Safety not only on long journeys
Drivers must remember safety measures in any situation and during every, even the shortest trip.
Studies show that 1/3 of traffic accidents occur at a distance of about 1,5 km from the place of residence, and more than half - at a distance of 8 km. More than half of all accidents involving children occur within 10 minutes of home.
The routine approach of drivers to driving a car is the reason for a large number of accidents on well-known routes and short trips close to home, says Zbigniew Veseli, director of the Renault driving school. One of the manifestations of the driving routine is the lack of proper preparation for driving, including: fastening seat belts, properly adjusting mirrors, or checking the operation of car headlights.
Moreover, everyday driving involves repeated overcoming of the same routes, which contributes to driving without constant control of the traffic situation. Driving in familiar terrain gives drivers a false sense of security, which leads to reduced concentration and makes drivers less prepared for sudden, unforeseen threats. When we feel safe and assume that nothing surprises us, we don't feel the need to constantly monitor the situation and are definitely more likely to reach for our phone or drive. When driving, which requires a lot of concentration, drivers are more careful not to be distracted in vain, say Renault driving school coaches.
Meanwhile, a dangerous situation can arise anywhere. A fatal accident can even happen on a residential road or in a parking lot. Here, first of all, small children are at risk, who may go unnoticed during a reverse maneuver, the instructors of the Renault Driving School explain. The data shows that 57% of car accidents involving children occur within 10 minutes of driving from home, and 80% within 20 minutes. That is why Renault driving school instructors call for the correct transportation of the smallest in vehicles and not to leave them unattended in parking lots and near roads.
How to protect yourself during everyday driving:
• Check all headlights and windshield wipers regularly.
• Don't forget to prepare for the trip: always fasten your seat belts and make sure that the seat, head restraint
and the mirrors are properly adjusted.
• Don't drive by heart.
• Watch out for pedestrians, especially on nearby streets, parking lots, schools and markets.
• Remember to keep your child safe, including using the harness and seat correctly.
• Secure your luggage from shifting in the cabin.
• Minimize activities such as talking on the phone or tuning the radio.
• Be vigilant, anticipate traffic events.
