 |
   |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
WELCOME to the Safety & Maintenance Tips pageThis page will be updated to provide educational tips for you as a valued customer of Road America.
What to do if your vehicle breaks down? Each year millions of motorists encounter some form of vehicle trouble. Whether it is a flat tire, battery failure or another type of vehicle failure, how you deal with your troubled vehicle can have a direct bearing on your own personal safety. No one ever likes to have a problem with their vehicle, but trip planning, routine or preventive maintenance to your vehicle, and knowing what to do if you breakdown can help to ensure that the experience is taken care of as quickly and smoothly as possible. If your vehicle does breakdown, remember these key steps:
Remember: If a breakdown occurs, first take the necessary precautions to prevent you and your family any personal harm. Don't let a vehicle inconvenience turn into a personal tragedy. Be safe! Family Road Trips can sometimes be more of a headache than an actual vacation. A little planning ahead can make a road trip enjoyable for the youngsters and more pleasant for mom and dad. Here are a few tips to help make the journey more pleasurable.
First snow storm of the year poses risks for drivers Did You Know that Automobile Accidents Are the Leading Cause of Death During Winter Storms? Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving. Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs. If your car starts to skid, take your foot off the gas pedal and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the car to go. If you are involved in an accident, stay calm, move out of traffic and find a safe place to wait for the police and emergency crew. Sometimes the safest place to be is in your car Have a mechanic check the following items on your car: battery, antifreeze, wipers and washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, oil level. Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season. Keep these items in your car: flashlights with extra batteries; first aid kit with pocket knife; necessary medications; several blankets; sleeping bags; extra newspapers for insulation; plastic bags (for sanitation); matches; extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap; rain gear and extra clothes; small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels; small shovel; small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver); booster cables; set of tire chains or traction mats; cards, games, and puzzles; brightly colored cloth to use as a flag; canned fruit and nuts; non electric can opener, bottled water. Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal. Dress warmly. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Plan long trips carefully. Listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions. When practical, travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person. April showers bring more than spring flowers. Although singing in the rain is very stress relieving, driving in the rain is not. Rain can cause severe driving conditions by hampering the ability to see and limit the traction your tires have on the wet road services. Please remember these safety tips while driving in the rain.
A vehicle is probably the most expensive purchase people make, next to the purchase of a home. Proper car maintenance could prevent routine breakdowns and save you costly repairs due to simple car neglect. Check your oil! A regular oil change is the most important service you can perform to add years to the life of your vehicle. Not changing your oil for long periods of time over 3,000 miles will cause additives in the oil to break down, leading to increased wear and tear on your engine. Replenish your fluids! Engine oil is not the only fluid your vehicle needs to run properly. Other vital fluids include brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and coolant. Know your colors! If you notice a puddle of fluid under your car, this will help you identify what it might be:
Power source! The battery is the only source of electronic power for the entire vehicle. They can fail for a number of reasons: insecure mounting, frequent recharging, dirty or poor connections. Change your clocks! Change your windshield wipers. Not being able to see clearly while driving is very dangerous considering most driving decisions are based on visual cues. Let there be light! It is important to check your lights often to make sure they are in good working order. Tires! There are many important factors that affect the life of your tires: weather, usage, inflation, alignment and balance. Make sure to have your tires checked regularly. Driving is a serious responsibility. It demands and deserves your full attention. Distractions play a part in one out of every four motor vehicle crashes. A distraction is anything that takes your hands, eyes or attention away from driving. It could be a billboard, passengers in your car, something outside the car or even something as simple as trying to set the speed of your windshield wipers. The most common driving distractions:
Outside distractions:
Dialing for Disaster! Cell phones are an important part of our everyday lives, but using your cell phone while driving increases your chance of getting into an accident. Hands-free phone features help, but they cannot prevent you from becoming involved in a conversation and losing concentration. Crash Dieting! From fries to burgers, eating on the run has become a deadly part of our driving routine. It's dangerous, messy, and while your fumbling to prevent spillage in your car, you are not watching the road. Turning the Station! Any type of control you have to adjust while driving puts you at a greater risk of an accident. Steering wheel controls have helped moderate the risk but have not entirely eliminated the danger. The safe solution is simple: stay focused and avoid doing any of these things while you are driving. You never know what you might need in case of an emergency. Make sure you keep the following items in your vehicle.
This information is provided in good faith. Road America makes no representations as to its accuracy and assumes no responsibility for its usage. |
 |
| Privacy Statement | Site Map | Employee Resources | Careers | © Copyright 2007 Road America Corporation. All rights reserved. |
