Heat, congested roads, eating during the trip or the appearance of fatigue during summer trips, many situations arise behind the wheel, especially in the outbound operation. Do you know how to solve them? We give you some tips to face the exit operation.
JAMS
Summer concentrates the largest movements of vehicles on roads throughout the year. Even if you have planned the trip and consulted the state of the roads before leaving, withholdings may be unavoidable.
If you immersed in a traffic jam, keep the proper safety distance at all times with the vehicle in front to avoid reach in case of sudden braking. Check that the separation is correct both in progress and in detentions. When it stops, do it where you see the wheels of the vehicle ahead. And continually observe the mirrors to avoid scopes, especially in accelerations. And do not rely on the moments of slow movement or when you see the clear road: the retention can return a few meters later.
Also, keep the cabin well ventilated, be patient and respectful of other drivers and forget the stress: you’re on vacation!
EYE TO THE SUN
At this time, the greater brightness in the central hours of the day can cause eyestrain more quickly to the driver. Also, take special care with glare during sunrise and sunset. Use sunglasses as a ‘barrier’ of protection, taking into account their absorption index of ultraviolet and infrared rays and protection against glare from glare. And remember that sight also needs rest.
UNEXPECTED: REACT WITH CALM
We may all have an unforeseen event during the march that forces us to stop the vehicle. If a passenger is unwell, detects a flat tire (vibrations in the steering wheel or the back of the vehicle) or any breakdown, keep calm and immobilize the vehicle out of the way whenever possible (on highways and expressways it is mandatory to abandon them). If this is impossible, then immobilize on the right shoulder, avoiding invading the road.
Signal your situation with the emergency lights and place the triangles at least 50 meters from the vehicle, so that other drivers can react properly. During detention, if you must wait for one or change a wheel, do not expose yourself to the risk run over and keep the occupants out of the vehicle.
WITNESS OF AN ACCIDENT
Drive quietly and, suddenly, a collision between two vehicles in front of you. What to do? If you witness the accident, continue the march, stop the vehicle in a safe place and call the emergency number 112.
But if you encounter an accident on the road and there are still victims without help, stop the vehicle where you cannot pose a risk. Please put on the vest and apply the PAS protocol (Protect, Warn and Help): protect the area by signaling with lights and triangles; notify emergency services by phone; and give first aid to the injured, as long as you know how to do it. Remember that drivers must help in an accident without causing new hazards.
NEITHER COMILONAS NOR ALCOHOL DURING THE TRIP
When driving this summer, keep these recommendations in mind:
EAT:
- Begin your journey after resting well and never on an empty stomach.
- Driving for a long time is a light activity that does not need extra energy.
- An inadequate diet favors drowsiness, causes fatigue and reduces reflexes.
- Eat varied, lightly and frequently, several times throughout the day.
- Opt for foods with carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals.
- Avoid very salty, spicy and high-fat foods: they can irritate the stomach and increase acidity.
- After eating, try to relax and take a walk: during digestion, attention decreases and driving performance is reduced by up to 10%.
TO DRINK:
- Being always hydrated while driving helps maintain attention and react quickly to the wheel. Of course, avoid alcohol.
- Alcohol is the greatest enemy of driving: it increases drowsiness and promotes dehydration among other damages.
- Do not abuse coffee or other stimulant drinks. And in no case do the effects of alcohol or fatigue diminish.
- Drink frequently in small amounts: dehydration also causes muscle fatigue.
- Water, soft drinks or fresh fruit and vegetable juices will help you hydrate.
- Avoid very hot liquids and soft drinks.
CARE WITH SHORT TRAJECTS
Undoubtedly, short journeys are just as dangerous or more than long ones, because the driver usually pays less attention, usually prepares less and there are even times that one does not go with the right footwear. In these journeys, we must pay the same attention or more than any long trip and comply with all traffic regulations.
8 USEFUL TIPS
- Take the car to the workshop to review the elements that affect safety. And also the motorcycle.
- Find out about the best route and even possible alternatives or routes with more kilometers of highway.
- Always with a belt in the car. Fasten it correctly and always before starting.
- If you are riding a motorcycle, helmet and appropriate clothing even if it is hot, forget flip flops, shorts.
- Carry your mobile phone in case you need it in an emergency, but never use it while driving.
- Children, with a Retention System appropriate to their size and weight, at least up to 1.35 m. tall, and the smallest, in the opposite direction.
- If you transport pets, take them in a carrier. If they are large, also in the trunk, separated by a rack.
- Stop and rest during the trip every two hours or 200 kilometers. Hydrate yourself, but never drink alcohol if you drive.