Behind The Wheel Dec 2015

December , 2015 Special Supplement

Focus on road safety campaigns In the face of increasing road-related fatalities in recent years, Qatar’s Government has given top priority to make our roads safer for all. Also commendable is the response from various organizations and companies that engage in myriad ‘safe driving’ campaigns to contribute to the government efforts.

One can only wonder at the mindset of those who drive or ride as though no one else is entitled to be on the road. It happens so often that people speeding and weaving in and out of traffic is accepted as part of today’s driving culture.

Despite every type of road safety campaign devised to encourage more responsible attitudes, something far more dramatic needs to be done to halt the irresponsible motorists who flout basic traffic rules every day.

But whatever is causing some motorists to totally disregard their safety, and that of others, cannot be allowed to continue.

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Behind the Wheel

Police, who cannot possibly be everywhere, are facing a difficult task in trying to discourage this dangerous practice that shows no sign of letting up.

It is one thing to say that there are already tough laws on the books to deal with such behavior, but if there is no real indication that people fear breaking the law, then another hard look should be taken at what more should be done.

VISION

Learning from

Sweden’s successes A few months back Qatar joined hands with Sweden to host a vision-zero conference on road safety. Let us look at what is the concept behind Swedish Vision Zero.

The concept of Vision Zero first originated in Sweden in 1997, when the Swedish parliament adopted it as the official road policy. Founded on the belief that loss of life is not an acceptable price to pay for mobility, Vision Zero takes a systems approach to enhancing safety. Rather than exclusively faulting drivers and other users of the transportation system, Vision Zero places the core responsibility for accidents on the overall system design, addressing infrastructure design, vehicle technology, and enforcement. The approach has resulted in noteworthy successes – Sweden has one of the lowest annual rates of road deaths in the world (3 out of 100,000 as compared to 12.3 in the United States). Not only that, fatalities involving pedestrians have fallen dramatically.

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According to professor Claus Tingvall, one of the architects of Sweden’s Vision Zero policy, system design should be based on the premise that humans are fallible, and will make mistakes. “If you take a nuclear power station, if you take aviation, if you take a rail system, all of them are based on the idea that they are operated by people who can make

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Behind the Wheel

a mistake.” The same understanding should influence roadway design, where traffic calming, well-marked crosswalks and pedestrian zones, and separated bike lanes can help minimize the consequences of a mistake. According to Vision Zero philosophy, “In every situation a person might fail. The road system should not.”

Vision Zero policies have already been adopted in Norway and Denmark and are gaining traction across the U.S. Shortly after his inauguration, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic deaths and injuries in the city. The NYC action plan uses a multi-pronged approach that emphasizes enhanced enforcement, improved street design, and legislative proposals dealing with safety. The plan cites successes from several U.S. states that have implemented similar approaches with dramatic results, including a 43% reduction in traffic fatalities in Minnesota, a 48% reduction in Utah, and a 40% decrease in Washington State.

The public health imperative behind Vision Zero is clear: increasing the safety of our streets not only saves lives, but also makes it easier and more

enticing for people to engage in daily physical activity by walking and biking.

Courtesy: Centre for Active Design

Behind the Wheel

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COMMON DRIVING MISTAKES YOU MAKE

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SPEEDING OCCURS IN

1) Speeding As an inexperienced driver, it’s tougher for you to judge your speed and how long it will take to stop.

While your reflexes may be sharp, your interpretation of situations isn’t as developed as an older driver. It takes time and practice to improve this, so it’s important to slow down and obey the posted traffic speeds.

Don’t feel embarrassed about driving under the posted speed when you’re not feeling comfortable behind the wheel even when other drivers whiz by you.

Those drivers likely have much more road experience than you do, and it could be that they are engaging in risky behavior.

2) Getting distracted A number of distractions can keep a driver from noticing and correcting dangerous situations on the road. When you’re talking or texting on a cell phone, eating, or even fiddling with the radio, you are taking your eyes off the road and your attention away from your surroundings.

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%

OF ALL FATAL CRASHES

For example, did you know that sending one text takes your eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds. At 55 miles an hour, this means you’d drive the length of a football field while looking down at your phone!

The most common forms of distraction leading to a teen driver crash include: Interacting with one or more passengers

Using a cellphone

Reaching for an object

Looking at something in a vehicle Grooming Singing / dancing to music

Looking at something outside the vehicle

Distractions hinder your ability to: n Scan the road effectively. n Locate potential trouble early. n Take the necessary corrective action.

Distracted driving is a leading cause of deaths to teens. Stay safe and keep your focus on the road.

3) Taking unnecessary risk Driving a car has inherent risk, and when combined with poor choices such as speeding through a yellow light, you increase your chances of causing car crashes.

Avoid taking unnecessary risks like: Neglecting to check your blind spots.

Not using your turn signal. n Speeding excessively. n Driving with under the influence. n Driving while distracted. n n

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4) Failing to keep a proper distance Teens often overestimate their ability to stop their cars in time. Always maintain an adequate safety margin from the car ahead of you. The higher the speed, the more braking space you need.

5) Not wearing a seat belt Seat belts play a critical role in eliminating injuries or reducing the severity of injuries you might sustain in a car accident. Sometimes a seat belt even decides who survives a crash.

So, buckle up.

6) Driving the wrong car When it comes to the car you drive, you may not have a choice. But, if you do, opt for one with the latest safety features, and a solid crash safety record. Don’t choose a powerful, highperformance car, as it’s too easy to lose control of these vehicles as an inexperienced driver. And, avoid large cars, as they can be a challenge to handle, especially in tight situations.

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7) Over-correcting and other emergency errors At times, you must swerve your car or quickly correct the direction of your wheels. Many times, teen drivers over-compensate in these situations, and make a dangerous situation worse by losing control of their car.

It’s difficult to master emergency handling skills, but you can easily learn to anticipate dangerous situations, which will limit the need to apply these emergency skills. Keeping a safe speed helps, too.

8) Driving while tired As a teen, you need a lot of sleep more than most adults. Yet, your schedule may not let you get the rest your body and mind require. This leads to driving while drowsy, which delays reaction time, decreases awareness, and results in auto accidents.

You may feel you’re fine to drive when you’re not; better to let someone else drive when you’re struggling to stay awake. If you’re alone, you’re better off pulling to the side of the road and resting until you feel ok to drive than trying to make it home.

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Be alert & avoid drowsiness Feeling sleepy is especially dangerous when you are driving. Sleepiness slows your reaction time, decreases awareness and impairs your judgment, just like drugs or alcohol.

People who are very sleepy behave in similar ways to people who are drunk. The impact that this has on traffic safety should not be underestimated.

Getting plenty of sleep (at least six hours) the night before a long trip;

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Traveling at times when you are normally awake, and staying overnight rather than driving straight through;

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Scheduling a break every two hours or every 100 miles;

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Stop driving if you become sleepy;

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someone who is tired could fall asleep at any time – fatigue impacts reaction time, judgment and vision, causing people who are very sleepy to behave in similar ways to those who are drunk; Not planning to work all day and then drive all night;

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Drink a caffeinated beverage. Since it takes about 30 minutes for caffeine to enter the bloodstream, find a safe place to take a 20-30 minute nap while you’re waiting for the caffeine to take effect;

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Avoid sleepy times of day. Take a mid-afternoon nap and find a place to sleep between midnight and 6 a.m.; and

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Traveling with an awake passenger.

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STNAYOYURSBAIKFEE O

One of the most common reasons drivers give for cutting off or pulling out in front of a motorcycle is that they “didn’t see it.”

Bikers can prevent crashes and injuries by: Keeping headlights and marker and taillights on at dusk and in dark or rainy weather

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Staying three to four seconds behind a vehicle they intend to pass, checking oncoming traffic from the left side of the lane, signaling the intention to turn,

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and then checking for oncoming traffic before passing.

Checking their rearview mirror and quickly turn their head to ensure the vehicle is a safe distance behind them when completing a pass.

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Wearing helmets that meet a high protection standard.

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Wearing proper clothing, eyewear and sturdy, closed-toe footwear.

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What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that can distract driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving.

How does it affect me?

Traffic safety experts have created three categories of distraction:

Manual:

Moving your hands away from the steering wheel

Visual:

Looking away from the road

Cognitive:

Thinking about other things so that your mind is no longer focused consciously on driving

Texting while driving falls under all three categories at once, making it one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving.

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Tips to avoid distractions 1. Fully focus on driving. Do not let anything divert your attention, actively scan the road, use your mirrors and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.

2. Store loose gear, possessions and other distractions that could roll around in the car, so you do not feel tempted to reach for them on the floor or the seat.

3. Make adjustments before you begin your trip. Address vehicle systems like your GPS, seats, mirrors, climate controls and sound systems before hitting the road.

Decide on your route and check traffic conditions ahead of time.

4. Finish dressing and personal grooming at home – before you get on the road.

7. Put aside your electronic distractions. Don’t use cell phones while driving – handheld or hands-free – except in absolute emergencies. Never use text messaging, email functions, video games or the internet with a wireless device, including those built into the vehicle, while driving.

8. f you have passengers, enlist their help so you can focus safely on driving.

5. Snack smart. If possible, eat meals or snacks before or after your trip, not while driving. On the road, avoid messy foods that can be difficult to manage.

9. If another activity demands your attention, instead of trying to attempt it while driving, pull off the road and stop your vehicle in a safe place. To avoid temptation, power down or stow devices before heading out. Drivers should use caution while using voice-activated systems, even at seemingly safe moments when there is a lull in traffic or the car is stopped at an intersection, because potentially dangerous distractions can last longer than most drivers expect.

6. Secure children and pets before getting underway. If they need your attention, pull off the road safely to care for them. Reaching into the backseat can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

10. As a general rule, if you cannot devote your full attention to driving because of some other activity, it’s a distraction. Take care of it before or after your trip, not while behind the wheel.

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AVOID WORK ZONE HAZARDS If you encounter our work zones, please keep the following tips in mind for your safety and the safety of highway workers.

• • • • • • • • •

Drive the posted work-zone speed limit.

Stay alert and pay close attention to signs and flaggers.

Turn on your headlights if signs instruct you to do so.

Maintain a safe distance around vehicles. Don’t tailgate.

Use four-way flashers when stopped or traveling slowly.

Avoid distractions and give your full attention to the road.

Always buckle up.

Expect the unexpected.

Be patient

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Driving at

school zones

Slow down

Reverse responsibly

Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle travelling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.

Every vehicle has blind spots. Check for children on the sidewalk, in the driveway and around your vehicle before slowly backing up. Teach your children to never play in, under or around vehicles.

Come to a complete stop Research shows that more than onethird of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop, checking carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.

Eliminate distractions

Watch for bicycles Children on bikes are often inexperienced, unsteady and unpredictable. Slow down and allow at least three feet of passing distance between your vehicle and a bicyclist.

If your child rides a bicycle to school, require that he or she wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet on every ride.

Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing. And children can be quick, crossing the road unexpectedly or emerging suddenly between two parked cars. Reduce risk by not using your cell phone or eating while driving, for example.

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Safe driving tips for seniors As we age, it’s important we take greater care with our driving habits. Fatal car crashes rise when a driver reaches the age of 70. Factors including medications, vision concerns, slow motor functions, and hearing impairment make driving more challenging as we age. Here are some tips you can keep in mind to ensure your safety and the safety of others when driving. drive safely. Talk with your physician to ensu re there are no conflicts with the prescription drugs you are taking.

Get your eyesight and

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hearing checked

Ensure your vision is clear, that you are wearing the proper eyeglasses, and that you can adequately hear noises around you. Wear a hearing aid if necessary to ensure you can hear properly.

Consult with your doctor

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regarding health conditions

Some medications and health concerns can affect your ability to 20 Behind the Wheel

Get enough sleep

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Ensuring you have a full night’s sleep will help you to be alert and aware as you drive.

Choose the right car

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A car with automatic transmission, power steering and brakes makes the work of driving easier.

Be a Defensive driver

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Today’s drivers have many more distractions beyond just the radio.

Cell phones, GPS, digital music players, and more make it difficult to concentrate on the road. Pay extra attention so you can avoid accidents.

While it’s difficult to give up driving yourself around town, it may be the best thing for your safety. You don’t have to become a shut in or move to a senior center if you no longer drive. Family, friends and elder care professionals can help you run errands or get to appointments

When driving becomes difficult have the courage to admit you need help.

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If your ministry uses 15-passenger vans, you may be able to reduce the risk of accidents by following these precautions:

Inspect tires During a pre-trip inspection, examine the tires and check tire pressure before each use to make sure they’re properly inflated and that the tread isn’t worn. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure found inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual.

Note that the pressure may differ for front and back tires.

Avoid using old tires, since even unused tires weaken with age.

Passenger Van Screen drivers Screen drivers before they get behind the wheel. Choose trained, experienced drivers who are properly licensed and have safe driving records.

Require training Make specific training in the use of 15-passenger vans a requirement for drivers, and have them repeat the training every two or three years.

Require seat belts Require occupants to wear seat belts at all times. Create a written policy to this effect, and make drivers responsible for enforcing it. Inspect seat belts regularly and replace any that are missing or broken. More than 85 per cent of those killed in 15-passenger van rollover crashes were not wearing seat belts.

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Remove rear seat Remove the rear seat to make sure that passengers sit in front of the rear axle, and load occupants from the front.

Precautions Prevent overloading Keep the raear area as free of luggage or equipment as possible to prevent overloading.

Carry nothing on the roof, and don’t tow anything behind the van.

Turn off cellphones Create a policy that requires ministry drivers to avoid talking or texting on cellphones while the vehicle is in motion.

Watch speed

Ban night driving Drivers need to be rested and attentive to driving at all times. The combination of driver fatigue and poor visibility after dark can be dangerous, even deadly.

Limit drive time Prohibit each driver from operating the vans for more than 8 hours in any 24-hour period. Have more than one qualified driver for trips of more than 6 hours, and have drivers rotate shifts every 2 hours.

Drive at a safe speed, based on driving conditions. The driver should never speed and should always slow down if roads are wet or icy, since these vehicles don’t respond well to abrupt steering maneuvers.

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Travelling with

Children

As a family, you’ll undoubtedly spend a lot of time in the car, traveling from play dates to soccer matches, from the grocery store to Grandma’s house and back again. Here are some tips to make sure your child is safe during these many trips:

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Make sure infants ride facing the rear until they’re about age 1

Straps are in slots at shoulder level or lower

Infants who weigh 20 pounds before 1 year of age should ride in a restraint approved for higher rear-facing weights.

Always read your child restraint owner manual for instructions on properly using the restraint. Children over age 1 and at least 20 pounds may ride facing forward.

Rear-facing-only Seat

Check safety belt fit on older children

The child must be tall enough to sit without slouching, with knees bent at the edge of the seat, with feet on the floor. The lap belt must fit low and tight across the upper thighs. The shoulder belt should rest over the shoulder and across the chest. Never put the shoulder belt under the child’s arm or behind her back. The adult lap and shoulder belt system alone will not fit most children until they’re at least 4 feet 9 inches tall and weigh about 80 pounds.

Check to see that the safety belt holds the seat tightly in place

Straps are in slots at shoulder level or higher

Forward-facing-only Seat

Put the belt through the correct slot. If your safety seat can be used facing either way, use the correct belt slots for each direction. The safety belt must stay tight when securing the safety seat.

Make sure the harness is buckled snugly around your child

Keep the straps over your child’s shoulder. The harness should be adjusted so you can slip only one finger underneath the straps at your child’s chest. Place the chest clip at armpit level.

Straps are in highest slots

Have children over 40 pounds use a booster seat

Forward-facing Convertible Seat

Keep your child in a safety seat with a full harness as long as possible, until he’s at least 40 pounds.

Then use a belt-positioning booster seat, which helps the adult lap and shoulder belt fit better.

A belt-positioning booster seat, used with the adult lap and shoulder belt, is preferred for children weighing 40 to 80 pounds.

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Tailgating and accidents

When it comes to avoiding a tailgating accident it’s up to you as a driver to keep yourself safe from tailgaters.

If you happen to come into contact with a motorist who decides to tailgate you, here are some ways to confront the problem.

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If possible move over to the next lane. Set your pride aside, by failing to move over you could madden the tailgater causing their aggressive driving to intensify.

Do not engage the tailgater by shouting, making gestures, etc. Road rage is another common cause of car crashes.

If it is possible to speed up without going over the speed limit or putting other motorists in danger, consider doing so in order to get more space between both vehicles. However, if the driver is being very aggressive they may speed up as well.

Know your local laws. In some areas you may be able to signal the vehicle behind you to pass while or may be able to signal someone else by flashing your high beams that you intend to pass them.

Do not pump your brakes or suddenly slow down. Stunt driving can result in multiple fines and more.

Find an alternate route. If you commonly find yourself in a tailgating dilemma, it may be time to switch your driving route. Oftentimes tailgating occurs during peak driving hours and on the highway.

If possible consider making the next right turn to rid yourself of the tailgater.

D.U .I

Tailgating

Keep a safe following distance behind the car in front of you

Avoid driving fatigue by taking regular break and stretching your legs

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Safety first

while driving with Pets

Loose pets inside of vehicles can become a deadly distraction for drivers. Moreover, unrestrained pets can become hazards themselves during an accident. Without proper restraint, a simple joyride with your four-legged friend could result in harsh consequences for everyone.

Here are a few important tips that will help to keep you, your best friend, and others safe and happy on your next trip:

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To avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety, work your pet up to longer trips by taking shorter treks before taking on a long expedition Never leave pets unattended inside of vehicles. Remember that cars heat up fast – even with the windows cracked!

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Properly restrain, contain or crate your pets inside of your vehicle prior to your trip. Consider purchasing a specially designed pet seatbelt, carrier or barrier to avoid irreversible consequences due to distractions or other mishaps.

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Never allow pets to sit on your lap or remain in the front seat while you drive.

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Never allow pets to stick any portion of their bodies out the window.

Although most dogs love to stick their heads out open windows, the wind can seriously irritate mucous membranes and blow pieces of grit or other debris into their eyes. Pets could also be seriously injured by objects as you drive down the road.

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Pets should never be transported in the bed of a pickup truck. Not only could your pet injure, or even kill himself/herself – he/she could cause an accident which may harm someone else.

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Do not leash your pet inside of a truck bed even when parked to avoid strangulation hazards and because open truck beds do not provide any protection from the weather. The hot sun can heat the metal floor of a truck bed enough to burn a pet’s paws. A dog left sitting in the broiling sun without water or shade may suffer from heat stroke.

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Do not Leave Your Pet Unattended Inside a Car Inside a car that is not running, it can get very cold or very hot in minutes. Cold weather can turn your vehicle into a freezer.

If it’s hot, your dog or cat can even suffer heatstroke.

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Driving in

heavy winds Wind may seem like a minor risk, but this weather condition deserves special consideration from drivers.

Strong wind can occur just about anywhere, but it can be more common in wide open spaces. Areas for concern also include highway overpasses, tunnels and ‘road cuts’ through mountainous areas that can act as funnels for wind. The following tips can help keep you on the road and safe if you encounter heavy winds.

Anticipate gusts:

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Take special care when driving through areas prone to strong winds or when weather reports predict severe weather.

Notice larger vehicles:

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Be aware of large vehicles on the road such as tractor-trailers and recreational vehicles. They are more susceptible to high winds and drivers may have difficulties staying in their lanes.

Keep a firm grip on the wheel

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Keep both hands on the wheel in case the wind begins to move your vehicle, especially if you are driving a large vehicle or towing a trailer.

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Driving in

heavy rain In addition to the potentially poor visibility that accompanies most heavy rain, drivers should be ready to protect themselves against hydroplaning. Hydroplaning can occur when a vehicle is traveling too fast in heavy rain conditions, causing the vehicle’s tires to travel on a thin layer of water rather than grip the surface of the road. This has the potential to make steering and braking difficult and could even lead to losing control of your vehicle.

Follow these tips to help you stay safe while driving in heavy rain.

Take your time

Slowing down is the only way to keep your vehicle from hydroplaning. Also remember that one of the most dangerous times to drive is soon after it begins to rain, as oils on roadway make for slick conditions. Waiting a few minutes, rather than rushing to your destination, can be a safer plan when it is raining.

Turn your lights on

Turn your headlights on to help other vehicles see you.

Many states require the use of headlights during rain, even in broad daylight.

Give other vehicles more space

Add 1-2 extra seconds of following time in the rain, which gives you and the cars behind you more time to react to traffic.

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When sun glare is an issue It can create a hazard if the driver’s view is compromised by a glaring sun. Just after sunrise and before sunset the sun can shine directly into drivers’ eyes, leaving many motorists driving with a glare. This glare can make it much harder to see the road ahead and potential hazards creating an added risk to drivers. When sun glare is an issue slow down and use extra caution especially while driving through school zones.

So how can you protect yourself?

Additional tips:

Invest in polarized sunglasses – they can help reduce glare.

Keep your windshield clean, inside and out

Utilize your sun visor – it can help to block out the sun.

Leave more following room – when the sun is in your eyes it can be hard to see what the car ahead is doing.

This is one more time when it pays to leave more room between you and the next vehicle. Drive with your headlights on to increase your visibility to other drivers

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Check your windshield for pitting and cracks

Avoid storing papers or other items on the dashboard

If having a difficult time seeing the road, use lane markings to help guide you.

Roadside emergency If a flat tire, mechanical breakdown, or empty fuel tank forces you to stop driving, the most important thing is to take actions that ensure your safety. Here are some tips from the auto experts.

Get off the road Pull your vehicle as far off of the road as safely possible. If your vehicle is in or near traffic and you can safely walk to another location, do it. If the vehicle is parked on the shoulder of a busy highway, exit on the passenger side.

Lock the door and leave a note on the windshield in case roadside assistance or the police stop by the vehicle.

Display a distress signal If you need police help, raise the hood or tie a white cloth to the radio antenna or door handle, or hang the cloth out of the top of the door and close it on the cloth.

Keep the doors locked

Make your vehicle as visible as possible

If the vehicle is in a safe location, you should wait inside. But keep the doors locked and the safety belt fastened.

At the minimum, turn on the hazard lights as soon as you realize that your vehicle is slowing down. Once stopped, use any warning signals that you have — flares, hazard triangle, or warning light — to alert other motorists of your vehicle’s presence. Place the warning device as far behind your car as practical to give other motorists as much notice as possible.

Exercise caution Use good judgment in accepting help from strangers. If someone of whom you’re suspicious stops, lower the window only enough to talk. If you’re waiting for help, thank them for stopping but tell them you’re OK. If you need help, ask them to make a call for you.

BEHIND THE WHEEL Supplement team

General Manager Mohd. Allam Ali AGM Marketing James John Editor Pradeep Kumar Sr. Business Development Manager Sanjai Noah Layout & Design A.K. Vinay Kumar Graphic Sunil Baby Circulation Manager Adel Hammam Printed by Raya Commercial Printing Press

Advertising Office Gulf Times/Arrayah Building, C Ring Road, P.O. Box 533, Doha Qatar Tel: (00974) 44466620/53 Fax: (00974) 44310992 email: advr@gulf-times.com

Behind the Wheel 33

Challenges of driving at night Driving at night presents challenges for all drivers. Senior drivers can face substantially increased risk, because of decreased visual distance and sensitivity to the contrast between darkness and bright lights along roadways.

Difficulties like these are the most common reasons older drivers limit or regulate their own driving. Many senior drivers also find they just don’t need to be driving at night as often as they used to and primarily drive during the day. This can result in driving under less stressful conditions, too.

If you cannot avoid driving at night, there are several ways to manage the risks.

• Adjust your speed to the reach

of your headlights

Do not “overdrive” your headlights by driving at a speed that wouldn’t allow you to stop for an obstacle at the far reaches of your headlights.

Compensate for reduced visibility by decreasing your speed and increasing following distance to four or more seconds behind the car in front of you.

• Keep your eyes moving Do not focus on the middle of the area illuminated by your headlights. Watch for sudden flashes of light at hilltops, around curves or at intersections, because these may indicate the presence of oncoming vehicles.

• Look at the sides of objects In dim light during reduced visibility, focus on the edges or outlines of 34 Behind the Wheel

objects. Your eyes can pick up images more sharply this way than by looking directly at the object.

• Protect your eyes from glare Prolonged exposure to glare from sunlight or headlights can temporarily affect your visibility at night. It can also lead to eyestrain and drowsiness. Wear good sunglasses on bright days and take them off as soon as the sun goes down. After steady daytime driving, rest awhile before you begin driving at night. At night, look to the center of your pathway and use the painted edge lines to guide your vehicle.

• Avoid being blinded by

oncoming high beams

If the driver of an oncoming vehicle fails to dim the lights, look down toward the right side of the road to avoid being blinded. You should be able to see the edge of the lane or the painted edge line and stay on course until the vehicle passes.