Brakes First Before Driving

2600 deaths each year. About 100,000 injuries that lead to being disabled each year.

These are the numbers from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). And these are simply the statistics for effects of crashes and vehicular accidents on the roads and streets of the United States. And with summer vacation coming up, it means many families and groups of friends would be out on road trips to various places around the country. That is why the NHTSA would like all drivers to check their brakes before they do go out and drive towards any destination.

Brakes are very essential when driving. After all, it is what makes your car stop or slow down when you are driving at top speeds. In fact, your brake is very much part of auto safety. And you should ensure that your brakes are still working well and that all its components are in excellent condition. A damaged brake system could actually cost you, your passengers, or anybody else on the road their lives.

The NHTSA recommends that you should not hesitate to invest in having your car go through an annual brake system analysis. In fact, automobile experts really do suggest that the braking system of your vehicle should be checked once a year at the very least. You should ask a technician to do this. However, it should be just any other technician. You should have the braking system checked by one who has been certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

It also is important that you change the brake fluid of car for every 24,000 miles that your vehicle has traveled. This decreases your chances of meeting car emergencies or mishaps. By keeping your brake fluid fresh, you are sure that it is not contaminated with external fluid that decreases the efficiency of the whole system.

If you do need to change some parts of your vehicle to ensure greater auto safety, you can purchase them from Jaguar Parts and Jaguar Auto Parts. This store is much known for its Jaguar XJ40 parts and many other Jaguar parts like Jaguar brakes.

About the Author:
Michelle Crimson holds a degree in business administration. She is currently working as an editor in New Orleans, Louisiana. This 32 year old mother of two is also a car racing fanatic.

Article Submitted On: July 03, 2006

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

10 Good Reasons for taking Driving Lessons.A Guide for the Irish Learner Driver.

In a driving context, most of the decisions that you take and the techniques that you employ, will have both an economic and a safety impact. The decision to take driving lessons is really a simple one but one that will have far reaching consequences well into the future. Most, if not all, poor or dangerous habits in today's drivers stem from the lack of professional tuition at the outset. In this second in a series of articles designed to assist today's learner drivers we will have a look at the benefits in taking Professional Tuition.

1.Taking lessons will greatly improve your chances of staying safe and accident free since providing you retain what you have been taught, you will be probably better than many motorists who have been driving for considerably longer. Lack of sufficient training, or even no training at all which is common in Ireland, will inevitably lead to accidents at a very early stage in the driving career. Accidents are to be avoided at all costs. After all isn't the safety of the driver, the passengers and other road users the paramount priority?

2.A course of lessons at the start of your driving career and not one month from your Driving Test, will give you the confidence you need to continue the learning process, and will form the foundation for safe motoring.

3.Taking a course of lessons will give you the chance to be accepted by an insurance company for your first Insurance policy. In fact most companies will insist on a minimum number of lessons completed by a recognised school, before a son or daughter will be admitted onto a Parent's policy.

4.On a very topical note, the Irish Insurer Hibernian, in conjunction with the Institute of Advanced Motorists, has extended its successful Ignition scheme to provisional license holders since January 2005.Learner drivers that pass the one hour driving assessment, will be offered a 21% reduction on their insurance. This is a substantial reduction for any new driver, particularly young males under 25 years of age, and well worth achieving. Just being in the possession of a provisional license will not suffice to pass this test. A course of lessons will be needed in order to achieve the required standard and the test should not be booked until quite a high level of both competence and confidence has been reached.

5.Passing the Department of Transport Driving Test, sooner rather than later, will result in further reductions in already high Insurance costs. Lessons taken just before the Driving Test will not cut it in today's Test environment; there is just too much to learn if one wants to be successful first time out.

6.The long waiting list for the Irish Driving Test is a great inconvenience for many learner Drivers and also their Driving Instructors. The long wait is accentuated by the huge numbers of learners who do not prepare adequately with a professional school and then are forced to re sit their Test sometimes several times over. Career aspirations can easily be affected if the journey to a full License is overly prolonged.

7.Obtaining a full driving license promptly will speed up the reduction in your insurance premiums via your annual no claims bonus, providing of course you are not involved in any accidents.

8.As a fully licensed Driver you will have much greater opportunity to shop around for a competitive insurance quote, since there are only a very few companies who will insure provisional license holders and then only at a huge premium.

9.As an addition to item number 4 as a fully licensed Driver, you may apply for the more advanced Hibernian Ignition course, providing you are in your first five years of driving .This is a full day course, the cost of which can be recouped, if you pass the practical driving assessment at the end of the day. The reduction in insurance premium for the successful candidate can be upwards of 30%, so again very worthwhile .Drivers in this category should take a refresher course with a driving school to ensure that any bad habits or techniques are eradicated. Once again it is worth pointing out that the length of your driving experience is not a guarantee of success unless you started on the right foot to begin with!

10. If, in the early days of your working life you are unlucky enough to find yourself jobless through either, takeovers, cutbacks or closures, a full Driving License will enable you to pick up an interim job very quickly while you regroup and examine your future options. There is a shortage of drivers to fill current vacancies in Europe, particularly in the commercial sector so there are great opportunities for young qualified drivers who have been well trained.

Both career and promotional opportunities abound for the fully licensed driver in any organisation. Faced with two candidates of similar qualifications, an employer will naturally favour the person with the full license pretty much every time.

About the Author:
Robin Piggott is a professional Driving Instructor who runs a School in Limerick, Ireland. The many benefits in taking Driving lessons are both obvious and not so obvious.Please check out his web site.
http://www.astralmotoring.ie/http://www.astralmotoring.ie<
http://astralmotoring.blogspot.com/http://astralmotoring.blogspot.com
Submitted: 2005-07-22
Article Source: Go Articles

Get Down And Get Dirty. The New Technical Checks To The Irish Driving Test

The latest round of changes to the Irish Driving Test were implemented on, Feb.14th 2005, as part of a chain of E.U.Directives.

Test Candidates are now required to have a basic level of mechanical knowledge, which any good professional School of Motoring would have been teaching from day one in any event.

The car of today is a very different beast compared with its grandparents and any driver, young or old, should have a range of skills that enable them to identify problems and take the necessary remedial action.

The Driving Examiner will select three questions at random from a list of technical aspects which will include opening the bonnet. While it is not exactly space technology, the ability to identify this range of equipment and to describe how individual checks would be performed, does require some thought and a little practise. Some of the equipment will have accompanying warning lights on the instrument panel some does not, so some of the requirements will already be known (hopefully!)

Candidates will be asked to explain how they would perform checks on three out of the following list:-

Engine Oil: Coolant: Steering: Brakes: Horn: Indicators: Lights: Tyres: Reflectors: Windscreen washer.

The under the Bonnet checks relate to:-Power Steering Fluid; Brake Fluid; Engine Oil; Engine Coolant; and Windscreen washer Fluid. In a newer car all of these pieces of equipment are easily identifiable by coloured tops to the various reservoirs, which have an easily recognisable icon painted or etched into them. The location of these five essential items does vary a little from model to model so if you have changed your car in the lead up to the Driving Test then spend a few minutes double checking.

In the event of very bad weather (rarely a feature of the Irish climate) it is unlikely that the Examiner will ask for the bonnet to be opened but since he or she has already spent time outside the car, checking brake lights and indicators and paperwork, it’s not impossible. If he or she is a fisherman or a boating enthusiast then a few drops of rain will be water off a duck’s back. Just keep an eye on the weather and ensure that your heater or demist controls are pre-set .Two persons in the car during rainy weather will mist up the windows extremely quickly and the candidate needs to be equally deft with the controls.

Questions on brakes will cover both the footbrake and handbrake, and on steering will deal with cars that both have power steering and those that don’t .Of course there are still a few older cars out there without P.A.S. It’s worth adding to the list , one more item of importance to the Driver—that of the Alternator and it’s drive belt .The fact that all the above need to be demonstrated on the Driving Test should not detract from the need to perform these checks on a regular weekly basis. It is precisely because of the importance of all these pieces of equipment and their monitoring, that it was deemed essential to include them in the scope of the Driving Test.

Show Me –Tell Me……..Below is an example of the question and answer technique to one of the Test Questions .The full questions and answers will be provided in another follow up article and on the Astral School of Motoring website shortly.

Checking the Oil Level. “Show me the Oil filler cap and tell me how you would check for the correct level of Oil in the Engine”…Examiner “Here is the oil filler cap and to check the oil level I would first withdraw the Oil Dip Stick, wipe it clean and then replace it momentarily. I would then withdraw the dip stick again and ensure that the level of oil showing was between the minimum and maximum marks on the base of the dip stick, preferably nearer the maximum mark. In the event of the oil level being lower than the half way mark I would top up to the maximum level”…Candidate

This latter sentence has been put in for good measure since it’s not much good knowing how you would check the oil if you didn’t then follow through on the result!

Since all equipment in your car needs to be in tip top shape and regularly inspected if we are to stay safe and avoid accidents, look on the acquisition of these technical skills as two sides of the same coin ….Safety and Economy .If you look after your equipment you will be both safe and economic. In a number of future articles we will explore the advantages of correct techniques and the impact they will have on your safety AND your bank balance.

About the Author:
Robin Piggott has spent a lifetime on four wheels(almost)and is now embarked on a journey to inform and help a new generation of Drivers.He runs a Driving School in Limerick Ireland.His web site is undergoing a makeover right now and these articles are part of this process. http://www.astralmotoring.ie , http://astralmotoring.blogspot.com
Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Should Know About How To Air Bag Suspension

The truck will lay frame on the ground via a air bag suspension. Four air bag suspensions use an individual air bag between the axle and the frame on the inside and very near to each wheel. the motorcycle main frame about a pivot axis, and an air-bag suspension unit. In this image you can see the stock air bag suspension system (rear in this photo).

That is a stock suspension using an airbag to pre-load the suspension. We stock many different brands of truck air bag suspension. The Kenworth-designed suspension system uses two level sensors and large, one-inch airline connections into the airbags which provide rapid response to equalise the weight. AT suspension system employs a long trailing arm in conjunction with an airbag and shock absorber. Looking for a truck air bag suspension. and an air-bag suspension unit. The air-bag suspension unit includes at least one air bag constructed of an elastomeric material. The air bag suspension results in the longest pavement life, while the walking beam suspension results in the shortest pavement life.

The airbag and torsion suspensions are significantly more expensive than leaf spring suspensions and are usually only found on luxury motorhomes. Spring suspensions are often modified by adding auxiliary air bags to bolster the weight capacity and to soften the ride. Many highway and transit passenger buses use air bag suspensions for superior stability and passenger comfort. Whereas with Kenworth AirGlide airbag suspension, the suspension levels out quickly, maintaining stability without affecting the vehicle. Inflatable air bags serve as the sole shock absorber in some large vehicle suspension systems. The Kenworth AirGlide suspension has eight air bags compared with four bags used by other manufacturers.

The Frieghtliner Chassis with air bag suspension delivers a smooth ride and excellent handling characteristics. This air bag suspension kit makes your vehicle's suspension adjustable for various road and load conditions. Order your air bag suspension kit today! The walking-beam suspension causes more dynamic load variation than the air-bag and leaf-spring suspension. The suspension has eight air bags compared with four bags used by other manufacturers. Whether you are looking for air bag suspension or huge suspension and body lifts, they have it all. This image shows the front suspension with the air bag removed. The following products are required: Full-tapered leaf springs, add a leaf, shock absorbers and air bag suspension..... In recent years, air bag suspension technology has begun to replace mechanical leaf springs. Overall the industry has not had much success historically with air bag suspension because of their instability in agitator work. Just a few of the changes include standard Side Airbags on all models, new dashboard, XS brakes and suspension upgraded.

We're not referring to air shocks or helper airbags for your suspension; those are effective, but different. Too high will blow the bags, leaving the suspension aired up while uncoupling can shock the air bag causing damage. Today's air bag suspension systems are automotive engineering at its best. Given that you aren't ever supposed to exceed that, I installed a four-bag air suspension, just in case. And the components that affect it and it affects 94 seville air bagsuspension problem blew http://www.air-bag-suspension.com/

Wirat Muenpan is the webmaster of Air Bag Suspension Proven Techniques Help You Air Bag Suspension - Guaranteed! www.accounting-master-degree.com/

About the Author:
Wirat
Article Source: www.articlesnetwork.com

Prepare Young Drivers For Safe Winter Travel

(NC)—Many young drivers will venture onto the roads this winter season, some for the first time. In fact, there are almost 3 million drivers in Canada between the ages of 16 and 24.2 That's why it's important for parents to prepare teenagers and young drivers for the difficult winter months, by making sure their vehicles are properly maintained and they've been given helpful instructions and well-stocked emergency kits.

First and foremost, have their vehicles checked thoroughly. Belts, hoses, water pumps, batteries and spark plugs need to be properly maintained. Winter tends to magnify any problems a vehicle might have. One simple routine that helps maintain fuel efficiency and engine performance is spark plug maintenance. "Too many people underestimate the power and importance of a spark plug, but it's exposed to more severe stress than any other part of the engine," says Peg Campbelton, Brand Manager for Autolite.

A spark plug must deliver a high voltage spark within split second timing, thousands of times a minute and under extremely varying, always hostile, operating conditions. Campbelton suggests having the vehicle's spark plugs changed every 48,000 kilometers, or in accordance with the owner's manual. Using premium, platinum-tipped plugs, such as Autolite® Double Platinum spark plugs, is also a good idea.

Once a thorough under-the-hood inspection is complete, make sure your new driver checks their tire tread and windshield wipers as well as fluid levels like washer solvent and antifreeze/ coolant. Many motorists are under the impression that antifreeze/coolant is only needed in the warmer season to avoid overheating, but the proper mixture is necessary to avoid engine freeze-ups in frigid temperatures. A recommended concentration of 50% Prestone solution protects your vehicle down to –36.8C. Prestone antifreeze can be adjusted to give protection down to –64.4C if it is required.

Windshield wipers and washer fluid are also vital. It's a good idea to switch to a winter wiper blade. They are more durable and designed to handle the snow and ice better than a regular blade. If wipers aren't working properly or if there's a lack of fluid in the reservoir, the combination of salt, ice and sleet may reduce the driver's ability to see other vehicles or objects in the road. Use a concentrated washer fluid additive designed specifically for cold weather driving, such as Prestone‚ Windshield Heat' De-Icer Concentrate Additive. Unlike many "blue" washer fluids that aren't as effective in extreme cold, this concentrated deicer melts frost and light ice and boosts the freeze protection of your regular washer fluid. It also guards against re-freeze on windshields. "For those who park outside, a concentrated windshield washer additive with a deicer product makes a lot of sense for those early morning drives to school in the late fall and into the winter months," states Megan Currie, Prestone Brand Manager.

Remind new drivers to turn on their headlights any time they use their windshield wipers. It will help improve visibility and allow them to be seen better by other drivers. Emphasize the importance of clearing off the entire car, not just a portion. If the entire vehicle hasn't been cleared properly, it creates hazardous situations for your child when they are driving, and for other motorists on the road. It is also a good safety precaution to keep more than a half tank of gas in the vehicle during the cold weather season. It'll be the only source of heat if somebody is stranded.

Although these preventative maintenance tips do help, they by no means serve as a complete deterrent to potential problems. Prepare for a roadside emergency with a special winter kit that includes:

• A cell phone – for calling you in case of emergency
• A portable jump starter – in case of a dead battery, they won't be stranded alone in the cold
• A flashlight and extra batteries
• Emergency flares – so other motorists can see their vehicle
• Sand bags – highly recommended for vehicles with rear-wheel drive
• A tire inflator and sealer
• Warm clothes and blankets
• Extra de-icer washer fluid and a spray de-icer
• Ice scraper with a snow brush
• Tire traction product
• Shovel

Even though young people today are always on the go, emphasize the significance of these safety tips. It may change what could be a disastrous situation into a simple inconvenience.
2 Source: Statistics Canada, Transportation Division 2000
- News Canada

About The Author:
News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.
News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.
This article was posted on December 03, 2003
Article Source: Free Internet Articles

Test Driving A New Car

One of the most important steps in buying a new or used car is the test drive. You can do all the research you like, but it all comes down to the test drive. Driving the car must be comfortable, easy, and enjoyable. Follow these few steps and get the most out of your next test drive. Check over the car before you leave the dealer's lot. Tires, fluids, and lights should all be checked before you drive. Also make sure there is gas in the car.

·If at all possible go on the test drive by yourself. You need to concentrate on the driving experience and the noises of the car. A babbling salesman will distract you and not let you get a good read on the car.

·Before leaving the lot, adjust the seat, mirrors, and the climate control system. You do not need to be distracted while driving an unfamiliar car. Make sure you are comfortable and have a good view of everything around you.

·Drive a variety of roads. Mix it up with some city driving followed by highway if you can. You should make sure to try every gear and reach highway speeds to fully test the car.

·Test the brakes. The steering wheel should not shake while applying the brakes. Also, check to see if the car pulls to one side while braking. Squeaks and rattles could also indicate worn pads.

·Notice how the car tracks. When you take your hands off of the wheel, which way does the car go? If the car consistently tracks to one side, be concerned about the alignment. The last thing you should check is how you feel about the car. Did you enjoy driving it? Was there enough power to get your blood pumping? Is this a car you can live with every day? Most important don't get caught up in the moment, don't buy the first car you see, and never ever let the dealer think you are interested.

About the Author:
Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles. To learn more about how your car works, Kevin has created http://www.mycarwizard.com
Submitted: 2004-12-23
Article Source: Go Articles

Drivers of SUVs Saving Big Money with Diesel Engines

(ARA) - Half of all American vacationers on the road this year are driving gas guzzling SUVs and pickup trucks, according to a new survey on driving habits from research firm MarketFacts. These bigger vehicles burn high amounts of fuel, which not only puts a dent in drivers' wallets, but also increases the country's dependence on foreign oil. Ironically, the MarketFacts study shows that fuel economy is an important issue for SUV and pickup drivers. According to automotive experts, standard gasoline engines can't efficiently handle the weight of the larger -- and very popular -- SUVs and pickup trucks. There is an alternative, however, for drivers of big vehicles to consider: diesel engines. Diesel engines like the Power Stroke Diesel in Ford F-Series Super Duty pickups are specifically made to provide better mileage -- 30 percent in most cases -- and have more pulling power than gas engines, which is why they are especially popular among those hauling camping gear or towing boats, RVs and horse trailers. "People love big trucks for a lot of great reasons, but running a gas engine in them is like trying to heat a hotel with a small home furnace. You're going to burn way too much fuel and you still won't get the power you really need," said Patrick Charbonneau, chief technical officer, Engine Group, International Truck and Engine Corporation. "Diesel engines produce more power than gasoline engines because diesel fuel itself has more energy. And today's diesel engines are electronically controlled to boost performance and fuel efficiency." However, the study found that despite diesel's known benefits, many Americans are resistant because they still have a negative perception of these engines, recalling the noisy and odorous diesel engines of the '70s. Industry experts dispel these myths saying today's diesel engines are greatly improved -- running quietly and not producing odors or smoke. Major automakers in the United States have taken an interest in diesel power predominantly because of the success of diesels in Europe. "Over 30 percent of the passenger cars in Europe are now diesel, and the main reason is fuel economy," said Charbonneau. "The Big Three know fuel economy is keenly important here in North America." Currently in the United States, diesel engines are an option over the standard gasoline engines, adding a few thousand dollars to the cost of a new vehicle. Although buying a diesel engine is a higher monetary investment initially, automakers say diesel engines make up this cost difference within just three years from fuel savings alone. Diesel engines also add greater resale value to pickups and SUVs due to their longevity. Industry insiders believe that in 20 years, 30 percent of the passenger cars, sport utilities and pickups in America will use diesel engines because of fuel efficiency and near zero emissions capabilities. According to the Department of Energy, if diesels reach even a percent of their potential penetration by 2020, the country could conserve as much as 700,000 barrels of fuel per day -- half the energy used daily by the state of California. For more information, visit www.GreenDieselTechnology.com.

About The Author:
Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com
This article was posted on September 21, 2002
Article Source: The Articles Directory

Easy Tips Guaranteed To Keep You Safer While Driving

Nationwide the results are showing an increase in accidents across the board. There is a marked increase in DUI’s and numerous other night time accidents. According to the Institute for Highway and Traffic Safety, many of these accidents are avoidable or at least their severity greatly reduced. For the purpose of this article we consulted the safety experts of the state police and firefighters of several states and specifically asked them what worked best. Below are their recommendations and tips for improving driver safety and reducing the incidence or probability of an accident.

Their first tip was to increase the following distance. Aggressive driving and following too close can easily result in a rear end collision, especially at night when vision is reduced and reaction time is slowed. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least one car length of distance between cars for each 10 mph increment. So, for 10 mph 1 car length will suffice and for 60 mph at least 6 car lengths or more. This will allow for proper reaction time and braking in an emergency. Also watch out for cars switching lanes without using turn signals. If you follow too closely there may be another car stopped in you lane that you will not have time to stop for.

Another great tip for avoiding unnecessary night time accidents was to make sure your cars lighting works properly. This is especially important at night when visibility is already low and a dimly or unlit vehicle poses a great risk and threat to other cars. According to New York State Troopers the biggest problem with headlights wasn’t actually the bulb, it was the plastic cover of the headlight lens. Since 1992 clear plastic headlights have been made standard on almost every car made and the problem is that these plastic lenses are very susceptible to damage from the environment. Just like car paint, plastic lenses become damaged and cloudy from exposure to UV rays, harsh weathering and acid rain. The lenses start to cloud and before long light output and safety can become greatly reduced.

According to the AAA Foundation for traffic safety, An average of 9 out of every 10 cars on the road today has dirty or yellowed headlights that greatly reduce vision and need to be replaced or restored. That means almost every car out there is in need of some degree of headlight repair or restoration. It used to be that the only option was replacement of the cloudy headlight lens at an average of $250 per lens. Now there is a headlight restoration kit available that is currently used and backed by numerous police and state agencies that will restore the headlight lens to new again and restore night time driving safety. According to the National Institute for Highway Traffic and Safety dim headlights are the number one most easily avoidable factor in serious night time accidents.

Another tip was dirty or improperly cleaned windshields. According to several state troopers, most people don’t realize the effect of glare on night time or daytime driving. Glare can literally blind you. If your windshield or other windows are dirty or even fogged, your vision can quickly be impaired. All it takes at night is for someone to be driving with a dirty windshield and an oncoming car with their bright lights or even regular lights on. You will be temporarily blinded and long enough to easily cause a serious accident. Clean your windows at every fill up. Many gas stations have windshield wash stations available so take advantage of them. If your windshield has scratches or cracks get it replaced. It is also a good time to check your headlights and tires to make sure they are properly inflated as improperly inflated tires can cause you to lose traction when you need it most.

About the Author:

David Maillie

For more great information, tips, safety and money saving products please visit: Automotive Safety Tips and Headlight Restoration

Article Submitted On: September 16, 2006

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Tips On Safe Highway Driving

(NC)—The number of large commercial vehicles — such as tractor trailers — on our roads has increased dramatically during the past few years. One of the best things you can do to stay safe on the highway is to learn as much as you can about how these vehicles operate. Here are some tips from Transport Canada on how to share the road safely with commercial vehicles:

• While drivers of commercial vehicles enjoy a better forward view and have larger side mirrors than most passenger-vehicle drivers, they also have more and larger blind spots. Avoid lingering in the blind spots of commercial vehicles; if you can't see the driver in their side mirror, then the driver probably can't see you.
• Trucks and buses need more time and distance than cars do to manoeuvre and stop. When driving in front of a large commercial vehicle, signal your intentions well in advance so that the driver behind has enough time to react properly.
• Truck wheels create a lot of spray in rain, slush and snow. Turn on your windshield wipers before passing commercial vehicles — you need to see clearly at all times.
• Weather conditions and even the time of day can also affect visibility — assuming that other drivers on the road can see you can be dangerous. Signal well in advance, avoid braking abruptly and leave lots of room for passing.
• Commercial vehicles need a lot of space, so watch their turn signals and give them room when they manoeuvre. Never squeeze between a turning truck and the side of the road; large commercial vehicles must sometimes swing wide to make turns, and your car might be crushed as the truck turns.

In addition to encouraging Canadians to learn safer driving habits, Transport Canada, along with the provinces and territories, is funding improvements to those parts of our national highway system that need immediate attention because of growing traffic and increased trade. These improvements, delivered through the $600 million dollar Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP), will result in a safer and more efficient highway system for all Canadians.
For more information on SHIP, and Government of Canada highway improvement programs in your area, visit http://www.tc.gc.ca.
- News Canada

About The Author:
News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.
News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.
This article was posted on August 09, 2003
Article Source: Free Internet Articles

9 Winter Driving Tips for Truckers

There are no secrets when it comes to winter driving. If there's ice on the road, it's dangerous. The big truck flying past you at 55 mph when everyone else is crawling along at 15 or 20 mph doesn't have the inside track on the winter roadways. You're liable to see him in the median a few miles up the road.

If you're driving on ice, you won't know it until you need to stop. It doesn't matter if you're in a sedan, a 4-wheel drive or a big rig: brakes are the great equalizer.

Tip #1 Ice on your windshield means ice on the road.

The ice doesn't have to be packed up on the roadway to be dangerous- a thin sheet of ice can develop quickly into a thick problem.

Tip # 2 Keep an eye on the temperature.

Water freezes at 32 degrees. The roadways tend to be slightly warmer than the air temp, but once you're down that low in temperature, you need to be wary.

Tip # 3 Look for spray coming up from other vehicles.

If spray is coming off the tires, it's likely that the roads are wet (as opposed to ice covered), but keep in mind that a short stretch of road with ice on it can be just as dangerous as a ice-packed roadway.

Tip # 4 Talk to people.

Make sure your CB radio is on and talk to the drivers around you. If you are a new driver, try to find a seasoned driver who isn't talking a lot of big talk. We're all a little nervous out there if we really know what we're dealing with. You want to find a seasoned driver with a healthy respect for physics to help talk you through it.

Tip # 5 Don't follow too close.

Traffic tends to bunch up on bad roads-the natural inclination is to follow other drivers. Stay away from four-wheelers. Often they are under the illusion that the roads are safer than they actually are.

Tip # 6 Watch for warning signs.

If there are four-wheelers spun out in the median or shoulder, the roads are bad. If you start seeing big trucks spun out, it's time to get off the roadway.

Tip # 7 There's no load worth your life.

If you are on dangerous roadways, your best bet is to find a safe spot to wait it out. Let your logbook gain some hours. If you can't find a spot in a truck stop, park on a ramp or anywhere out of the way. Try not to park on an incline. You're liable to get yourself stuck.

Tip # 8 Carry supplies.

In the unfortunate event that you end up stuck, spun out, wrecked, or just sitting in a backup, be sure you have necessities with you. Keep extra blankets, canned food (and a can opener if needed), and water. Be sure you keep your diesel tanks full so you won't run out.

Tip # 9 Treat your diesel.

Diesel gels when it gets really cold. If your diesel gels, your truck won't run. If you are facing winter weather conditions, you need to put an anti-gel additive in your tanks (put it in BEFORE you fuel so it mixes). It's a good idea to stock up ahead of time and/or buy at a Wal-Mart rather than expecting the truck stop to have it in stock. They tend to run out right when you need it-every one else already bought theirs from them.

About the Author:
Michael_Farrell
CoopsAreOpen.com is the only comprehensive online resource for over 1100 truck weigh stations and scales as well as state DOT weight regulations and policies. Knowledge of the varying policies and the ability to manage or avoid most weigh stations can save truckers thousands of dollars in ticket fines. For further information, contact Michael Farrell at 646.257.2052 or view complete Truck Weigh Stations, Scales and State DOT Information at CoopsAreOpen.com.

Article Submitted On: July 01, 2006

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Trucking Safety: “I” Is for the Interactive Driver

Safety research shows drivers' behavioral styles and attitudes are a better predictor of safe driving practices than their level of safety training. A 1993 study conducted by Behavioral-Values Research Associates showed significant behavior and attitude differences between injured and non-injured workers.

Trucking companies that obtain this information to pre-screen driver applicants have significantly reduced their accident rates, costs, workers' comp claims, and have increased driver retention.

A behavioral assessment measures a driver's normal behavior in four areas: D (Dominant), I (Influencing), S (Steadiness), and C (Cautious, Compliant to Standards).

The D factor determines how drivers tend to handle problems and challenges, the I factor looks at their interactions and influence with others, the S at how they respond to the pace of the environment, and the C at how they respond to rules and regulations set by others.

A DISC behavioral assessment shows how the applicant ranks in each of the four factors from 0% to 100%. Above 50% is considered high, below 50% is low. The higher or lower the ranking, the more intense the behavior will be. In this article, we'll look at the highs and lows of the Core I driver.

The BVRA study showed significant differences in the D, S, and C styles of the injured versus non-injured safety workers. But there wasn't a marked difference in the I factor between the two groups. However, I recommend trucking companies hire drivers who are low in the I style. Here's the reason why.

Drivers who score highest in the Influencing factor tend to be talkative, sociable, friendly, and outgoing. They get distracted easily especially when other people are involved. They'll get bored on long hauls with no one to talk to. They may take extended breaks if they get into a lively conversation with someone.

Drivers with a low I factor are the opposite. They're introverted and shy away from others. They'll be content on a long driver where they don't have to interact with people. They're able to pay more focused attention to their driving.

However, one of our trucking company clients wants its drivers to be somewhat, but not extremely, high in the I factor because they're required to interact frequently with their customers. The company want drivers who are friendly and can relate well with others.

If you feel being lively and likable is important for your drivers, then hire applicants with an I ranking above the mid line. Otherwise, select those low in the I behavioral style.

Watch for upcoming articles in which we'll discuss the drivers you most want to hire: those high in the S and C factors. If you missed it, look for our previous article on the Core D driver. Contact us if you can't find it and we'll send it to you.

©2006 Annette Estes. All Rights Reserved. Permission to reprint granted as long as entire text and tag line are included.

About the Author:
Annette Estes is a Certified Professional Behavioral and Values Analyst, Coach, and Trucking Company Consultant. She is an award-winning author and columnist. Subscribe to her free newsletter at www.hiresafedrivers.com

Article Source: www.articlesnetwork.com

Trucking Safety: “S” is for the Safe Driver

Have you ever wondered why some drivers seem to be accident prone and others have never caused an accident? Would you like to know you're getting safe drivers before you hire them?

Safety research shows you can determine driver applicants' probability of causing future accidents by determining their behavioral style and attitudes. (Source: Behavioral and Values Associates, 1993.)

A behavioral assessment measures a person's normal behavior in four areas: D (Dominant), I (Influencing), S (Steadiness), and C (Cautious, Compliant to Standards).

The D factor determines how drivers tend to handle problems and challenges, the I factor looks at their interactions and influence with others, the S at how they respond to the pace of the environment, and the C at how they respond to company and federal rules and regulations set by others.

A DISC behavioral assessment shows how the applicant ranks in each of the four factors from 0% to 100%. Fifty percent is the mid line; above this the person is said to be high in the factor, below 50% - low. The higher or lower the ranking, the more intense the behavior will be. In this article, we'll look at the highs and lows of the S factor.

Research shows the safest drivers are high in the S factor. Here's the reason why.

People with a Core S style tend to be steady, reliable, patient, and mild mannered. They're genuinely nice people who care about serving others. And they're safety conscious because their number one psychological need is to be safe and secure.

Drivers with a Core S factor can sit for hours without feeling antsy or restless. They can make good, steady time on the road without feeling stressed. They could drive even longer than regulations allow with less boredom and fatigue than those low in this style.

Drivers with a low S factor tend to be active, restless, and mobile and feel stressed when they have to sit for hours at a time. They need more frequent breaks than their Core S counterparts. They tend to drive faster and get distracted more easily.

Trucking companies that hire drivers with a high S factor have reduced accidents, costs, workers' comp claims, and turnover. This is the driver you want to hire and retain.

A driver who also has both high S and high C behavioral styles is the ideal driver. Look for my next article on the Core C driver, who's cautious and compliant to high standards.

©2006 Annette Estes. All Rights Reserved. Permission to reprint granted as long as entire text and tag line are included.

About the Author:
Annette Estes is a Certified Professional Behavioral and Values Analyst, Coach, and Trucking Company Consultant. She is an award-winning author and columnist. Subscribe to her free newsletter at www.hiresafedrivers.com

Article Source: www.articlesnetwork.com

Defensive Driving Tip On Merging Into Another Lane

Driving safely on the highway takes a lot of concentration, knowledge and effort on everybody’s part these days. Knowing the meaning of traffic signs is a very important part of defensive driving, and not knowing the meaning of any one traffic sign should be an important reason to stay off of the road and retrain your ability on understanding what each and every highway sign means for the sake of your well being and others.

I do a lot of highway driving and it sure gets pretty scary out there. I’ve been driving for over thirty-five years, 18 professionally, and it’s not getting easier. As a matter of fact, drivers are getting bolder. According to the dictionary, yield means to give up to another and or give up to pressure. I think a busy highway or any traffic would be reason to yield to others coming from behind at a higher speed that is carrying 2,000lbs or greater of moving pressure. I really never did stop and calculate exactly how many tons of moving metal could possibly be coming your way, if you know what I mean.

Merging onto a highway with flowing traffic can be a very dangerous maneuver, especially if you do not know what the meaning of a yield sign is, or what one looks like. The last time I looked in a defensive driving book, and I’m sure they are not out to trick us on any changes. It means yield for other traffic (give up to another and or give up to pressure.), or stop if necessary! So why do a lot of vehicle drivers assume that highway traffic has to let them in if they run out of roadway when they’re trying to merge on?

The key to safe driving is not to assume anything. The proper way to merge onto a highway should be a quickset plan. The path ahead of you should be clear and have a long enough roadway to allow you to get up to the speed of highway traffic. The following is a defensive driving procedure on merging into traffic safely.

When the highway traffic coming up along side your vehicle is behind you, put your signal on and quickly accelerate your vehicle up to the same speed if the path ahead of you is clear. The goal here is to get up to the same speed as traffic so they cannot catch you. If you’re doing the same speed as the traffic behind you, they can’t catch you unless they’re speeding and or your slowing down. If you think you cannot accelerate to their speed, ease off the gas pedal and let the vehicles go by, then quickly pick up speed again to stay ahead of the traffic coming up from the lane you want to merge into, if it is clear ahead of you.

When necessary, stop if you have to let all traffic go by and merge in only after the lane you want to merge into is clear. The vehicle traffic in the lane you want to merge into should not have to brake to let you in. Sometimes you will find a courteous driver easing back on the gas pedal to let you in. Quickly accelerate and move in, only if safe and clear ahead of your vehicle.

This maneuver should be practiced with a recognized driving school instructor, or an adult with a lot of driving experience. It is a very important part of defensive driving.

About the Author:
George Gabriel
Owned and operated a Driving School and taught over 2000 kids and adults how to drive. Now running a tee time golf course site that helps take the pressure off of every day driving.
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