Fitting Your Child Correctly in the Car Seat

Although the laws concerning child car seats will vary between Western countries, they are all set out with the common purpose of maximizing the safety of young children, particularly in the event of a crash. The type of car seat that is most ideal for your child will depend on his/her age and physical development. A baby in the first year of his/her life should always travel in a rear-facing car seat, as he/she will be pulled into the seat with minimal impact on his/her neck or spinal cord in a crash. Thereafter, the child can be placed in a forward-facing seat and latterly a booster seat as he/she grows older and bigger, until such time that a normal seatbelt can fit snugly across their shoulder and chest. A seatbelt should never cross a child’s neck or face, nor rest on his/her stomach, as these could be lacerated in a crash.

This infographic from Woodstock Motors dispenses hugely important safety advice relating to the selection of a child car seat, as well as offering tips on what to look out for when purchasing one. It sets out to inform parents and guardians that not all car seats are created equal, and by selecting the one that is the best fit for your child, it may just prove the difference between life and death if you and your children are unfortunate enough to be involved in a car crash.

Author and source: Mark Dressekie with http://www.woodstockmotors.co.uk/repairs.html

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A woman’s foot depressing the brake pedal of a car.

Many people choose fashion over safety when driving. A survey commissioned by price comparison website Confused.com found that 40 percent of women drive in high heels, 39 percent wear flip flops and 24 percent prefer bare feet. Sixteen percent also admitted to driving in slippers while only 34 percent said they drove in sensible shoes.

A simulator study has shown that moving the foot between the brake and the pedal in high heels was 0.13 seconds slower. This could be the difference between braking with enough space or colliding into the back of another vehicle. In addition, 10 percent of people admit that they’ve had their flip-flop get stuck underneath the pedal. With all this in mind, it’s about time we all make better decisions on footwear when driving and not let how we want to look cloud our judgment.

What Is the Safest Footwear to Drive in?

The best footwear for driving is a comfortable, flat, rubber-soled shoe — something that gives you traction and easy mobility between pedals. Wearing sensible footwear to drive doesn’t mean you have to pass up on looking good, though. An on-trend pair of Vans sneakers are perfect to drive in while still keeping your feet stylish.

Options Besides Wearing Heels When Driving

If you just can’t go without heels, an innovative designer has come up with an answer for you. A conceptual footwear design from Sheila’s Wheels, called the Sheila Driving Heel, is a comfortable, flat driving shoe that converts into a glamorous pair of heels at the push of a button, thanks to a folding stiletto. Now you can have the best of both worlds!

If you have that perfect pedicure you just need to show off at all times, Sheila’s Wheels has also come up with a flip-flop add-on that ensures you can drive safely. The specially designed flip-flop straps fit snugly over your flip-flop, giving you more support at the heel and more traction to the pedal. This accessory can easily be scrunched up a fitted into a handbag or your glove compartment for when you need it.

What About Driving Barefoot?

Many people think it’s fine to just take off their heels when driving, but this still doesn’t eliminate safety concerns. Driving barefoot is not considered safe as your foot can easily slip off the pedal due to perspiration. Pressing down on the pedals also causes a lot of pressure on the ball of the foot and could cause cramping.

Even though there aren’t any laws preventing you from driving barefoot (this is a common myth), it doesn’t mean it’s a good way to drive. If you want to be totally safe, ensure you have appropriate driving shoes. The best way is to stay prepared and plan ahead. Always keep a pair of sturdy driving shoes in your vehicle. Don’t wait till you have an accident to make changes.

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Every parent gets a bit nervous when their teenager starts to drive. Even if you know your child is a careful driver, you will always have that thought at the back of your mind that they might become distracted while driving with friends and end up in a fender-bender.

One of the biggest risks of distraction is often posed by their passengers, especially when these consist of their teenage friends. Teens can easily get distracted when their friends are in the back, and this can be dangerous for all of them.

Here’s a guide to what your teenage child and their friends should know to reduce distractions caused by passengers. Share and discuss these points with your teen driver.

Explain to them that the dangers are real:

According to the New York State Department of Health website, for teens aged 15 to 19 years, motor vehicle crashes are the main cause of hospitalizations and unintentional deaths in the state (73 deaths a year).

Importantly, it also states that teen passengers have a greater chance of being seriously injured when another teen is driving the vehicle.

Seat belts are a must:

Remind your teen child and their friends to always buckle-up when behind the wheel. Seat belts save lives. Without them, a relatively minor accident could be severe. The New York State Department of Health claims that they cut the risk of serious injuries by anything from 50 to 83 percent. The CDC also has some interesting stats on seat belts and injuries.

Speed is deadly:

One of the biggest causes of crashes in teen drivers is speeding. Teens are particularly at risk because they are not only less experienced, but they may want to show off to their friends. Teach your child about the risks of speeding and make sure they know how dangerous it can be. Remind them not to feel pressured to drive fast just to show off to their friends.

One way to get through to them could be to remind them that they are liable if they cause a crash that results in injury to another driver or pedestrian. The injured driver may want to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver, and this is something your child will clearly want to avoid. You can also discuss the emotions of how your teen might feel if they were to hit a pedestrian or child while speeding – once they register the severity of the emotional consequences for their self and the family of injured, they will likely be more conscious of their decisions behind the wheel.

Take care when driving at night:

Driving at night can also be more dangerous, so you may want to restrict your child’s driving to daylight hours until you both are confident in their driving abilities. If you are buying them their first car, you can make this a condition that they have to follow.

Educate your teen’s friends on passenger etiquette:

Teen passengers causing distractions can present serious risks to everyone in the vehicle. Although it may not be easy to educate your child’s friends on the risks, try to remind them when they head out and your child is driving. If you know their parents, you could also suggest that they all teach their children about the dangers.

In fact, it may be best if your child does not carry teenage passengers who fail to follow proper passenger etiquette. Perhaps you can make that a condition of paying for their driving lessons or car, etc.

Help Your Teen to Drive Safer

Every parent worries about their teenage children driving on the roads. As long as you teach them the rules of the road and do everything you can to educate them—and their friends—on the dangers, they will be at less risk.

By Anna Burke: Anna Burke has worked in various roles within the auto industry for many years. Now semi-retired she uses her knowledge combined with current events to write articles. She has discovered a new passion she didn’t know existed until very recently but is thoroughly enjoying connecting with others through her writing.

Driving to and from work every day can put physical and mental strain on the body. Stop-and-go traffic and unpredictable drivers can make your daily commute nerve-wracking. Even commuting alone can take a toll on mental and physical health, says Psychology Today. Commuters who drive more than 10 miles each way experience higher cholesterol and blood sugar levels, Time reports, probably from the time spent sitting in one place. Blood pressure can spike as well. And to top it off, commuting for more than 30 minutes raises anxiety levels.

Here are five ways to lessen the anxiety and irritability your commute might be causing.

1. Listen to something interesting

Audiobooks and podcasts capture your attention better than hearing the same songs, rants and jokes over and over again on the radio. Listen to something enriching, not noise that irritates or burdens you.

2. Make Sure You’re Physically Comfortable

Long commutes can also aggravate the back, legs, neck and eyes. Here are a few simple modifications that can relieve discomfort:

• Sit on a cushion designed to provide lumbar and lower-back support.
• A cushioned seat belt strap ends irritating strap rub.
• Always wear sunglasses. Polarized lenses used during the commute reduces eye strain from the sun’s glare off snow and other reflective surfaces you may pass. They also help if your commute puts you in the path of sunrises and sunsets.
• Bring a change of clothing and shoes. If you have to dress up for your job, changing into something comfortable for a long drive can make a huge difference.

3. Change Your Route Home Once in a While

Try taking different routes home from work. Variety can be a useful stimulant and even if another route takes a few more minutes, it can take the edge off the usual routine. (If you’ve found a reliable, timely way to get to work, you may want to stick to that route.)

4. If Time Permits, Run Errands

If it’s possible, break up the commute by stopping to pick up a prescription or snack, or do your grocery shopping on the way home. Your body will surely appreciate the break from the driver’s seat and your mind will have something different to focus on than the same drive each and every day.

5. Consider Carpooling or Public Transportation

Very few people actually carpool. The U.S. Census Bureau says more than three-quarters of all people who drive to work are alone in their cars. Being alone for long periods of time every day can be an isolating experience, says Psychology Today.

If a regular carpool isn’t an option, ask around the office to see if there’s someone who lives along your route. Perhaps you can pick up or drop off this person once or twice a week. Having company in the car can be a huge benefit. Studies in Sweden and England found that commuters who used public transportation suffered less from stress and social isolation than those who drove alone.

If public transit is out of the question (and many American cities and suburbs have very poor transit), an occasional or regular passenger could be quite beneficial. Is there a better way to start the day than a cheery “hello!” from a new work buddy?

Drivers face many hazards on the road, most of which involve other drivers. However, there is another hazard that you need to be aware of every time you get behind the wheel – wildlife. Not only do accidents seriously hurt and kill countless animals, but accidents involving wildlife also pose serious risks to the driver and passengers of the vehicle.

The Federal Highway Administration published a study claiming that there are between 1 million and 2 million collisions each year involving animals including deer, elk, and moose. One potential risk of animals on the road is when a driver cannot stop in time to avoid an impact and instead swerves to miss the animal. This can sometimes lead the vehicle to head off the road or to collide with a vehicle coming in the other direction. Another serious risk posed by collisions with large animals, like elk, is that they can cause injury to the driver and passengers. Even if the driver does not receive an injury, the vehicle can still be damaged beyond repair if such a collision occurs at speed.

When damage or injury occurs, it is nearly always the drivers fault. While law firms like Holliday Karatinos Law Firm see many cases of victims of accidents claiming damages from another driver who was responsible for an accident, this is not the case with wildlife.

How to Reduce the Chances of a Run-in with Wildlife on the Road
Because of the risks to drivers and passengers, as well as the obvious distress that a collision can cause to the animals, we should all do our best to avoid accidents in the first place.

The Humane Society provides a number of tips to drive safer and avoid causing harm to the wildlife on our roads. You should be careful at all times when driving on the roads, but be especially careful to avoid colliding with wildlife when you are driving in rural areas.

One of the most important of the recommendations made is to stick to the speed limit. When an animal jumps out in front of your car, you have a much greater chance of being able to avoid a collision when you are traveling at a sensible speed.

Take special caution when you are driving alongside fields or woods because these roads are where the majority of collisions take place. Keep a particularly close watch on the edges of the roads. You may spot animals preparing to cross the road, and as a result you can slow down in time.

You should also take particular care when driving in the mornings and evenings because this is when animals are most likely to be active. Drive safely, eliminate distractions and you’ll minimize the chances of hitting a furry friend.

As a car owner, you dutifully schedule your tune-ups at a local mechanic, take your vehicle in for service when the tires are low and call for help when the battery is dead. While mechanics are great for fixing more serious issues with your vehicle, there are several DIY auto fixes and general maintenance that even beginners can successfully tackle. Check out the following three DIY auto fixes:

Check the Oil

Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Without it, the engine will not be well-lubricated and can become damaged. As The Savvy Gal notes, checking your oil on a regular basis is one of the smartest and easiest things you can do for your car. All that you need is a clean rag and a level parking spot. Make sure your engine has cooled for at least one hour and then open the hood. The oil dipstick is often orange and has the word “oil” clearly marked. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean and put it back into the oil container. Remove the dipstick a second time and look for two marks near the bottom—the visible oil should be between the two of them. If it’s below the bottom mark, your car needs a good drink of motor oil. Check your owner’s manual for the type and amount of oil, and add in one quart at a time, up to about three-fourths of what the manual suggests.

Change a Tire

As anyone who has ever gotten a flat tire in the middle of nowhere knows quite well, it is not a fun experience. While you can call for help, you’ll get back on the road a lot quicker if you can change the flat yourself. The best way to prepare for this experience is in the comfort of your own driveway on a day when the weather is pleasant. Print out instructions from the DMV website on how to change the tire, and check out YouTube for a video or two that shows you exactly what you need to know. Then, roll up your sleeves, grit your teeth and practice jacking up your car, removing the tire’s lug nuts and taking off the old tire. Check the spare to be sure that it’s well-filled with air, and put it on your car. Try this a few times until you are comfortable with the process.

Change the Air Filter

It’s important to change the air filter in your vehicle’s engine regularly. Dirty filters cause poor engine performance and lower gas mileage. Your mechanic typically changes the filter during regularly scheduled tune-ups, but it’s certainly a task you can master. Check the owner’s manual for how often the air filter should be changed and which type is best for your car. Open the hood and look for the filter. Cars that are less than 20 years old usually have their filter in a black casing with clips on the side. Remove the clips and note how the filter is placed in the case, and remove the dirty filter. Put the new filter back in and replace the lid and the clips.

A Few Words About Tools

To do these car maintenance repairs, you need the proper tools. Dummies.com has a great list of suggested supplies, including a durable plastic tool box and a variety of tools including Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, a socket wrench set and several other wrenches, including combination, torque and adjustable varieties. To shop for these tools, check out the Sears website. The company offers a huge selection of wrench sets that are ideal for DIY auto maintenance as well as all the other tools you need to keep your car happy and healthy.

By Social Monsters

The high costs of texting while driving, how it delays your reaction and can contribute to accidents.

Via: Rida Maqbool    Connect with her on Twitter @ridamaqbool02

Although unexpected, it happens to the best of us. We end up in an accident in a parking lot. Here’s how to avoid this unpleasant situation and what to do if it does happen.

Always Be On The Lookout

Looking in front of you, to the sides, and behind you can prevent an accident. If you’re pulling out of a parking space, just look. Spend an extra 2 or 3 seconds scanning all around, making sure no one is there.

You can’t see little kids who happen to walk behind your vehicle. So, you should wait a few seconds to make sure there’s no one behind you before backing out. If you’re pulling in, give a quick scan to the area to make sure no one is trying to pull through a parking space into the one you’re going after.

Park Far Away From the Building

If you park far away from the building you want to go in, there’s less chance that you’ll hit someone on the way in or out. Don’t circle spots in front of the building like a hawk. Everyone else is doing that. You’ll only waste your own time, as well as others’. And, you’ll burn up fuel in the process.

Buckle Up

Safety first. It’s incredible that some people don’t buckle up, but it happens – a lot. If you’re one of those people, please reconsider. It takes a second to do and it can save your life.

Use Your Turn Signal

That little stalk on the left side of your steering wheel has a purpose. It’s meant to signal others where you’re going. Use it. In a big city, it’s common for people to not use their signal, and this is how accidents happen. Actually, they shouldn’t be called accidents because this is something that’s totally preventable.

A quick flick, and you’ll instantly let people know where you intend to turn. And, signals can alert people that you want a particular parking space. It’s like “calling it” out on the road. It can dissuade others from stealing your spot but primarily it’s a great way to just prevent an accidental or absent-minded collision.

What To Do If It Happens

OK, so you’ve been in an accident. Here’s what you should do. First, make sure everyone is OK – including the other party. Now, contact the police. Then your insurance company. You’ll want to file a police report to make sure everything is in writing.

Your insurance company will want to know the details of the accident, including the other driver’s information. If you were involved in an accident with a truck, contact truck accident lawyers to get an idea of your legal responsibilities, liability potential and your rights.

Make sure you take pictures of everything as soon as it happens, too. Don’t let the other party move their vehicle before you gather up the evidence. Unfortunately, when the other person is at fault, it’s common for them to want to hide the evidence.

Take notes, and make sure you get at least their name, if not their contact and insurance information.

By Archie Lowe : Archie Lowe has been retired for 5 years after working most of his life as a Paramedic for the EMS. He blogs to raise awareness of accidents and how to prevent them to stay safe on the roads.

Everyone knows that you should never drive while intoxicated. If you are at all concerned for your ability to operate a vehicle with precision and clarity, you should not get behind the wheel.

In an effort to make smarter decisions while consuming alcohol, more and more people are buying portable breathalyzer devices. There are even apps and devices that work with your smartphone. Many of these external devices connect to smartphones, like the iPhone 6, through their Bluetooth function and a compatible app. If you’re looking to be safer and smarter while driving, consider the following tools:

1. Breathometer

Breathometer offers two devices that help you estimate your blood alcohol concentration. The first device model attaches to the headphone port on your smartphone and requires the Breathometer app. You don’t need a mouthpiece to work this device and it gives you important information, such as when you should be sober again. The second model, called the Breeze, is completely wireless. You can even attach your car keys to it as a friendly reminder to yourself or friends. Best of all, it doesn’t require any warm up time and gives you your results in seconds.

2. Alcohoot

Like the Breathometer devices, Alcohoot uses a device that attaches to your smartphone and an app. It comes with eight mouthpieces, which should be replaced after each use. It uses an FDA-registered fuel cell sensor, which helps it give you more accurate results and is the same technology that the police and military use. It also includes a feature that helps you hail a cab if you are too intoxicated to drive and one that helps you locate open restaurants nearby.

3. BACtrack Vio

The BACtrack Vio device is one of the most portable devices. It is about the size of a pack of gum and is designed to be attached to a keychain. It gives you an estimation of when your blood alcohol content will return to 0.00 percent. It can be used with most iPhone and Android models.

Be Smart

Although smartphones are a great way to monitor your general blood alcohol content, it is unwise to rely on them in place of general good judgment. Remember: It’s always best to avoid any amount of drinking when driving.

A recent review of various devices indicated that while they all can tell you that you have had too much to drink in order to drive, each device may give you a different estimation of your blood alcohol content. These devices are a good jumping off point, but it is still vitally important to use sound judgment and know that any consumer-purchased device may not be entirely accurate.

There are many other ways you can use your smartphone to prevent drinking and driving, as well. You can use a ridesharing service, such as Uber or Lyft, or you can call a cab or a friend to come pick you up. No matter where you are or what time it is, the safest choice is to not get behind the wheel.

Source: Social Monsters

Check out alertme™: about the size of a Bluetooth, this lightweight earpiece is the latest and safest lifesaver electronic device that helps prevent accidents caused by falling asleep behind the wheel.