are you safe?

Driving is such a pretty cool stuff to learn and do. As going to places you want with your bare hands- while getting behind the wheels, will give contentment on your part because at last, your pal is not anymore the one giving you a ride!

It’s kinda cool to drive but always remember that your skill in driving can also take you into several consequences? This is for the reason of road accidents. You need to get responsible; otherwise, you will lose your life anytime, anywhere.

You should therefore know the best ways on combining skills and responsibility. With this, you are not alone, as manufacturers are definitely aware of your safety necessities. However, you got to do your own part. Know what you can do for your own safety. Here are some auto parts that you may acquire to start traveling safely with your car.

Safety Belt

It has been found out that 63% of fatalities due to vehicular accidents are caused by ignoring the use of safety belts. Some people just don’t care using this important safety gadget while driving. Some say it’s just a trouble and will cause discomfort. Some are brave enough to play with their lives, or should we say fool enough to make fun of the consequences that threat their lives.

Safety Belts are not just made as for decorative purpose or as a compliance of the manufacturing company to the standards stated upon them. It’s the primary safety device that a car can offer to its passengers to assure their protection from accident. Nowadays seat belts are being polished and develop by car manufacturers for its suitability and comfort ability to make them more dependable. So why not try considering what kind of belt suits your style while keeping you comfortable while driving.


Air bags

Invented between the 50’s and the 60’s, and formally introduce publicly at the 70’s, Electromechanical Automotive Air Bag system was considered as one safety mechanism to further enhance the safety features of cars/ This system is basically designed to save lives during collision or other type of vehicular accidents.

Continuous development of this mechanism is being done today so that you will drive and enjoy your travel better. Although air bags are not as reliable as the safety belts, it will be advisable to have them yet- after all, these will prepare you from most life-threatening accidents.


Hand Brake

The use of hand brake has been a requirement in almost all states now. Some people/ enthusiasts call it parking brake though its basically intended for emergency situations like when the primary brake fails or malfunctions.

This brake is useful when you wan to let your car remain exceptionally motionless while parked. This is usually mounted at the car floor between the driver and its front seat passenger. A lever type (yes, the one that is normally at the right side of your seat) handle with a ratchet locking system which is pulled so that the brake engages. A button located at the tip of the lever is pushed to disengage the brake and leave the car to be operational again. Other hand brakes however, are located somewhere near the steering wheel column or beside the driver and the door.

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These are some of the most important safety parts/ gadgets that you should include in your ride. If ever you have them, but you suddenly realize that one or more of them are already damaged, then never hesitate to have them replaced. Once you find a quality replacement, make sure that it is well installed otherwise, your life will not be kept safe. Be responsible and as much as possible, don’t think twice spending for your safety – it’s your life that’s at stake after all.

Will your sunnies save you?

Simple matter matters! Driving is a sensitive issue especially for women. Little things associated in driving can harm you in unexpected moments. So beware of the simple yet important things like the use of your accessories. Among the simplest things that you should check is your sunglasses. Yes your sunnies my dear. Will your sunnies save you? Does your fashion complements with your safety at the same time? Is it better to take them off than drive your way to death with them?

Paris' oversized Pucci/Gucci sunnies are perhaps the most popular trend now. Nevertheless, have you ever considered how safe these accessories/ eye protectors are for driving?
British female car insurer Sheilas' Wheels can testify the truth about this. The team has recently researched together with eye health charity: The Eyecare Trust, to review and critique the safety factors on this season's most fashionable high-street sunglasses.

The big, bold and beautiful sunglasses, which are typically designed with brown lenses, can stop level with the edge of the eye with chunky, wide arms. Their chunky frames could pose a hazard when driving since the width of the plastic arms could possibly restrict the driver's peripheral vision. These shades are not advisable for motorists who need good all-round vision and a visual range of at least 120 degrees.

The Summery pink lenses of girly shades are commonly designed with wrap back slightly over the eyes, with slim-fitting arms. These slim-fitting, wide, open arms are good for 180-degree vision. But once you wear such kind of feminine sunnies, you should beware of pink-tinted lenses that can distort colour vision. This can be tricky for understanding road signs and potential hazards.

The Small, dark & handsome sunglasses should be considered too. These usually have small-rimmed pair, with slim arms and cool, dark category- 4 filter lenses. They are great in bright sunlight but definitely not suitable for driving. There are laws saying that drivers' eyewear must allow more than 8 per cent of the visible light to be transmitted through the lens. The dark lens of sunglasses may not be able to transmit sufficient light, so beware girls.

Do you have an aviator? This is basically polarized, having lenses that curve back around the eye with slim-fitting arms. These are good sunglasses for you since they can reduce harsh glare from strong sunlight while minimizing reflections from wet or polished road surfaces. Large aviator style lenses and slim arms offer unrestricted viewing which are perfect for fashion-conscious drivers and Top Gun fans too. However, polarised lenses can highlight stress lines in old windscreens, and these can distract you.

If you are a simple type, then simple, brown/grey-tinted lenses with anti-reflective coating and slim-fitting arms would be great. These neutral-tinted lenses provide more natural colour definition. The anti-reflective coating helps to minimize glare in bright conditions while the slim-fitting arms will ensure the drivers' peripheral vision is not compromised at all.

If you are conscious about your safety and the kind of sunglasses you wear haunts you, try going to your local optometrist for practical advice on choosing appropriate eyewear for driving. The frame density, reflective coatings, filter category, and of course, lens colour will play a part in determining whether your sunglasses are roadworthy or not.

Girl college drivers like me should be aware of simple safety tips like this. If you are one of us, be sensible by having a practical pair of sunglasses for driving at hand in your glove box. Always make sure that these are free from scratches and smears. Wearing unsuitable sunglasses will be as dangerous as wearing none at all as you drive in bright conditions.

the color of accident?

Oh no!

Did you know that the color of your ride has something to do with the possibility of encountering an accident? This is not about luck, coincidence, or fortune eh? This is about a specific study by the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC). According to their research, black cars are the most likely to be involved in an accident, while white ones are the least likely.

"Darker colours and colours with low contrast to the road environment such as silver, green, gray, blue, red and black, tend to be associated with a higher crash risk especially in daylight hours. This is one of the conclusions revealed by the researcher Dr. Stuart Newstead.


Compared to white vehicles, the higher crash risk percentages were:


* Black cars = 12 per cent higher than white


* Gray = 11 per cent higher than white


* Silver = 10 per cent higher than white


* Blue and red = 7 per cent higher than white.

So how did the researchers get these results? Using on-road crash data, they analyzed crashes between 1987 and 2004 in Victoria and Western Australia. These crashes were resulted in death or injury or a vehicle being towed away. The research was supported by RACV, RTA, NRMA, VicRoads, and TAC.

Based on stats, silver has now surpassed white as the most popular choice for new vehicles. Even in good conditions, silver cars have low contrast with the road environment. Perhaps this is because of the road's color isn't it? That lack of visibility gets worse in fading light or cloudy and wet conditions. Apparently, poor visibility can lead to more crashes and higher severity crashes for drivers of silver cars.

So in case you own a silver car, be aware that pedestrians may not be able to see you as well as other drivers. Better yet, try installing daytime running lights or drive with your headlights. Girls, be aware of these huh?


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Primp and drive? Not a good habit..

Don't you care about the kids?

Girls like me are used to be vain. We always ensure that we look great all the time so we check ourselves out in windows, car doors, actual mirrors and you bet, even with spoons, you can find us desperately trying to see if we still look good. Obsessed much. But how much?

Some surveys reveal that women look in to a mirror between 38 and 50 times each day. So it is about once every 35 minutes from when we wake up. Very consistent huh? No wonder, there is no problem with being conscious with the way we look unless, too much. As the cliché says, anything that is excessive is bad. What is dangerous about all the “self-inspection” is that 50 per cent of the survey participants also said that they use their car's rear-view mirror to check themselves out while driving! Obviously, we cannot safely primp and drive..

You can find more tsk-tsk statistics regarding that matter. About 25 per cent of female drivers put on makeup while driving although this is lower than the 44 per cent of men using the rear-view mirror to check out women in the cars behind them. Well then, 25 percent is a significant figure that can hurdle safe driving. This number can be turned to percentage of worse cases – on accident.

Drivers indeed can do a lot of things while driving. Just imagine how 2 per cent of men surveyed manage to shave in their cars. Women are vainer than men. So as to say, we should be aware of our own safety. Do not primp and drive. It’s bad! Do not primp, entertain phone calls, shave your legs, pluck your brows and take a nap while driving…. These can be deadly. :D

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Run Thief.. Run If You Can With These All-New Car Alarms

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Have you ever encountered a dumb thief who got a heart attack while unlocking a car? How funny it will be to see him startled by a loud alarm that comes from nowhere but your ride.

Car alarm systems have been prevalently used in the US not just to witness stupid thieves run but to keep their invested cars from troubles of vandalism. A lot of cars today are equipped with sophisticated electronic sensors, remote-activation systems, and blaring sirens. Such gadgets will also provide ample security to your ride, even with your wheels that can possibly attract thieves.

So what basically is an alarm?

Most modern alarm systems are much more sophisticated as they are composed of:

• Sensors that have switches, motion detectors, and pressure sensors.

• Siren that provides you with a distinct sound for your ride

• Auxiliary battery that gives emergency power

• Radio receiver that facilitates wireless control from a key fob

• Computer control unit (CCU) that stands as the brain of the system

The CCU is a small computer that closes the switch to activate the alarm devices, which include the headlights, horn, and siren. Security sensors may differ on how these devices are wired into the CCU.

As the brain of the alarm, CCU should be properly powered by the battery. This power supply device is often backed up with a hidden battery that kicks in when somebody cuts off the main power source. Cutting the power is one of the possible indications of a trespasser; thus, the brain will be triggered, consequently sounding the alarm.

Here are some of the alarm sensor elements to which the CCU communicates:

DOOR SENSORS
Door alarm is a basic element in a car alarm system. Once the hood (or other doors including the trunk) is opened, the CCU will trigger the alarm system. In modern car models, the inside lights are turned on when any of the doors is opened. The switch regulating this mechanism is the same as that with your refrigerator. Once you close the door, it presses a small spring-activated button or lever that opens the circuit. On the other hand, when you open the door, the spring pushes the button open closing the circuit. This is the reason why the inside lights are turned on.

SHOCK SENSORS
Highly-advanced alarm systems principally depend on the shock sensors. These sensors are very effective in deterring thieves and vandals. Once somebody moves you car, shock sensor will send a signal to the CCU. Consequently, this unit will communicate with the alarm system, giving off warning horn beep or other sounds.



Setbacks…..

You may have heard about a lot of cases for false alarms. For this issue, many vehicle manufacturers are not anymore designing factory fit simple noise making alarms. They are instead offering silent yet effective immobilizers. Also, vehicle tracking systems are also used to have stolen vehicles traced. These systems are however more expensive.

Installing an alarm system in your vehicle is quite complicated. Make sure that you have it done by an experienced auto mechanic. Otherwise, the thief will be the one laughing at you.

Fire! Fire! What To Do When Your Car Is On Fire

A death trap it is. When your car burns like hell, stay calm. You know that smoke accumulates quickly within the windows and sealed doors but stay calm ok! The rising heat and fire itself are pictures of a time bomb out of the gas tank but as I said, stay calm! In times like this, all you need is fast thinking and faster acting. Never panic otherwise, you will waste seconds of mistakes.

So what will you do when all of a sudden, your precious, million-worth ride is burning in black smoke? Wargh! Of course, unlock the doors. Do something to give rescuers a good shot of getting you out of that trash car. (Once they give you water, drink up. Do not splash it to your burning car for it can do nothing, duh!)

If you are held by your seat belt, take it off at once (duh!). Do this quickly so that the heat will not fuse the metal of the buckle to its anchor. The metal may get too hot to touch. Use a piece of cloth if you cannot stand it. If the belt does not unlock, push your shoulder strap over your head and try lifting your legs out.

Once you fail to unlock the doors, kick out the window. I know you have been keeping them smooth and clear but hey, you are roasting like chicken! Once a window is opened, smoke will exit and you will also get the chance to escape. Do it calmly using both feet.

Now you know how to…

Cheat death…

I know it is tough but hey, do it anyway!