A - Z of Summer Driving

Alcohol - Socialising takes on a new format during the summer months. BBQ's and social events invariable involve the consumption of alcohol. Make arrangements via a Designated Driver, family member, or Taxi so as the temptation to drive, even a short distance, is removed. Drinking and driving don't mix.

Blind Spot - Every road vehicle and road user has blind spots. Get to know where they are on your car and always give consideration for those on other vehicles, especially large HGV's. Remember, if you can see their mirrors - they can see you. In open road and on dual carriageways, don't sit in the blind spot of another vehicle, where you can be travelling to their rear but outside the range of their mirrors. If they move there is little chance of avoiding a collision, simply because you are too close laterally from each other. Always look for the motorcyclist in your blind spot.

Collision Avoidance - With the vast majority of collisions occurring due to driver error, the onus is on us to not go in where angels fear to tread. Take up proper positioning in flow traffic, at junctions, roundabouts and negotiating corners and bends. Keep your concentration on your driving, especially near journeys end where it is easy to go on remote as you plan ahead. Turn off your concentration when you turn off the ignition.

Defensive Driving - Invest in an Advanced Driving Programme that will realign your driving and upgrade your standard to that beyond your local government driving test. The skills associated with Advanced Driving are built on a systematic, analysis of Road, Weather and Traffic, using good Anticipation, Sound Judgment of Speed and Distance allied to good Observation. It is no burden to carry.

Eye & Ear Exam - If you cannot see it - you cannot react to it - the same for your hearing. If you haven't had an eye check in the last two years, go get one. You could be the last person to realise you need glasses. A quick and inexpensive eye test will get rid of the doubts and should you need enhancement, there is an inexhaustible range of frames to suit your style. Always have a quality pair of sunglasses in your car. Don't necessarily buy a fashion pair. You need a good polarised lense with UV filter. Also have your hearing checked so you can hear the direction of other hazards. If you work in a noisy environment or use an MP3 Player regularly, a hearing check is vital. Hearing loss thorough loud music is a real and serious issue.

First Aid Kit - Always carry a first aid kit in your car. There are many available through Pharmacies and organisations like the Automobile Association which are very adequate, simple and uncomplicated. Keep some disposable gloves and a face mask should you come upon a person in need of emergency help.

Got an L-Driver with you? - If you have a Learner Driver with you and wish to use the opportunity to add to their experience, keep them within their existing comfort zone before allowing them into tricky traffic or road situations. Worked correctly, this can be very beneficial for the new driver. Get it wrong and you now have a relationship issue influencing the rest of the journey.

Hydroplaning - Aquaplaning occurs where your tyre tread fills with standing water that it cannot get rid of due to the road speed. Generally this occurs at 80kph and above. Keep your tyres at the optimum. Check for Wear 'n' Air before your journey: watch for stretches of standing water and slow down. If you begin to aquaplane ease off the accelerator, keep your steering straight and WAIT for the tyres to regain normal grip. Your brakes and steering don't work when the car is aquaplaning as the car is 'floating' on a film of water. Only when the tyres get rid of the water does grip return.

Impaired - Driving while impaired covers everything form Drunk Driving, Drug Driving to Drowsy Driving. If you are on medication, ask your Doctor or Pharmacist if this medication has an effect on your ability to drive. Avoid self-medicating where you take over-the-counter medication prior to driving.

Jump - If you need to jump start your battery, follow the rules in your owner's manual. Better still - replace the battery due to the extra demands of air-conditioning and additional chargers/consoles.

Kids - 12 and younger should ride in the back seat of your vehicle in age-appropriate restraints. Keep them hydrated, avoiding fizzy drinks and sugary foods to avoid the harmony disintegrating within the car. Arrange stops where they can exercise and get fresh air.

Lights - Let others know that you are there by always driving on your dipped headlights. Don't drive on Parking Lights and Front Fog Lights as the fog lights are designed purely for fog, casting their diffracted light down to the left and right so as to pick up cats eyes, marker posts and lane markers. Ensure all lights are working 24/7 and if travelling in Europe you must carry spare bulbs by law.

Maps - Plan your journey and bring your maps with you. Maps will compliment your Satellite Navigation system. Gather knowledge of areas outside your direct line of travel through your maps, so as you avoid thinking you are of off course.

National Safety Programme - The Road Safety Authority, the Garda Siochana and Topaz have initiatives running nationally where drivers are encouraged to rest whilst on a long journey. Their Driver Reviver programme should be adopted by all drivers.

Occupant Restraint - Seat belts and air-bags systems work together to ensure the safety of occupants in the event of a collision. All passengers should wear their seat belts at all times. Children should be restrained in approved seats/boosters appropriate to their size. Know the location and function of your cars airbag system. Never put a child under 12 in the front passenger seat. Should the airbag deploy they can be seriously injured.

Phones - Mobile phones are an integral aspect of our lives. On long journeys they can be a lifesaver for you or others you come upon. If your car does not have Bluetooth as standard you should buy an earpiece so as to use your phone hands free. Don't conduct long conversations on your phone. It is preferable to pull into a rest area and make a call. Ensure you have a car charger.

Quiet - Set your heating and ventilation controls to create a comfortable environment for all within. Children can avail of DVD's, games consoles, MP3's and books so as to keep the ambiance of your car quiet and distraction free for you to drive uninterrupted.

Rest Stops - Build these into your journey according to the needs of you and your passengers. Choose areas where you can avail of rest rooms, inexpensive food and fresh air. Try to avoid indulging in heavy meals, highly carbonated drinks and loading sugar hits into young children, otherwise the next leg of your journey will be far from relaxed.

Smart Car Technology - The modern car has numerous active and passive safety systems. These systems run each time you start your car and monitor various aspects of the cars behaviour. Should one of these monitoring systems detect a change to the normal behaviour of the car they will activate to restore the cars stability and/or to protect those within. Read your Owners Manual or contact your Service Manager to acquaint yourself of your cars particular systems. Drivers should know what the following letters refer to, ABS, EBD, ASR, TCS, SRS, WIPS, ESP. Current and future innovations include collision avoidance systems, drowsy driver detection devices.

Two-Second Rule - Over 40% of all road collisions are rear-end shunts. In built up areas (50kph Speed Limit) keep a following position of 3 lengths of your own vehicle back from the vehicle in front. Above 50kph, apply the 2-second Rule. Here you choose a stationary object or a shadow line/ wheelie bin/ along the road as a marker. When the vehicle ahead of you passes that object, count One-Thousand and One, One-Thousand and Two. You shouldn't pass that object before you get to Two. Double these guidelines in wet conditions.

Use Common Sense - Long journeys require you to plan according to your own driving ability, the needs of your passengers, the intended route mixed into the weather and traffic conditions that prevail. Build in some flexibility for that extra stop, even an overnight to minimise the risk to everyone.

Vehicle Emergency Kit - Bear in mind that you don't need to bring everything in the tool shed that will clutter up your boot, add weight and increase your fuel consumption. Your emergency kit should includes jumper cables, reflective jackets and a triangle, a blanket, water and some nonperishable food, flashlight, not forgetting your mobile phone chargers.

Work Zones - Road Works, either temporary or long lasting are areas where construction workers and their service vehicles operate. Very often they are controlled by reduced speed limits, traffic lights or Stop and GO systems. Have a thought for those workers as you think about speeding through their work zone. How would you fancy traffic going up your driveway at that speed as you mow the lawn?

X-Rated - Keep your cool if another road user does the unexpected. Their indifference of you should not be matched by your desire for immediate revenge. Road Rage is not acceptable behaviour where the combatants are using high speed, 1,500kgs + devices. Should another driver engage in unreasonable behaviour do not engage with them. It is preferable to pull in and let them go ahead rather than get involved in a more serious issue.

Yellow Road Signs - We call them Advanced Warning Signs simply mean because they warn you of road hazards ahead of you. Look for the sign; then look for hazard. Appraise yourself of the Rules of the Road and road signage. If you have access to the current Theory Test DVD - test your current knowledge.

ZZZZZZ - Fatigue and Dozy Driving are serious issues that result in many road traffic collisions. Divide your driving where possible, but not where you sleep and allow an L-Driver to take over. Then you must remain in a supervisory role. Most collisions happen when people are alone, occurring during the late-night/early-morning hours. Some can also occur in the afternoon where a driver has had a heavy lunch and their system diverts its energy to the digestive function leaving little for concentration, hence the Micro-sleep. Don't try to drive through this. Pull in to a rest area: have two cups of coffee/tea: take a 20-minute nap and then take a short walk before commencing your journey again. It is worth remembering that in a Micro-sleep a vehicle travels the length of Croke Park before the driver wakes up.

Patrick is a member of the web team that helps run the website http://www.beepbeep.ie which is a used car website in Ireland with helpful information on motoring advice, latest car news and used cars for sale.

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