Educated drivers = safer roads

We’ve been teaching people how to drive for almost 25 years now, during this time we’ve seen a lot of technological changes in vehicles. Innovations like keyless entry, rearview cameras, satellite radio, sensor operated windshield wipers and others are just a few examples of what I’m talking about.

But today’s pace of technological evolution in the automotive industry goes far beyond those relatively simple innovations and is accelerating rapidly. Vehicles today are smarter, safer and more productive than ever – provided that drivers are aware of new technology and understand how to get the most out of it.

Vehicle manufacturers will fight to get you inside their products offering everything possible out of the combination between comfort and technology, readiness for communication, safety and others to be ahead of competitors.

But here’s the question: Do drivers know about everything available there and understand how to get the maximum use out of it?

I have no doubt most drivers don’t know all about these features and understand the benefits they offer; the reason is simple, many people don’t read the operator’s manual. Even worse, many people go to the dealers to ask questions about different features on their new vehicles and representatives at the dealer don’t know how to use them either.

This is why I think that the problem is lack of education, in many levels. It takes time to produce such innovations and to be incorporated to vehicles, but everything could b just a waist of money if we pay for a vehicle with X number of features that we’ll never use because we don’t know how to use them.

It’s a tough nut to crack knowing all aspects and systems in your vehicle,  but it’s worth the effort. There’s no question new vehicle systems can make you safer, more productive and better rested. More importantly, many of these systems are proven winners when it comes to saving time and crashes – and nothing affects the bottom line as dramatically as having what it takes to be safer on the road.

Proper education about your vehicle as well as defensive driving techniques will be able to get you on the road for the years to come easily and safe. See you out there folks!!!

Car safety equals to Road safety

Driving is without doubt a very nice experience for many us (unless we’re stuck in traffic). However, it is always enjoyable when safety is involved every second we’re behind the wheel, which is something commonly overlooked for many drivers, thinking the way how to get from point a to point b without taking proper care of car maintenance, it’s at this point when the enjoyable experience of driving can become a nightmare.

Nowadays, it’s very easy to keep a track of your car maintenance using many of the available apps using the key words “car maintenance tracker”. Many of them come with awesome reminder feature based on mileage or time (depending when service is supposed to be performed). Reading the owner’s manual is always important, not only to be better informed about your maintenance schedule but you will be surprised of many features you will enjoy in your car (unless you read the manual). Ultimately, you can always keep in the glove compartment a paper with notes about of service and repairs performed to your vehicle.

Learning how to detect signs of wear and tear in your vehicle parts will not only save you problems and headaches, but a lot of money on “unexpected” repairs.

Easy things to check in your car:

- Fluid level: oil, washer fluid, power steering, brake and coolant.
- Firmness on your brake pedal (if your brake fluid is low, you may need to replace the brake pads and/or brake shoes, don’t simply add fluid. Have your car inspected to know if it’s the time for new pads and/or shoes)
- Light bulbs: have someone outside the car to see if any light is not working properly, while you’re turning on and off all different lights and signals from inside. Replace the bad ones as soon as possible, remember others won’t know your intentions if the lights aren’t working. (Also, you can get a ticket for this reasons)
- Make sure the horn is working properly
- Tire pressure: it’s very easy to learn and do (check the sticker on the door frame on the driver side of your vehicle to know the proper tire pressure). Don’t forget the spare tire, it will be you savior in the bad hour (check its pressure inflated once a month)
- Have a First Aid Kit in the trunk; update and replenish as necessary

Last but not least, DON’T FORGET TO BUCKLE UP !!!