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Carrying Children Safely

In a crash at just 30 mph, an unrestrained child would be thrown forward with a force 30 to 60 child on car seattimes their body weight. They would be thrown about inside the vehicle, injuring themselves and quite possibly seriously injuring (or even killing) other people inside the vehicle. They are also likely to be ejected from the car through one of the windows.

It is not safe to hold a child on your lap. In a crash, the child could be crushed between your body and part of the car's interior. Even if you are using a seat belt, the child would be torn from your arms - you would not be able to hold onto them, no matter how hard you try.

It is also dangerous to put a seat belt around yourself and a child (or around two children).

The safest way for children to travel in cars is in a child seat that is suitable for their weight and size.

Type of Child Restraint Weight Range Approx Age Range
Rearward-facing baby seat (1) Group 0 for babies up to 10 kgs (22 lbs) birth to 6-9 months
Group 0+ for babies up to 13kg (29 lbs) birth to 12-15 months
Combination seat Group 0+ - 1 0-18 kgs (20-40 lbs) birth - 4 years
Forward-facing child seat Group 1 9-18 kgs (20-40 lbs) 9 months - 4 years
Booster Seat (2) Group 2 15-25 kgs (33-55 lbs) 4 years to 6 years
Booster Seat Group 2 and 3 15-36 kgs (33-79 lbs) 4 years to 11 years
Booster Seat Group 1, 2 and 3 9-36 kgs (20-79 lbs) 9 months to 11 years
Booster Cushion (2) Group 3 22-36 kgs (48-79 lbs) 6 to 11 years

(1) Group 0 (0 – 9 kg) baby seats are no longer produced.
(2) Booster seats that only fit into Group 2 or only into Group 3 are no longer produced. They now fit into either Group 2 and 3 (15 – 36 kg) or Groups 1 to 3 (9 – 36 kg).

A properly fitted child restraint keeps the child in their seat, preventing them from being thrown about inside, or ejected from, the vehicle. It also absorbs some of the impact force. This means that your child is much less likely to be killed or injured in a crash.
To be effective, child restraints must be fitted and used correctly. Surveys have consistently shown that a high proportion of child restraints are incorrectly fitted, usually for one or more of these reasons:
• Seat belt too loose
• Seat belt not routed through child seat correctly
• Buckle crunch (buckle resting against part of the child seat's frame, which means that in a crash it might break or snap open)
• Handle on baby seat not positioned properly
• Child seat not compatible with car
• Child seat old and in bad condition
• Child too large or too small for the seat they are using.
Booster Seatschild on car seat
By the time children weigh 15 - 25 kgs (33 - 55 lbs) (usually about 4 to 6 years old, but the weight is the most important factor) they are ready to use booster seats. This means that the adult seat belt will go around them and the seat. So it is important that the seat belt is correctly adjusted. The basic points to note are:
• the belt should be worn as tight as possible
• the lap belt should go over the pelvic region (from hip-bone to hip-bone), not the stomach
• the diagonal strap should rest over the shoulder, not the neck.

Seat Belts
child on car seatSeat belts are designed for people 150 cms (about 5ft) and taller. Don't let your child graduate to using the seat belt on its own too soon. Children are usually big enough to use the seat belt on its own by the time they are about 11 years old, although this varies from child to child.
Three-point seat belts (lap and diagonal) provide greater protection than lap belts. However, lap belts are far better than no belt at all.
The lap belt should be placed over the pelvis (from hip-bone to hip-bone), not the stomach and worn as tight as possible.

Passenger Restraints
Some passengers with disabilities may need postural support during the journey, and a variety of passenger restraints to assist people to remain upright in their seat are available. Under no circumstances should they be used instead of a suitable seat belt as they do not conform to a recognised standard nor are they designed for this purpose.
 
Driving and Smoking

Smoking drivers risk prosecution

smoking and driving

Motorists who smoke at the wheel could be prosecuted under a new rule in the latest edition of the Highway Code.

Smoking drivers would be charged if it is thought they were driving without due care and attention.

Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said drivers should not be distracted by other activities behind the wheel.

The first update of the Highway Code for eight years, which is 42 pages longer and has 29 more rules, includes a new safety code for novice drivers.

'Lighting up'

Mr Fitzpatrick told BBC News: "What it says is that drivers should remember they have to concentrate and they shouldn't be distracted either by passengers, by loud music, by reading a map, or using a mobile phone or by smoking.

"If you're lighting up with one hand and have a fag in the other hand then obviously you've not got any hands on the wheel.

"So I think what we're saying is concentration is very important in the prevention of accidents."

The driving booklet takes into account new laws over vehicle emissions and smoking in vehicles that are considered workplaces.

New initiatives such as quiet lanes, high-occupancy vehicle lanes, home zones and active traffic management schemes are also included.

'Polarise opinions'

Mr Fitzpatrick said the Highway Code was a "crucial tool for all road users" and was for life and not just for passing the driving test.

Andrew Howard, head of road safety for AA Public Affairs, believed motorists would be divided over the new smoking guidance.

He said: "A major change is the code's inclusion of smoking at the wheel as behaviour that police may interpret as a distraction and failure to be in proper control of the vehicle.

"This addition will polarise drivers' opinions both for and against."

'No evidence'

Campaign group Forest described the new smoking rule as "totally unnecessary".

Director Simon Clark said: "There are already rules concerning reckless driving and if it can be proved that somebody has driven recklessly they can be prosecuted.

"There's not a shred of evidence that smoking is a cause of accidents, or any more of a distraction than changing a CD or air-conditioning controls.

"Our concern is that they say it's just a guideline now but within a year or two there will be people who say 'let's ban smoking while driving'."

'Root cause'

Anti-smoking organisation Ash said it strongly supported the move.

Research manager Amanda Sanford said: "Clearly, smoking while driving can be a distraction and could lead to accidents if people drop the cigarette or drop the ash.

"The way it's phrased in the Highway Code is that drivers should avoid being distracted by smoking while they're driving.

"It seems to be a perfectly sensible measure because the whole business of lighting up involves taking your hands off the wheel, so you're not driving with due care and attention."


 
How to get your Driving License

Apply for provisional license using forms D1 D750

You can apply for your first British provisional driving licence online if you:

· are a resident of Great Britain

· can meet the minimum age requirement

· can meet the minimum eyesight requirement

· are currently not prevented from driving for any reason

· can pay £50.00 by Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, Electron, Delta or Solo debit or credit card

· have a valid UK passport or another form of identity

· can provide addresses of where you have lived over the last three years


Do it online - do it quicker

Be sure to have the following to hand before you carry on:

· a valid debit or credit card

· your UK passport if you have one

· details of previous addresses

You can apply for your provisional driving licence by completing the D1 application form that is available from the DVLA form ordering service or Post Office® branches.
You will also need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity, a passport style colour photograph and the fee of £50.00. Send your completed application and payment to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD or you may be able to use the premium checking service.

The DVLA aims to process and deliver your provisional license in 3 weeks. This can take longer if you have health conditions.


How to get Started

Before you start to drive

  • you must hold a valid, signed provisional driving licence
  • ensure that any car you drive is properly insured for you to drive.

Why is it important to use an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)?

It is unlikely that friends and family would have the experience, knowledge and training to teach you properly.

To become qualified Driving Instructor, you must pass a theory test, and strict tests of driving and instructional ability. Once qualified a driving instructor undergoes assessments every 4 years (known as a check test).

The driving instructor is then graded:

  • grade 4 is competent
  • grade 5 is good
  • grade 6 is a very high standard.

Ask any potential instructor for their grade before embarking on a course of lessons.

Fully qualified ADIs display a green badge on the windscreen of the Driving School Car. Trainee driving instructors are granted a trainee licence so that they can gain teaching experience before their final qualifying examination. Their licence is pink.

Your instructor should explain how your lessons will be structured and show you the syllabus that you will have to complete before you take your driving test (the syllabus is contained in the DSA publication The Official Driving Test).

Your driving instructor will advise you on which books to read

  • how to practise
  • when you will be ready for your test
  • further training after you have passed your test (Pass Plus).

How do I choose an ADI ?

The of the most important factors when choosing a driving Instructor is their locality to you. If a driving instructor does not know your area well, it will reduce the quality of your driving lessons.

This is why look4lessons allows you to search by:

· Post code.

· Village

· Town

· City.

· County.

The driving schools displayed will be ordered by distance from your postcode.

You should also look for someone who has a good reputation, is reliable and punctual and whose car suits you.

Ask the instructor if they have signed up to the Voluntary Code of Practice, or if there is a Company Code, and ask for a copy.

The Code of Practice has been agreed with the driving instruction industry and covers instructors’ personal and professional conduct, advertising and their complaints procedure. For further information, call DSA on 0115 901 2500.

What to do if you’re unhappy with your Driving Instructor (ADI)?

If you are not happy with your Driving instructor, talk to them about it and see if there’s a way forward. If you still can’t reach an agreement then find another instructor.

If the complaint you have about your Driving Instructor is serious then contact the DSA on 0115 901 2500.

Private Practice

Quote from the Driving Standards Agency

“Those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training combined with 22 hours of private practice. Learners who prepare this way, do better in the test”.

There’s no substitute to a fully qualified Driving Instructor but practicing privately with family and friends can help prepare you for your Driving Test and become a safe competent driver.

You should discuss with your driving instructor at what point you start practicing with friends and family. If you start practicing at the wrong stage it can have a detrimental effect on your driving and confidence aswell as being Dangerous.

You must also make sure that your accompanying driver is-

· at least 21 years old.

· Must have held (and still hold) a full license for 3 years.

It’s a good idea that you, your driving instructor and the person you’ll be practicing with get together and form a structured learning programme.

When you first start private practice be sure to practice only what your Driving Instructor advises.

Practice should Include

· as many types of road as you can

· in all sorts of traffic and weather conditions, even in the dark

· on dual carriageways where the national speed limit applies -you may be asked to drive on this type of road during the test

Its important try and keep a record of any practice you have on different types of road and during different conditions between lessons. This will help you to remember and quantify the amount of practice you have had in the different conditions. You should also record any worries you may have about your driving and then discuss these with your instructor.

To help you study

Books

  • The Highway Code is essential reading. It explains the rules of the road and gives sound advice about best driving practices.
  • The Official Theory Test for Car Drivers and Motorcyclists contains all the questions in the theory test and explains the answers.
  • The Official Driving Manual explains best driving practices in greater detail.
  • The Official Driving Test covers what is required during the driving test and explains the full test syllabus.
  • The Official Guide to Accompanying learners gives very useful information to anyone who is supervising you while you practice.

Other media

  • The Driving Test - an inside view is a video explaining what the examiners expect to see and gives some practical tips.
  • What If - an interactive video and workbook designed to improve your ability to think ahead to boost your hazard awareness.
  • The Official Theory Test - your licence to drive is a CD-Rom providing interactive fun and a modern way of learning.
  • Look4lessons online theory test and hazard perception (supplied by the DSA )

Click here to purchase any of the above publications (have images of the above that link through to Amazon on the affiliate scheme).

When should you to take your Practical Test

You aren't ready to take your test until you have a complete set of signatures in the level five boxes. Only then can your instructor sign the declaration. By this time you should be able to drive safely without prompting from your instructor or the person helping you to practice.
 
Drivers that use Mobile Phones and Sat Nav

Drivers who use mobile phones and satnavs face TWO YEARS in jail!!

Charges will be brought wherever prosecutors say using equipment - like a mobile phone - poses a danger

Drivers who use their mobile phone at the wheel face up to two years in jail under changes to motoring laws.

They can be charged with dangerous driving if prosecutors decide they were "dangerously distracted" by their mobile.

The same applies to those who fiddle with MP3 players, satnavs or other electronic devices or light a cigarette or put on makeup, while in charge of a moving car.

mobile_phoneIf convicted, they would also face a minimum two-year driving ban.

Previously, these offences were charged as careless driving, which incurs a fine and may not result in the driver losing their licence.

Under the tougher rules, such transgressions can be treated as seriously as speeding or running red lights - and could even lead to a life sentence if someone dies as a result of an accident.

Director of Public Prosecutions Sir Ken Macdonald QC said: "This responds to public concern about the dangers of driving while using a mobile phone and this means that a charge of dangerous driving will now be the starting point for this offence, where there is clear evidence that danger has been caused by its use."

Prosecutors have been told they can bring manslaughter charges - which carry up to a life sentence - if a vehicle is deliberately used as a weapon, or if "the standard of driving falls so far below the required standard that there is a serious and obvious risk of death and the conduct of the defendant is so reprehensible as to amount to gross negligence".

Research suggests as many as half a million motorists a day use hand-held mobile phones while driving.

Talking or texting on a phone has been banned for four years but the penalty was only a £30 fine.

sat nav

Danger: Fiddling with your sat-nav at the wheel could lead to a prison sentence

In February, the punishment was lifted to a £60 fine and three points on the licence.

But these rules encourage prosecutors to charge drivers with more serious offences.

Rob Gifford, executive director of the Parliamentary Advisory Council on Transport Safety, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "It's not every single driver using a mobile phone while driving who faces jail. It's those few whose behaviour leads them to have a crash when they are using a mobile at the same time.

"What people are being reminded is that driving is a complicated activity and it is better to concentrate on driving than talking."

Sheila Ranger, head of campaigns at the RAC, said: "This is for people who are doing the most outrageous acts on their phone.

"We still see terrible crashes where people have been texting, driving into the back of stationary queues because they haven't seen them."
 
Simple Car Maintenance Tips

How to check engine oil • Checking the transmission fluid • Engine coolant • Tires • Battery

Note the information contained in this guide is for educational purposes only and cannot substitute for the advice of professional mechanic or authorized dealer. Different cars have different requirements; for information specific to your car consult your owner's manual or call your local dealer. Don't attempt to service your car if you don't have proper knowledge and tools, you can be injured and your vehicle could be damaged. Take your car to a dealer or a repair shop.

Few basic car maintenance tips

• Regular oil changes are very important to keep your engine in a good shape.
• Wash your car regularly, wax it once in a while to keep the car body shiny and free from corrosion.
• Take care of any minor concerns as soon as you can, so it won't cause serious problems and an expensive repair later
• Use only original parts.

How to check the engine oil

Place your car at the level spot. Stop the engine. Wait for a while to let the engine oil to pour down to the oil pan. Pull the engine oil dipstick. If you don't know where the engine oil dipstick is, check your owner’s manual, usually it has a bright handle saying "engine oil".

Wipe it off with a clean rag or tissue. Then insert it back all the way down into its place.

Now, pull the dipstick again and check the oil level. Normally it should be at "FULL" mark. For example, here you can see that it's a bit lower. It's not a big problem yet, but it's better to top it up. Check the oil condition: If it's way too black, it's definitely time to change it. If it's slightly-brown, it's O.K. If it's dark-brown, but still transparent, it's admissible but it's better to change it soon. If it's white (coffee with milk colour) it means the engine coolant mixes with the engine oil because of some internal engine problem, for example, blown head gasket - have your car inspected.

How to top up the engine oil:

It would be better to add the same type and brand of the engine oil as you already have in the engine. Add a little amount of the oil as it's shown in the image. Wait for a minute to let the oil to pour down. Check the oil level again with the dipstick. If it's still low, add some more. But don't overfill it. Don't forget to install the dipstick back and close the oil filler cap when you finished.

Engine coolant

Low coolant level will cause engine overheating, which may cause serious damage to the engine.

How to check the engine coolant level:

The coolant level should be between "LOW" and "FULL" marks in the coolant overflow tank as in the picture. If it's lower, top it up. If there is no coolant in overflow tank or you have to top it up quite often, have your car inspected in the garage, possibly there is a coolant leak.
 Never open the radiator or coolant overflow tank when the engine is hot!

When engine temperature is reduced (few minutes after the engine has been turned off), simply add a coolant into the overflow tank to "FULL" mark.

Tyres

Check the tyre pressure regularly - at least once a month. If you don't have tire pressure gauge it's worth buying one. You can find the recommended tyre pressure in the owner’s manual or on the tyre pressure placard. The maximum pressure listed on tires is NOT the proper pressure! Refer to the owner's manual.

Rotate tires at every second oil change - it will insure all tyres wear equally.

Feel vibration at cruising speed? - have your tyres balanced.

There is a safe limit of the tread depth (1.6 mm over ¾ of the width of the tyre with no cuts or abrasions on the inside or outside edges). If the tyre is worn below this limit it's unsafe to drive. Refer to the result of mechanical inspection.

Uneven tyre wear indicates alignment problems this can cause increased tyre and suspension component wear and poor handling. In worst case improper alignment may throw your car into a skid, especially on a wet road. If a car pulls to one side, wanders or feels unstable on the road, have the alignment checked. Properly done alignment will make your car's ride a lot more enjoyable.

Taking care of small concerns in time may save you a lot more

As soon as you feel there is something wrong with your car like any kind of irregular noise, vibration, shimmer, or you note some leak or any warning light comes on while driving or anything that seems to be irregular - have your car inspected at a dealer or a garage as soon as you can - it might be unsafe to drive. It's definitely better to check any small problem before it will cause something serious.

Regular mechanical inspection;

For your safety, it’s recommended to have your car serviced annually or at the recommended millage by a qualified mechanic.

 
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