subject: Winter Car Safety Issues [print this page] Winter Car Safety Issues Winter Car Safety Issues
If you are embarking on a journey this winter, then think about safety issues. Your car is designed to protect you from injury as much as it can, but the safety implications of driving around in what is practically a big metal bean tin is still an issue. Look around your vehicle, how cluttered is it? If you had an accident, would any of the debris living on your back seat cause you further damage?
Empty bottles, CD cases, rubbish and anything else that uses your car as a home could potentially be a hazard, after all if you have to stop suddenly it could slide under your seat and get jammed under the pedals, causing you to lose control of your vehicle.
Clear off the dashboard and the luggage shelf, as anything on these surfaces reduce visibility and could come flying at you in the case of an emergency stop or collision. Anything that has to be in your car; sunglasses, mobile phones, music devices, etc need to be secured so you don't have to catch them if you turn a corner too quickly.
For your own safety, don't drive when you are over tired. Eating your Christmas dinner and driving home in time for the queens speech may seem like a good idea, but food makes you sleepy, and driving on a full stomach is a really bad idea.
Make sure that your seat isn't too reclines. If your seat is too far back it will reduce your visibility and will slow your reaction time, due to the muscles your body needs to use to operate the pedals. Sounds silly, but is completely true.
If you are driving this winter, make sure you have a valid Car Insurance policy.
