We call security to the set of Means, Measures, Norms and Personal Actions that have as purpose that the trip takes place as planned. We understand by means: The car, the road, the gasoline, the wheels, etc. By MEASURES: All those provisions that order, advise or take the Government, the Headquarters of Traffic and other official Institutions. RULES: these are the set of attitudes and behaviors that, without being mandatory, are advised by the Security Experts, Car Manufacturing Companies, or by the Company itself. PERSONAL ACTIONS: are all those activities and forms of conduct, correct or incorrect, that we practice during the trip. Safe driving reaches a greater dimension when talking about DEFENSIVE DRIVING. DRIVING: is to dominate the car, steer it and control its movement and speed.
CIRCULAR: is the knowledge of the rules and measures dictated and their application and compliance in each case. The Inter-American Security Council defines Defensive Driving as "driving without accidents despite the wrong actions of others and adverse conditions." Defensive Driving aims to achieve greater traffic safety through: Compulsory (ITV) and periodic vehicle reviews. Adequate equipment (spare parts, accessories, documentation, etc.) Trip planning and itinerary analysis with forecast of loose time. Appropriate personal conditions (physical and / or emotional) Driving Domain. Forecast of probable incidents (emergencies, breakdowns, third parties, obstacles) Knowledge and compliance with standards and measures. Respect, courtesy and image.
Start the trip having rested sufficiently. Avoid driving immediately after eating. Try to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, drugs or other substances that may diminish the faculties of the driver. Some medications can cause drowsiness and loss of reflexes. Consult with the doctor. If glasses are needed, carry spare.
Before using a vehicle we must ensure that it has been checked and that it is in perfect working order. Check, prior to use: brakes, steering, lights, tire pressure and tire drawing (including spare wheel), water and oil levels. Periodically replace: engine oil, filters (air and oil), spark plugs and timing belt. Good preventive maintenance can prevent accidents and breakdowns. Submit the vehicle to the Technical Inspection when appropriate. Bring the necessary spare parts and accessories. Always carry the documentation of the vehicle, its insurance and the driver's own. Keep the mirrors and mirrors clean. Check the license plates, integrity, numbering and cleaning. Check the condition of the windshield wiper, tires and fastener.
Thinking about making a brief and concise compendium of the best basic tips for safe driving behind the wheel, our professionals reveal nine tips that we consider ideal for any inexperienced or competent driver:
1. The tires: the importance of drawing One of the key elements for optimal driving is the condition of the tires, since they are the only element of the vehicle that makes contact with the floor.That is why the depth of the drawing of these must be greater than five millimeters to have optimum adhesion. Likewise, the tire pressure must be checked periodically, which differs in each vehicle and must be cold calibrated.
2. Aquaplaneo: when the vehicle becomes a "boat" "Aquaplaneo", or movement on surfaces with water, generally occurs when the tires have lost adhesion with the pavement and float on a layer of water. Although in these cases it is very difficult to regain control of the vehicle, the damage can be reduced by gently accelerating and avoiding any sudden movement.
3. Driving position: not wanting to impress you drive faster The height of the seat should allow the greatest visibility, and the space between the head and the ceiling should be about ten centimeters. As for the distance of the legs and the pedals, the ideal is for the heel to step on the floor and be firm; in this way, the driver can use the force necessary to perform an emergency braking in case it is required. On the other hand, the backrest adjusts almost to 90 degrees and the wrists must pass over the steering wheel; This allows the driver to have better control, be faster in his movements and be able to react faster in case he has to maneuver untimely.
4. Seat belt: the pull that is needed The use of the seat belt is a fundamental element to drive properly; However, few know a little secret that can increase its effectiveness: you have to give a small pull up. This movement will adjust the belt between the shoulder and the trapezoid, which will prevent the movement of the driver's body and provide greater security, confidence and stability.
5. Mirrors: let's eliminate the blind spot The side mirrors should open as much as possible to avoid the blind spot. In doing so, the driver must set as a reference point that the handle or the last part of the vehicle are still visible. Do not work under high loads.
6. Take care of the position of the hands If we imagine that the steering wheel is like a clock, the right hand should be placed at "three o'clock" (90 degrees) and the left at nine (270 degrees) for three reasons: a) The first is for convenience, since various vehicles have controls that are easily available to the driver by having their hands in this position. b) Safety is the second factor: in the event of an accident, this position will allow the air bag to exit properly. c) Finally it allows us to have greater control of the vehicle by increasing the turning radius.
7. How to take the curves properly The first task to take a curve is to look ahead, which will allow us to analyze the path and determine what the necessary movements will be. Braking should be done gradually - if required - and in a straight line; subsequently, the brake must be released gradually and begin to turn. The driver should be gentle with the throttle, since suddenly releasing it changes the center of gravity of the vehicle.
8. Emergency braking: don't panic dominate you Most drivers turn the steering wheel aggressively when they detect an unexpected element on the road, which aggravates the situation because they lose control of the vehicle. The most appropriate strategy for these cases is to brake strongly in a straight line, and take a very fine turn in one direction to try to avoid the impact. The same applies to emergency braking: the driver must step on the brake with full force (that is, do not dose the effort) in a straight line and keep the steering firm.
9. understeer: the turns you don't want to take The understeer is the loss of adhesion of the front tires and usually occurs when the driver enters a corner very quickly, but the vehicle does not respond properly and is followed straight ahead. In this case, the problem will be aggravated if the driver turns the steering wheel further, thereby contributing more to the loss of grip and the vehicle will go even more head-on without control. Therefore, it is advisable to stop accelerating and keep the direction firm.
