Make Safety Your Driving Focus

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Each time you get behind the wheel of your vehicle, are you the safest you can be?

In answering that question, stop to think about all the factors in play each time you are driving. Not only do you have to be cognizant of operating your car or truck, but there is also all that is going on around you. There is more to driving than getting in the vehicle, turning on the ignition, and then driving off.

With that being the case, what are you doing to make all your times in a car or truck as safe as they can be?

Is Technology Playing a Role?

In your quest to make each trip in a vehicle a safe one, keep a few pointers in mind:

1. Vehicle technology

What kind of technology does your vehicle offer you?

For many of the more recent cars and trucks to hit the road, they come equipped with some tech advances.

One such tech item is the backup camera system.

Such systems allow drivers to have a good view of what is behind them before going in reverse. Such cameras are also an option for those consumers with recreational vehicles.

By searching for a license plate backup camera, you can better keep you and others in your car or truck safe. You also protect others around you such as other drivers and even pedestrians. Knowing what is behind you when you go to backup is a necessity, not a choice.

2. Vehicle maintenance

Even with the proper technology, you must maintain your vehicle on regular intervals.

As an example, how often do take your vehicle in for service? By doing regular maintenance, you lessen the odds vehicle will put your life and the lives of others at risk.

From keeping tires from getting worn to making sure the brakes work, don’t slip on maintenance. If you do, you put yourself and others in harm’s way.

3. Driver focus

Last, as important as having a sound vehicle is, make sure your focus is there too.

This means not allowing distractions to creep into your daily driving habits.

Among some of the worst ones can be:

· Drinking and driving

· Drowsiness

· Using a cell phone or other such device while driving

· Trying to read material (newspapers, maps etc.) while operating the vehicle

· Being preoccupied with talking to passengers

· Allowing other drivers to get to you aka road rage

While there is nothing wrong with having some fun while behind the feel, take it as the serious manner it is.

The last thing you want to have happen is a life-changing accident. Remember, that accident may not only change your life, but lives around you and away from you.

If you had to rate yourself as a driver, what kind of grade would you offer?

Last, if you have children who may be driving soon, will you give them the right advice when it comes to safety?

Given kids often follow their parents; make sure you set a good example each time you get in your vehicle.

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DIY Safety Upgrades for Your Car

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There have been many important innovations in auto safety in the last number of years, and even if you are driving an older vehicle, you can take advantage of these new technologies with some affordable upgrades and make your ride safer.

Upgrade your Headlights

Brighter headlights make it easier for you to see at night, and make your car more visible.  They are easy to install in about 30 minutes, and contribute enormously to your overall safety.

Collision Mitigation and Adaptive Cruise Control

Traditional cruise control systems will keep you going at a constant speed, but the latest systems work to adjust your speed when needed to help you to maintain a safe distance between yourself and the car by slowing your vehicle automatically if you get too close.  It will also send you an alert if it senses an object ahead of your car, and will even automatically apply the brakes to stop your car if you don’t respond to the alert.  It only takes a moment to become distracted, and this technology prevents that momentary distraction from resulting in an accident.

Object Proximity Sensors

These sensors use electromagnetic or ultrasonic sensors to detect unsafe distances between your car and objects around it, and will beep to alert you.  They don’t detect moving traffic, but will definitely help you avoid hitting parked cars, hydrants or low barrier walls.

Upgrade your tires

Tires are the only part of your car that touches the road, and for that reason, no matter whether your car is brand new with high-tech anti-lock brakes and traction control or is ten years old without any of that technology, your ability to stop ultimately depends on the quality of your tires.  For that reason, tires are one of the most effective safety upgrades you can make if you want to significantly increase the safety and also the performance of your car.  Buy the best tires you can afford.  If you are planning to hold onto your car for a few years then tires with a longer-lasting tread are worth the investment.

Backup Camera System

Sadly, it is not uncommon for children or other pedestrians to be hurt by people backing out of their driveways.  Not only do back up camera systems reduce the possibility of accidents, but they also make parallel parking much easier.  A backup camera system is thus a very important and life-saving upgrade. It is easy and affordable to install a safety view wireless backup camera system.

Driving an older vehicle does not necessarily mean you cannot benefit from latest advances in safety technology.  Many of the most important safety features can be added to your car with relatively little expense or time. And given the demonstrated life-saving advantages, you should definitely consider upgrading your vehicle with these easy to install upgrades.

 

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