Safe Driving Tips
HOW TO SURVIVE A BREAKDOWN
You are driving your car when suddenly it stalls. You could be on your way to work, school, to a meeting - anywhere. Despite precautions, sometimes cars just won't start or they stall in the middle of a trip. Act calmly and follow these safety procedures to help you through what can be a frightening situation.
GET OUT OF THE WAY
Your first concern is to avoid being hit by other vehicles. Check to see if you've run out of gas. If you cannot start your car at all, put on your emergency hazard lights. Carefully get out of the car if it's safe to do so. If traffic will stop for you and you're strong enough or have help, put your car in neutral and steer it to the far right side of the street.
If it's impossible to move your car, or you are alone in a remote area, leave your flashers on, raise the hood of your car and tie a white handkerchief or flag on the antenna or driver's door.
It is not worth risking your safety to go for help. Many automobile sunscreens have a "send help" message on the back. Put the sign on the rear window of your car.
WHAT MAKES A CAR STALL?
Most stalls occur when your car runs out of gas, has a poorly tuned engine or has been driven through deep water. Other reasons might be a flooded engine, vapor lock or overheating.
If you were able to pull over, try idling your car. If the car still won't start, there's probably a problem with the battery.
Turn on your headlights to check this. If they are dim, your battery is probably too low, and you might need a jumpstart.
If you try to jumpstart the car yourself, always wear safety goggles. Never smoke or light matches when you work around you car's battery. Read the car's operating manual for specific instructions on how to jump the battery.
Cars that have on-board computers usually can't be repaired without the help of a professional mechanic.
STAY WARM
During the winter, don't try to walk very far for help. Severe cold can kill within a few hours. Unless you know a phone is not far away, stay in your car until help comes along.
If your car still does not start, your next step is to call whatever emergency number you may have for this situation, such as that of an auto club.
PREVENTION IS THE KEY
Regular maintenance of your car is an important part of preventing breakdowns. Good maintenance includes checking your car's oil and battery. In cold weather keep your gas tank nearly full.
EMERGENCY BREAKDOWN KITS
An emergency kit stocked with the following items can help you get through a breakdown.
* Flares
* Flashlight
* Chains, kitty litter or sand to use under tires stuck in snow
* A set of heavy-grade jumper cables
* Roll of electrical or duct tape to temporarily fix wires or hoses
* Sandpaper to clean battery terminals
* Pocketknife
* Tire gauge
* A couple of cans of tire inflator/sealant
* Tire jack
* Spare tire
* Quart of engine oil
* Windshield-washer fluid
* Mixture of anti-freeze and water
* Food supplies and blankets to keep warm
Do not keep alcohol for drinking in your emergency kit. Although alcohol might make you feel warm, it robs your body of heat and makes you more open to getting frostbite and hypothermia, a condition where your body temperature drops below normal.
[This article was reprinted with permission from SAFEDRIVER, published by National Safety Council, 444 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 and submitted by: Derek J. Ewing, Manager, E & E Defensive Driving Associates, Loudonville, New York]