.
• Call for help. Only after they
have safely gotten their vehicles off
the highway should drivers call for
help. Passengers may want to avoid
calling until the car is off the road as
well, as it can make for faster relief
if callers wait until they know their
exact location to call for help.
• Set up flares or triangles
behind the vehicle. If it's safe to do
so, set up flares or triangles behind
the vehicle. If the flares or triangles
are buried in the trunk, drivers can
ask a passenger to serve as lookout
and warn them if they need to get
away from the vehicle.
• Pop the hood. An opened hood
is another indicator that a vehicle is
broken down and can be especially
valuable to drivers who do not have
flares or triangles.
• Wait for help. Do not attempt to
fix the vehicle on the side of the
highway. Doing so leaves
drivers vulnerable to oncoming
motorists.
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