|
|
LOW RISK DRIVING |
Road Safety PLUS - by Dieter R. Fischer ISBN No. 0 09577 426 0 6 |
| 3. Crash Avoidance Factors |
|
|
LOW RISK DRIVING |
Road Safety PLUS - by Dieter R. Fischer ISBN No. 0 09577 426 0 6 |
| 3. Crash Avoidance Factors |
28. A worn rubber dilemma
A teenager’s first car is seldom a new one. The combination of inexperience and driving an older model vehicle on a shoestring budget increases the crash risk for young people.
My first car, a 1961 Vauxhall Victor, had a huge freeplay in the steering, which meant that the car would change direction considerably, when I looked away just for a moment. During my first long trip into the Snowy Mountains from Sydney, my friends and I were approaching a narrow bridge. A truck was approaching from the opposite direction, when my Vauxhall decided to veer across into his path. We missed a head-on collision only by inches.If your car develops a problem, a noise or defect, don’t ignore it. Unless you know what you are doing, do not attempt to repair:It scared us all, that I did what I should have done weeks ago, get it fixed straight away. All it was, a small rubber bush, that only set me back 1/2 hour and five dollars. What a fool had I been to neglect the repair? I would have never forgiven myself, had one of my friends been hurt or killed.
- Brakes
- Electrical equipment
- Steering
- Hydraulic system
There is nothing wrong with learning about the mechanics of your car, but get expert help for repairing these. Don’t save money, if you have to sacrifice safety.
If you can't afford the car repair costs, you can't afford to drive the car.
To avoid breakdowns:
Always drive with a gentle touch on all controls. Avoid late, harsh braking and sudden acceleration, unless necessary. It wastes petrol and wears tyres. Slipping the clutch on a hill, instead of getting the handbrake fixed, ruins the clutch, which is more expensive to repair than the handbrake.
Don’t save on maintenance, it is false economy. An automobil kept in good order not only provides transport for a number of years, it pays dividends when you trade it on a later model.
Don’t save on tyres. Bald tyres on a wet road cause havoc. Even a skillful driver has little control of a vehicle in the rain with bald tyres.
For safety and convenience, join your state’s Automobile Club. They do not only provide a breakdown service, but employ experts to assist members in all car related problems.
Your safety is
DRIVING PLUS
Disclaimer: Above information is for Australian learner drivers. Regulations could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents, failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend to use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.
