The car has long ceased to be a luxury. Using a convenient vehicle, you can get to your destination as quickly as possible. But it should be remembered that the car is also a high-risk zone. Vehicle safety is ensured by both the driver and passengers. Therefore, in order for the trip to bring only pleasure, some rules should be observed.
Checking the technical condition of the car
First of all, it is necessary to make a general assessment of the condition of the vehicle. The driver inspects the condition of removable parts (bumpers, long-distance mirrors, wipers). Mirrors are a very important element of any car. Before setting off on a long journey, each driver must properly configure them. Next, you should pay attention to the headlights. They should be free of punctures and scratches. The windows of the vehicle must also be in good condition.
The safety of driving a vehicle largely depends on the serviceability of the main systems. If the driver cannot make an assessment on his own, you should go to the service station. The presence of faults can also be judged by the place where the car stood for a long time. Leakage of technical fluids may indicate a serious malfunction. If antifreeze, fuel or brake fluid is found under the vehicle, you should not go on a long journey. The vehicle must be fully operational.
Technical inspection
The safety of driving in Russia is regulated by the state through a mandatory technical inspection. Car owners should spend it annually. If the driver does not have the appropriate coupon, he is not entitled to drive. Only cars that have a working engine, a working brake system, and safety equipment can be allowed to participate in traffic.
Unfortunately, there is corruption in the Russian Federation today. According to statistics, about 50% of car owners received a technical inspection coupon due to bribes. This only exacerbates the situation on domestic roads. A huge number of accidents occurs due to vehicle malfunctions. But serious problems can be avoided if honestly and timely to inspect the machine. Moreover, this procedure does not take much time and does not require large financial costs.
Responsibilities of the vehicle driver
The safety of vehicle passengers lies primarily with the driver. There are a number of responsibilities that a driver must perform while driving a car. Only a person authorized to do so can drive the machine. It is documented through a driver’s license. This document is issued after passing the appropriate training and passing exams. A license to drive a car (driver's license) must always be present when driving.
Only certain services (police, ambulance) have the right to install flashing beacons on a vehicle. The driver must have permission to such a device. Violation of traffic rules with reference to a legally installed beacon threatens a serious fine. And if such actions entailed human casualties, criminal liability is possible.
Insurance
There are various means of ensuring transport safety. One of them is insurance. To date, this document is required for registration. Traffic police have the right to ask the driver to provide information about the insurance policy. Why is it needed? This document allows the driver to be more protected on the road and not become a hostage to the emergency. Avoid accident accident, of course, will not help. He will protect against unnecessary costs. Indeed, it often happens that the driver, having had an accident through no fault of his own, simply does not have the means to restore the car.
An insurance contract can be drawn up at any company. The law does not describe this moment. The cost of the service will depend on the brand of the car, the territory of insurance coverage, and the conditions for compensation in the event of an emergency. Before concluding an agreement, an employee of the company evaluates the compliance of the vehicle with safety requirements. If the machine has not passed the technical inspection, the risk of an accident increases. In this case, the insurance company simply does not want to make a deal.
How to ensure the safe operation of vehicles?
When driving a car, the driver must carefully monitor the situation on the road, and also respond in a timely manner to its changes. It is forbidden to be distracted from management, talking on a cell phone. If the vehicle contains means of ensuring transport safety, they must be used. These are various headrests and belts. Such tools may not be used only by persons who teach driving if the speed is less than 40 km / h.
Move on the roadway on a motorcycle, moped or any other open transport should be in a special helmet. Passengers must also be provided with the necessary safety features. It is forbidden to transport more than one passenger on a motorcycle or moped.
Any actions that violate the safety of passengers of vehicles are prosecuted. It is forbidden to throw garbage while driving on the road. Even the simplest candy wrapper from candy can create serious obstacles for other participants in the movement. You can also not go with the doors open cars. If the vehicle is malfunctioning, the driver must turn on the alarm and drive along the carriageway at a minimum speed.
Alcohol driving
Everyone knows that driving a car after drinking alcohol is prohibited. But not everyone respects this rule. Meanwhile, the safety of vehicle passengers cannot be ensured if the driver took at least a few sips of wine. Alcohol instantly slows down a person's reaction. It is already impossible to quickly respond to a situation on the road.
The Vehicle Safety Regulation provides for liability for drunk driving. In 2014, conditions were further tightened. As soon as the driver gets on traffic cops a second time, he will face the loss of freedom for two years. The first time you can get off with a fine, as well as deprivation of the right to drive a vehicle.
Are you tired? Do not drive!
According to statistics, 40% of road accidents occur due to poor driver health. Many get so tired that they simply fall asleep while driving. It is worth remembering that the driver is responsible for the safety of passengers of vehicles, as well as other road users. Therefore, in no case should you drive if your body temperature is elevated or you could not get enough sleep.
Some drugs may also be a reason to stay home. There are medicines that slow down the reaction of the driver. Before taking any medicine, you should definitely study the instructions. It usually indicates whether it is possible to drive after consuming pills. The law, of course, does not stipulate the possibility of driving in a sick state. But everyone is responsible for their condition and can evaluate how
poor health will affect traffic safety.
Child in car
Special care should be taken when transporting children. The child does not have the right to be in the front seat until he is 14 years old. Technical means of ensuring the transport safety of children are special car seats and belts. A person whose height does not reach 150 cm must be in a special seat. Baby seats are sold today at any specialty store. They are easy to choose according to the age and height of the child.
In no case should you hold the baby while moving in your arms. If the passenger is not fastened, a collision while driving 45-50 km / h is equivalent to falling from the second floor. You can only imagine what injuries the child will receive. But a high-quality chair and seat belts will help preserve life and health. In the event of an accident, the baby is at risk of a maximum of a couple of abrasions and scratches.
Airbag helps save lives
In any emergency, passengers are most often injured due to impacts on seemingly soft elements of the vehicle. But even the front seat cannot be as elastic as an airbag. This element, although not mandatory, but significantly reduces the likelihood of injury as a result of an accident.
The safe operation of vehicles also largely depends on the installation of the main elements. The airbag is no exception. If you fix it incorrectly, it simply will not open. Therefore, it is better to entrust this matter to specialists at the service station.
Comfort is the key to safety
If you have a long trip, you should definitely worry about the comfort of the driver. In the process of driving, the back and limbs must not run numb. To make it convenient, you should adjust the seat and the position of the steering wheel. It is definitely worth checking the condition of the seat belts. They should not hamper the movements of the driver. You should think about the fact that in the process of moving the steering wheel will have to hold with both hands. This is the only way to control the vehicle. Therefore, it makes sense to prepare special armrests on which you can put your hands so that they do not get tired quickly.
No matter how long the path, it is imperative to take rest breaks. Ideally, the car should have two drivers. Every 8 hours they will change each other.
To summarize
It is impossible to be completely sure of safety while driving. But every driver must do everything to preserve the life and health of their passengers. First of all, it is necessary to obtain a vehicle safety certificate (maintenance ticket). You should not drive while in a state of fatigue and with poor health. Alcohol intoxication with driving is categorically incompatible!
Passenger safety in the vehicle is ensured by means such as pillows, belts and special seats. Before a long trip, all these elements should be inspected for malfunctions.