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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2016-04-28, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016. pring nn onnE 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. 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