All posts in On the Road

Motorcycle Hazards: How to Minimize Your Risk

by Anica Oaks on 2014/10/03 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

Motorcycles, by their very nature, are risky. If you ride, the hazards range from motorists not seeing you to changing weather. Fortunately there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. If you are a motorist, understanding the risks a motorcyclist takes will help avoid hazards, both to you and to the motorcyclist. In order to decrease the risks, all who travel the roads must use common sense precautions and alertness when driving.

Wear a Helmet

Despite the extreme physical dangers of riding a motorcycle, certain US states still don’t require that bikers wear helmets. Even if you don’t have to legally wear a helmet, a quick glance at the stats should be enough to convince you to. According to NHTSA.gov, the leading cause of death for motorcyclists is head trauma, a death risk reduced by an astounding 40% when the rider used a helmet.

Motorist: Do Not Tailgate

Motorists should never tailgate a motorcycle, because this is risky for both you and the cyclist. If the cyclist experiences a mechanical malfunction, odds are good they will be suddenly thrown from the motorcycle. If you tailgate, the possibility of running over the thrown cyclists is high. During the police investigation, the authorities may state you were negligent by following too close. Allow enough room for an escape route when driving behind a motorcycle.

Motorcyclist: Pre-Trip Inspection

If you are a motorcyclist, a pre-trip inspection minimizes your risk by discovering potential hazards. For example, imagine that during the inspection you find a frayed brake cable. If your brake fails, you lose a lot of stopping power when you need it. The solution, then, is to replace the cable before riding. Some areas of the pre-trip inspection should include checking the fluid levels, checking the cabling, and checking the tires. Another often overlooked routine is making sure all bolts are tightened to specifications. Bolts loosen up over time, and can lead to disaster if, say, the front wheel bolts loosen up.

Motorcyclist: Check the Weather Forecast

The weather may be nice, but a storm front may be moving in without you knowing about it. Any cyclist will tell you riding in a storm is miserable. Plan ahead, and plan for storms that are moving in. Tailor your riding time so bad weather is avoided. If you have to ride in the rain, pack weatherproof clothing accordingly. And if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Denver or elsewhere in the US due to a driver’s negligence, consider contacting an injury attorney.

Motorcyclist: Look Far Ahead

As a cyclist, you should always look far ahead in the road, since road hazards can be encountered quickly before you have time to react to them. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), hazards such as oil slicks and debris all lead to accidents. For example, you are riding behind a truck. Some debris falls off the truck, causing you to lose control. To prevent this, allow enough room between you and the vehicle in front of you. Look far enough ahead, and plan for bad road conditions accordingly.

When you ride, it’s imperative to arrive at your destination, instead of an emergency room. Some elements you can’t control, but others you can. Take all the precautions necessary to ride safely, since it all boils down to being alert when riding and maintaining your motorcycle properly.

7 Tips to be followed while Driving a Truck

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/09/26 in Trucks with Comments Off

Overview As a driver, it is true that in your entire driving experience, the biggest automobile you always come across is that huge moving truck. Most small car drivers are often terrified of moving trucks since most of them appear bigger and like they own the road. Nevertheless, accidents caused by moving trucks continue being recorded some of which could be avoided if the right measures are taken or followed.

Here are tips to follow while driving a track.

Buckle Up

Some of the truck drivers on the road seem to stick to an old myth which suggested that good drivers do not actually need to wear seat-belts. Well, this incorrect ancient belief cannot have a place in today’s modern society. As a matter of fact, track drivers ought to buckle up hard since their chances of being thrown from their vehicle during a crash and consequently dying are higher (almost 25times). Safety belts therefore are of great significance to track drivers, thus ought to be adhered to as such.

Comprehend Your Blind Spot

Unlike other cars, trucks bear a large blind spot which deters the driver from looking over his shoulder. This hence restricts the track driver to solely rely on his side mirrors when changing lanes or making turns.

Look Down the Road Paying

Good attention to the road ahead significantly helps in avoiding hazardous and abrupt braking which could lead into an accident. This gives the driver room to slow down the truck confidently and effectively in time without panic.

Be On the Lookout for Curbs

Due to the wider turns that trucks have to make, it is therefore important for the truck driver to ensure that there is adequate space for turning so as to avoid damaging the tires at the point of contact with the curbs. Also important to note is that truck drivers should go slower than normal so as to enhance smooth and complete turns.

Keep Safe Distance

The mechanism and the weight of a truck does not allow for its immediate stop. This therefore makes it dangerous if you have to make a sudden stop since the truck just won’t be able to Maintaining a safe distance hence allows for easier and safe braking when a need arises without subjecting other following or vehicles ahead to any sort of danger.

Know the Height of Your Truck

This is important as it helps to avoid inconveniences that occur when trying to pass under bridges or garage ceilings. Knowing how high is your truck thereby enables you to make proper judgments before going under.

Understand All the Truck’s Controls

Based on the truck’s technology, this may differ from others. You therefore have to get familiar with each control be it wiper settings, indicators or whatever it is this should be mandatory before setting off.
Summary Trucks are of importance in aiding transportation of heavy goods from one destination to another. Due to their inbuilt mechanism and size, it is then of vital importance for the truck drivers to be extra careful on the road. Careful truck drivers contribute greatly to road safety. In order to acquire a good experience in this, book driving test today.

Author Bio:
Amelia Amy lives in Wales, UK and is an avid blogger and reader. Since her early years she’s had a passion for writing. Her articles have been published in leading UK newspapers. Her areas of interest are Travel, Fashion, Lifestyle, Technology, Food, Lifestyle, Reviews (Book/Movie), Health and Fitness.

Teen Drama: How to Keep Your Kid Safe behind the Wheel

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/09/17 in On the Road with Comments Off

Your child won’t be young for long. Before you realize it, they will be out the door and on the road, driving a car, and spending time with friends instead of family. There are some easy things you can do as a parent that will help keep your child safe while driving.

Set Time Limits

Post a limit on the refrigerator door or on a wall for everyone to see about how often the car can be driven and what times it should be home. Most states limit the hours that teenagers can drive anyway, so this shouldn’t be much of a surprise to them. Nine or ten in the evening is a good curfew to have, even on the weekends.

Passengers in the Car

Until your child has some driving experience, there should not be any passengers in the car, unless it is another adult. Teens should not have siblings or friends for at least the first six months of driving alone. You can monitor this by talking with your child’s friends so that they know not to ask for rides. After the probation period is over, you can evaluate your child’s driving skills to determine if you feel like it’s safe to have other passengers.

No Phones

Some states now have laws that limit the use of cell phones while driving. Regardless of any laws, make it clear that there is to be no texting while driving, and no talking on the cell phone while driving unless it’s an emergency. If there is an emergency, your child needs to find a parking lot, or safe location that is well lit to make the call so that there is no danger of being distracted. The no phone rule should also apply to hands-free devices.

Driving Lessons

This is something that is often taught in high school before your teen gets a learner’s permit. Valley driving school suggests you find other driving courses that will give more experience behind the wheel until you are both comfortable on the road. Instructions at Delta driving schools will be given on how to properly make driving maneuvers like three-point turns and parallel parking. Teens will also learn how to use turn signals and how to pass on the highway.

Driving is a big responsibility for teenagers. They need to feel comfortable behind the wheel, and feel safe and in control. Set limits on the time your child can be in the car, and how many people can be with your child while driving to have a good starting point.

How To Cover Your Bases After an Auto Accident

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/09/03 in On the Road with Comments Off

In the most recent year in which statistics are available, Transport Canada reports that nearly 167,000 people were injured in auto accidents in the Canada. In addition to the injuries, over 2,000 people were killed in automobile accidents across the country.

The reality is that a person who travels in a motor vehicles is likely to end up involved in a car accident at some juncture in his or her lifetime. There are certain steps that need to be taken in the aftermath of an auto accident, particularly if injuries are involved.

Contact Law Enforcement

A basic step following an auto accident is contacting law enforcement. A surprising number of people involved in car accidents do not take this step for one reason or another.

The reality is that many automobile insurance policies require that a police report be made in the aftermath of a car accident in which a claim is filed with an insurer seeking compensation. In addition, in theory law enforcement can prepare an unbiased evaluation of the accident scene, information which can be helpful in pursuing a claim for compensation for injuries or damages.

Document the Accident Scene

With the ubiquitous availability of cameras and video recorders (both included in the standard smartphone), fully documenting an accident scene has never been easier. Of course, the documentation process should not occur unless and until a determination is made that it is safe to proceed.

Identify Witnesses and Gather Information

A reality is that third parties witness most auto accidents. Consequently, following a car accident and in order to cover all the bases after such an incident, a person needs to identify witnesses. After witnesses are identified, a person needs to collect contact information from these witnesses. If possible, concise and accurate statements should be collected from any individual who witnessed an auto accident.

Obtain Legal Advice

If a person is faced with injuries or property damage in the aftermath of an auto accident, retaining the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer is the best course to take to ensure that an individual’s legal rights are protected. Attorneys specializing in car accidents focus their practice on representing individuals who suffer injuries as the result of automobile accidents caused by the negligence of someone else. These firms assist an injured person on a number of levels, including pursuing claims directly against an insurance company and filing lawsuits should a reasonable settlement not be forthcoming

Being in an auto accident can be a nerve racking and scary experience. If you find yourself in this situation, then be sure to follow these steps in order to protect yourself legally and financially.

The Worst Mistakes to Make on the Road

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/08/15 in On the Road with Comments Off

Did you know you have a 1 in 84 chance of dying in a car accident throughout your lifetime? The risk of just getting in an accident—one that is not fatal—is even higher. This risk isn’t usually the first thing on your mind when you hop in your car and head to work, but if it was, would it change the way you drive? Here are some mistakes drivers make that increase their risk of injury and death on the road.

Infractions

Some driving mistakes are actual driving infractions—things you do (or fail to do) that break the rules of the road. Teenage drivers are the most likely to make these mistakes, so it’s no surprise that teens are 3 times more likely to get in an accident than an adult. Some driving infractions that lead to accident and injury include the following:

having more people in the car than available seat belts
driving under the influence
not wearing a seat belt
following too closely
speeding
reckless driving
running stop signs

No matter how confidant you are in your driving experience, always observe little laws like head checking before a merge and coming to a complete stop at a stop sign to protect yourself, your passengers, and other drivers.

Distractions

The most dangerous type of mistake you can make is to let something distract you while you are behind the wheel. Here some common distraction and strategies for avoiding them.

Cell Phones.Now that smartphones are so prevalent, phones provide so many more distractions than just a phone call. Now phones distract drivers with texting, social media, GPS navigation systems, music, taking pictures, and more.

Make a commitment to never text and drive. Put your phone on silent if you have to. Invest in a hands-free device if you need to take phone calls on the road. You don’t have to cut yourself off from the digital world—pull over if something on your phone needs your immediate attention. If you are using your phone as a GPS system, make sure you are familiar with the route before you start driving so you won’t have to squint at the map on your screen.

Passengers. Friends can be a huge distraction, especially if you have a car full of them. Make sure your friends know that their safety and the safety of everyone else in the car is partly their responsibility. Ask them not to show you pictures or texts while you are driving. Save heated or emotional conversations for after you’ve arrived at your destination.

Make sure all your passengers are wearing a seat belt as well: in the event of an accident, one person not wearing their seatbelt could get thrown around inside the car and injure seat-belted passengers who would have otherwise been safe.

Food. Don’t eat while you are driving. Resist the temptation to open up the bag of food you just bought at the drive-up window. If you can’t wait, pull over and take a bite. Your safety is worth a few minutes of your time.

Personal Appearance. Put your makeup on before you drive to work. If you are running late, apply it in the office bathroom, not your car. Same goes for shaving, brushing your teeth, and so on.
Impairments

Not only should you avoid external distraction when you drive, but you also need to make sure your mental, emotional, or physical states don’t pose a threat to your safety on the road. Some impairments include driving while you are

under the influence of drugs
under the influence of alcohol
feeling drowsy
experiencing upsetting emotions like extreme anger or sadness
feeling sick or are otherwise affected by a medical condition

If you are suffering from any of the above conditions, call a friend, take public transportation, or make arrangements to stay where you are.

Mistakes with Legal Implications

Some mistakes not only increase your risk of injury or death, but also your risk of financial hardship; car accidents are bad enough without resulting in personal injury lawsuits. According to Bronson Jones & Co, car accident lawyers in Vancouver, there are certain driving mistakes that will make you more likely to be found at-fault in an accident, thus contributing to a personal injury lawsuit against you. Some of these driving mistakes are as follows:

running a red light
running a stop sign
cutting off another driver
not signaling when merging
not head checking when merging
driving under the influence
speeding
hitting a driver head-on in their lane
rear-ending another driver

Driving is such a normal, mundane part of our lives, it’s easy to take safety for granted. Pay attention to your own driving habits, and make sure you are always giving the road your undivided attention. Doing so will help keep you from physical injury, financial harm, and death.