HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2016-04-28, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016.
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New safety techniques replace older driving practices
Tips and tricks
From new steering wheel practices to which lanes are used for which, there are plenty of
evolving rules and tips for safe drivers to heed. Keeping up to date on car safety tips makes
for safer, more enjoyable road trips. (Photo submitted)
MS — Driving today is different
than it might have been when many
motorists first earned their drivers'
licences. As a result, safe driving
techniques have changed.
Learning these changes and
adjusting driving habits can keep
motorists and their passengers safe.
• Watch the clock: Older
guidelines indicated keeping hands
on the steering wheel at the positions
of 10 and 2 if you were imagining it
as a clock. New information
indicates this can be dangerous to
the arms and hands should the air
bag deploy in a crash. Studies now
say you should grip the wheel at the
9 and 3 positions, which safely
allows drivers to maintain control of
their vehicles.
• Change your turns: Air bag
safety also comes into play when
making turns. Rather than the
formerly taught way of hand -over-
hand turning, drivers should push
with one hand and pull with the
other to steer the wheel — safely
keeping their hands away from the
plastic casing and the possible
release of heat and pressure from an
exploding air bag.
• Use hazard lights only when
real hazards are encountered:
Some people are very generous in
their use of hazard lights, turning
them on when double-parking, in
bad weather or when they are
carrying a heavy load. Various states
and areas have specific laws
governing the use of hazard lights,
including when and when not to use
them.
Hazard lights may inadvertently
put drivers in danger because they
can override turning signals. Some
other drivers have become so
accustomed to seeing hazard lights
that they may not take them
seriously. Esurance suggests
checking local laws to determine
which situations warrant using
hazard lights.
• Don't block the "fast lane":
The far -left lane has long been
considered the passing lane.
Although some police departments
have become more lenient in
allowing drivers to actually stay in
the left lane, it's still courteous to
use it as infrequently as possible.
When you do find yourself in the
left lane, recognize that you should
maintain highway speed or
accelerate slightly to get around the
car you need to pass. Driving slowly
in the left lane can compromise your
own safety and that of your
passengers and fellow drivers.
•Anticipate road conditions:
There are differences between
driving on rural roads, paved roads
and heavily trafficked highways,
especially during inclement weather
or when encountering adverse
conditions.
There's no magic speed or
technique that is ideal all of the time.
Drivers need to learn to adapt to the
Vehicle signals not to be ignored
MS — Vehicles rely on many
components working harmoniously
to function at optimal capacity. Any
number of systems can go wrong,
and oftentimes the first indication
that something has gone awry is an
illuminated dashboard signal.
One such signal is the "check
engine" light. Many drivers have
little idea what to do when this
indicator lights up, and this light can
cause some anxiety.
According to Consumer Reports, a
check engine light turning on does
not usually require immediate
action. However, it does mean that
you should make an appointment to
have the vehicle inspected for
potential problems.
Check engine lights are part of a
car's onboard diagnostics. The light
turning on may indicate something
minor, such as a loose fuel cap, or
something more serious like a
misfiring engine. When the light
turns on, drivers wondering why
may want to see if the answer is
related to one of the following
issues.
• Loose gas cap: Fuel vapours can
leak out and air can get in when the
fuel cap isn't secured correctly. This
can compromise the fuel system and
make the check engine light come
on. Take off the cap and then reseal
it to see if that alleviates the
problem. Cracked caps will need to
be replaced.
• Dirty oxygen sensor: A faulty or
clogged sensor may not provide the
right information about unburned
oxygen from the vehicle's exhaust.
This sensor monitors how much fuel
is burned.
Compromised data can cause a
decrease in fuel efficiency. Some do-
it-yourselfers can replace an oxygen
sensor on their own, but those who
can't should have the issue
addressed immediately by a
professional.
• Too much speed or load:
Towing a trailer or another heavy
item may put strain on the vehicle
and cause the light to come on
because of loss of power. Lightening
the load and reducing speed can help
fix the problem. Always consult with
the owner's manual to determine the
towing capacity of your vehicle.
• Short or faulty code:
Computers aren't always fool -proof,
and sometimes an electrical short or
another similar problem can cause a
light to come on. Bring the vehicle
to an automotive supply store. Such
stores typically have diagnostics
tools that can be hooked into the
car's computer and provide a more
detailed understanding of what is
triggering the check engine
indicator.
In many cases, a steady check
engine light is not a serious concern.
However, when such a light comes
on, drivers should try to find out why
as soon as possible.
Get your car or truck ready for
the warm weather
a, book your Spring tune-up
• General Repairs & Maintenance
• Brakes • Tune -Ups
• Repairs to all makes and models of cars & trucks
McClinchey
South End Auto
Wayne McClinchey
82991 London Road, South of Blyth
519-523-4424
conditions to facilitate safe passage.
Keep in mind that it can be difficult
to stop on gravel, wet roadways or
those covered with leaves.
• Avoid the big rush: Always try
to leave extra time to reach a
destination. This way you will not
have to speed or make tricky
manoeuvers to get to an appointment
on time. Rushing around can lead to
distractions or unsafe practices.
Reduce your accident risk by
building extra time into your trip.
Driving rules are not static, and
drivers should stay current on
practices that are safe and those that
are no longer correct to use on the
roadways.
SJ dot
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