subject: Safety Standards For Your Automobile [print this page] If you have an automobile, you probably already know the amazing benefits that owning a vehicle can bring. With your own automobile, you don't have to rely on public transportation to get where you're headed. Public transportation can be very cumbersome, especially in smaller cities. Relying on buses or subway systems to get to work or school can add hours to your commute time. You will have to deal with a variety of different people that may cause time delays and discomfort during your commute. Also, when you don't own your own vehicle, vacations and other leisurely travel plans are often nonexistent.
If you are interested in purchasing your own vehicle or you already own a vehicle, there are things you need to consider before you head out on the open road. A vehicle is a heavy and complex machine that requires a great deal of responsibility on the part of the driver and owner. Getting a valid driver's license and automobile insurance are only a portion of the responsibility required of the driver. It is possible to make your vehicle a safe machine for passengers and pedestrians, as well as other drivers. However, if you fail to remember all of the following safety steps, your vehicle can become a harbinger of danger and destruction.
Using Your Seat Belts
The most commonly ignored vehicle safety feature is the seat belt. All modern vehicles are equipped with safety belts that lock into place around a passenger's lap and across his or her shoulders. During an accident, when the brakes are applied quickly, this seat belt will lock across the body and prevent the body from slamming into the dashboard, the seats, or even through the windshield. Wearing a safety belt dramatically reduces the chance of a casualty occurring in an automobile accident. However, many consumers fail to buckle their seat belts on a regular basis. Why do they do that? Some feel that they cannot be bothered by a seat belt, while others feel that the seat belts are uncomfortable or annoying. A strap across your lap and shoulders is a small price to pay for a saved life in the event of an accident.
Maintaining Your Vehicle
Proper vehicle maintenance is another important aspect of vehicle safety. A vehicle is designed to run smoothly and safely for a long period of time, but without vehicle maintenance, certain systems within the vehicle may begin to shut down and fail. Replacing fluids will keep your engine and transmission operating smoothly and may help to prevent overheating, which can cause safety issues. Similarly, replacing your tires on a regular basis and ensuring that your tires are always aired up can prevent blowouts on the road, which can lead to automobile accidents.
Child Safety Standards
Another important consideration for parents who own a vehicle is safety seats for children. While most vehicles are very safe for adults, and seat belts are designed to keep adults firmly in place during the event of an accident, children need additional security to keep them safe in a collision. Children who are not securely buckled in a child safety seat or booster seat can slip out of a seat belt and be flung from an automobile, so make sure to keep them safe.
by: Jon Miller
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