Timely Car Maintenance Tips Before Heading Out on the Road

November 8, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Giving your car thorough maintenance before embarking on a road trip can save you a lot of trouble and disappointment. In addition to enjoying a safe and luxurious ride, you’ll rarely get inconvenienced by flat tires, dead batteries, engine knockouts, and more. Good car care, even on new and used SUVs near Cleveland, or your location, is so important. Get your mechanic to do a complete check-up to identify and troubleshoot existing or potential problems. 

Getting stranded in a remote area when your car breaks down can kill road-tripping morale. Check out these tips for readying your car for a great road-tripping expedition.

Check Engine, Differential, and Transmission Lubricants

Keep an up-to-date record of your oil change dates and ensure to check the oil level before the traveling date. If the current oil meets the manufacturer-recommended oil-change intervals, get it changed. To optimize engine lifespan and fuel economy, use top-grade, high-quality, and name-brand motor oils.

Additionally, check the condition and quality of lubricant in your drive and transmission axle. Your owner’s manual has details of the time intervals at which you should change the lubricants, especially 75,000 miles of car mileage. Stop by the nearby oil-change shop to have the fluids changed and refilled.

Tire Treads and Pressure

Maximum tire pressure is essential for fuel-efficient driving and reducing tire blowouts. The best tire pressure level is not listed on the tire but on the fuel filler door or glove compartment on the driver’s side door. Visit your auto store before or on the trip date to check the pressure of your tires and have flat tires repaired or replaced. Additionally, check the tire tread and replace tires with excessively worn treads.

Check Your Vehicle Batteries

Although new cars come with healthy and functional batteries, get them checked before you embark on that road trip. Even new batteries can fail you if they are not fully charged. Additionally, extreme summer heat or winter cold can have a depleting effect on your batteries.

The lifespan of many car batteries is between five and seven years. When your car fails to start, check if the expiry date is already on. If the battery works fine but has lasted over four years, get an expert to test its charging ability. You wouldn’t want a situation where the battery dies in the middle of nowhere, and you’ve to wait for your mechanic miles away to save the day. You can also carry a fully-charged spare car battery to avoid disappointments.

Check the Car Brakes

Braking system failure while road-tripping can spell doom to your expedition and life. The situation could be worse if you’re driving at high speeds. Get your braking systems checked and your failed systems replaced by a qualified mechanic. Your mechanic can replace old brake fluid and worn-out or rusted brake pads.

Check the Condition of Your Car Insurance Policy

When planning a multi-mile trip to your favorite destination, consult with your insurance provider to know the condition of your auto insurance policy. You can renew the insurance or upgrade to a comprehensive policy if it has expired. Consider other insurance policy add-ons such as passenger cover and breakdown assistance. You might want to buy or renew your travel insurance to cover your passengers’ medical expenses in case of unexpected accidents.

Top-Up Your Toolkit

Having checked and confirmed everything in your car is working fine, it’s time you equipped yourself for uncertainties. Getting everything in order doesn’t mean more problems won’t arise, especially after many hours and miles of driving. So, prepare yourself with hand tools for resolving minor repairs, including screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers.

Get a Bluetooth code reader for diagnosing pop-up error messages. A volt meter will enable you to check the battery’s charging state. Also, get jumper cables for jumpstarting your car when the battery goes exceptionally down. Other items to add to your toolbox include an air compressor and foam can for patching punctured tires.

This is the ultimate checklist for maintaining and preparing your car for road trips. Realize that the total number of repairs and the amount of money spend on readying a car for road trips depend on the condition and age of the car. Newly bought cars will often have fewer repairs so the maintenance cost will be lower.

Filed Under: safety Tagged With: ,

What To Consider When Acquiring A Home Safe

June 24, 2022 by Leave a Comment

house security

No one wants to return home to find all of their most prized possessions missing. Sadly, this is a reality faced by victims of the 2.5 million burglaries that happen in America each year, 66% of which are home break-ins. You can also lose your possessions to a fire, flood, earthquake, or other unexpected events. Fortunately, investing in a quality home safe is one of the best things you can do to safeguard your possessions from thefts and other perils. However, there are many factors to consider when deciding what safe will be best for you. Here’s what to think about before purchasing a home safe. 

  • Cost

Your budget will ultimately decide what kind of safe you can purchase, so it is prudent to keep costs in mind. Additional costs when buying safes can quickly add up, so you must set a price point before shopping. A standard model is unlikely to break the bank, but prepare to encounter upgrades like additional bolting and better steel quality. You may also want to pay slightly more for a safe with interior shelving. Additionally, some companies may offer warranties on their products, and you may need to pay to install this critical home security system.

  • Preferred lock type

Home safes typically have two lock options: digital and dial. Each has its unique pros and cons, so it is prudent to consider which option best suits your needs before purchasing. Dial locks are similar to what you will find on school lockers. You open these locks by rotating the dial right and left until you input your unique combination. Many safety-conscious homeowners regard this type of safe lock as the most reliable because it is not susceptible to electronic outages or failure. However, if you are locked out, you will need the help of a mobile locksmith to change the combination. Conversely, digital locks are the kind you will find on hotel safes. You open a digital lock by inputting a pin into a keypad. These locks are easier to open than their combination counterparts, allowing quicker access to your belongings. Still, you will need a locksmith’s help if you forget your password.

  •  Items to be stored

Many experts agree that you must take stock of your most prized possessions before deciding which type of safe to buy. These possessions are what you would be most upset to lose, assuming all your belongings are stolen, lost, or destroyed. Items that are quite difficult to replace, like birth records, passports, and legal paperwork like wills or deeds to your property, are classic examples of such possessions. Wall safes are best for keeping these possessions since they cannot support much weight. Also, it is best to acquire a floor safe if you are seeking to store external hard drives, expensive jewelry pieces, or precious metals. Finally, the 2021 National Firearms Survey indicates that 32% of Americans say they own a firearm. If you constitute this demographic, consider purchasing a dedicated weapon safe to store your guns. These specialty weapons safes are better suited for gun storage than the standard wall and floor safes.

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4 Refreshing Ways to Keep Your Kids Comfortable This Summer

June 10, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Everyone loves the carefree atmosphere and endless sunshine of the summer, especially your kids. They want to make the most of their time off school and spend as much as possible outdoors, soaking up the sun and running around with friends. But, as fun as summer is, there are also some dangers. The heat can cause problems for your child and make them uncomfortable or even ill. You don’t want this to happen, so here are four refreshing ways to keep your kids comfortable this summer. 

international travel with a baby

Keep The House Cool 

A muggy, humid home is no place to be during the summer. However, kids can’t spend all their time outside, especially if it’s too wet or dangerous to play. Even if they are inside, there are plenty of things to do to keep them entertained, but you must make sure the house is cool enough for everyone to feel comfortable. 

Opening the windows allows the air to circulate and will cool down the house, and you can enhance this with fans in the living room or bedroom. It’s also worth looking at AC repair before the summer season begins to make sure it works perfectly so you can flood your house with fresh and cool air. 

Keep Them Safe From the Sun 

When your kids finally get outside, you can expect them to run around without a care in the world. This is all good for helping them burn off energy, but it comes with hazards, too. Too much sun exposure can cause heat exhaustion and sunburn, which is not a pleasant experience no matter how old you are. 

Every parent should have a healthy supply of sunscreen and hats as well as shaded areas in the garden to give the kids some respite from the sun. 

Give Them Plenty to Drink 

You cannot underestimate the power of summer hydration for kids, especially as younger children don’t know their limits. Things can quickly take a turn for the worse if they don’t drink enough water, as they might suffer from headaches and feel lethargic. 

Make sure you supply them (and any other neighborhood kids) with plenty of cold water, popsicles, and a place to dunk their heads if they are going to spend all day outside. 

Avoid Peak Heat Hours 

As tempting as it is to spend all day outside, you can protect your kids and make sure they are comfortable by avoiding peak hours. These hours are the time of the day when the sun is highest and the temperatures are as hot as they are going to be. 

Peak hours and temperatures vary depending on where you live, but many people consider July the hottest time of the year for most places across the country. If you can keep your kids out of the sun at noon and beyond, you can minimize the discomfort they will experience from getting too excited. 

Refreshed 

Everyone deserves to enjoy as much of their summer as possible. If you have kids who love to be outside, whether playing in the neighborhood or on vacation, these tips guarantee a summer full of fun and laughter while still being safe and comfortable. 

Filed Under: health, safety Tagged With:

Collecting Evidence And Protecting Yourself After A Traffic Accident

March 10, 2022 by Leave a Comment

car accident

Unfortunately, the United States is one of the countries with the most road traffic. Indeed, there were nearly 284 million vehicles on the road in 2021. Therefore, unfortunately, accidents, whether they are severe or minor, are unavoidable. With 228.7 million registered drivers in the US and further drivers traveling from foreign destinations, it is fair to say that roads are busy. Busy roads mean:

  • Every second matters
  • People are more likely to make mistakes
  • Rush hour traffic can increase stress levels behind the steering wheel
  • The presence of disruptions in cities encourage inattention behind the wheel 
  • More unexpected situations that drivers must react to every day

Even with the best of wills, a careful driver could still be involved in a car accident. However, when that happens, there is a lot you can do to protect your rights and seek evidence. 

Check for injuries

After an accident, your first priority is to ensure that everybody is safe. This includes yourself, your passengers, but also the people in the other vehicle or bystanders. If you suspect an injury, you should immediately contact an ambulance. Depending on the situation, you may also want to get in touch with the local firefighting services. 

Not every vehicle involved in an accident gets in touch with the local authorities. More often than not, people try to arrange things between themselves if there is no serious damage made to people or vehicles. In reality, involving the police from the start can help protect your rights, as the police can help sort out the situation. They can also record evidence based on the position of the vehicles and your answers to routine questions. 

Inform your car insurer

Your car insurance provider will serve a dual purpose in the event of an accident:

  • They can provide support and guidance to help you go through the essential steps
  • They can pay for damage or sort out damage payment with the other insurer

Your insurer can also help determine whether the other vehicle is insured based on their registration number. At this point, you can also take photos of the scene for future evidence. You may not require to use the photos, but you don’t want to take chances. Ideally, the other driver should provide their name and contact details, including insurance-related data. 

Be on the side of the law

Does it make sense to involve a team of personal injury lawyers after a car accident? The answer is yes. Having legal professionals on your side can help speed up the process with car insurers. Additionally, if you have sustained a serious injury that affects your future lifestyle and income, personal injury specialists are here to help protect your income and your family. 

Additionally, lawyers can also prove useful in smoothing out many administrative tasks after an accident. They can offer legal advice, so you know how to react and what to do next. Having lawyers to handle your situation can also ensure nobody will take advantage of your situation. 

Rely on dashcam footage

Not every car is equipped with a dashcam. However, if you have recently added a dashboard camera to your vehicle, you may want to review the footage of the accident. It could reveal important information to defend your rights, such as:

  • Traffic signals
  • The speed of the other vehicle
  • Unavoidable obstruction on the road
  • Etc. 

You may also want to reach out to the owners of the vehicles parked along the road in case their dashcams also recorded the accident. 

Ask for witnesses

In some cases, the police may launch a public call for witnesses by using signs placed on the scene of the accident and reaching out through their social media. However, you can also seek witnesses by yourself through social media, local press, and signs in local shops. Remember to provide the exact date, time, and location of the accident, your contact details, and a photo of the accident if relevant.   

Provide mechanic care evidence

Not everyone will blame the accident on the vehicle rather than the driver. However, it can be a good idea to collect and keep evidence of repair and servicing done to your vehicle. If the expert decides that a technical fault caused the accident, you can provide invoices proving that the vehicle was looked after. 

Typically, faults tend to include:

  • Poor brakes
  • Worn out tires
  • Clutch and pedal issues for petrol vehicles
  • Electrical faults in electric vehicles 

In conclusion, the last thing you want after a car accident is to hope for the best. Ideally, you should already take some precautions before any accident, such as maintaining your vehicle and investing in car insurance. The purchase of a dashcam can prove advantageous if you need to demonstrate your version of the event. Finally, involving medical, police, and legal experts can make a huge difference! 

 

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5 Common Safety Hazards at Home and How to Avoid Them

January 12, 2022 by Leave a Comment

white kitchen

The home serves as a shelter and a haven, offering comfort and escape from your busy schedules. Moreover, your home helps you relax after a hard day’s work, improving your health in the long run. It is also where you can gather and bond with your family. Seeing its perks, it makes sense to keep your home safe at all times. However, some hazards can pose a threat to your life, family, and belongings. Research indicates that thousands are killed or injured in home-related accidents. To avoid domestic accidents, here are common home safety hazards to avoid. 

  • Poisoning 

Whether you’re aware or not, several items in your home pose severe poisoning risks for you and your family. This is particularly hazardous if you have kids at home, as they are more prone to ingest things without adequate supervision. That said, items such as antifreeze, makeup, cleaning products, and other household chemicals, medicines, lead paint, etc., can cause severe poisoning if ingested—the CDC rates poisoning as the leading cause of unintentional deaths in the US. Also, poison from medication is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in children. 

Thankfully, you can avoid poisoning by taking the necessary precautions. For starters, it’s essential to put all medication, cleaning products, and chemicals out of sight to prevent your kids from ingesting them. Cabinets with safety latches are useful storage, so keep this in mind. Consequently, avoid using lead paints in your home. If you have an older home, you’d want to get it tested for lead. If you have a garden, ensure that poisonous plants aren’t growing to avoid harm. 

  • Falls 

According to the WHO, falls are the second-leading cause of unintentional deaths globally, with 684 000 people dying annually. While everyone risks falling, older adults have higher risks, with over 2.7 million individuals treated for falls each year. Research also indicates that it is the topmost cause of fatal accidents for people over 65. These statistics reveal how dangerous falls are, making it imperative to put measures to prevent them. Often, falls are caused by slippery falls, electrical cords, clutter, or rickety stairs, so keep this in mind. 

That said, it’s prudent to thoroughly clean your floors after a spill to prevent slips. By all means, keep your home tidy by getting rid of the clutter lying around. Examine your home for loose carpets, loose floorboards, or slippery throw rugs. You can replace these items with new ones to enhance your home’s safety. Handrails and grab bars help you on the stairs or in the bathtub, so feel free to install them. As a tip, avoid wearing socks and clothing that drags on the floor, and leverage adequate lighting to illuminate your home. You can also utilize non-slip mats in your kitchen or bathroom for extra safety. 

  • Choking 

It’s not uncommon that certain household objects are kept out of children’s reach. This is because children, especially toddlers, explore their environment by putting objects in their mouths. However, this is also scary, as your toddler can choke if not supervised. In the US, a child chokes to death every five days on average, while 75% of choking hazards occur in kids under the age of three. This makes choking a major cause of toddler and infant deaths in the country. The main culprits of choking include a balloon, button, toy part, coin, watch battery, etc., that they have ingested. These objects can cause partial or total airway blockage, leading to permanent brain damage and death if not addressed immediately. Children can also choke on food such as marshmallows, seeds, etc.

Therefore, it’s best to keep all small objects out of your children’s reach; you can bend down to your child’s level and scan the environment to ensure that it is free from such hazardous objects. You also want to avoid buying toys with button batteries for your infants and separate your infant’s toys from your older children’s. Regarding food, ensure that your children are sitting upright when eating and encourage them to chew their food properly. Experts suggest that you feed your little ones with less than a pea-sized amount of food to accommodate their airway without choking them. 

  • Carbon monoxide poisoning 

Another hazard to pay particular attention to is carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas produced by incomplete fuel combustions. Exposure to this gas can displace the oxygen molecules in your body and lead to poisoning. Carbon monoxide can be generated by home appliances like gas stoves, clothes dryers, fireplaces, generators, lawn equipment, vehicles, grills, power tools, etc. Since it is odorless, it can build up to a dangerous degree without you knowing until it has caused significant damage. However, CO poisoning comes with symptoms like weakness, dizziness, upset stomach, headache, confusion, and chest pain. However, people often ignore these as they’re similar to the flue, leading to more poisoning. What’s worse, people who are asleep or drunk can die from CO poisoning before experiencing any symptoms. 

Fortunately, the CDC has outlined certain precautions to prevent CO poisoning in your home. First, it’s prudent to install a battery-operated detector in your home and replace the batteries after changing the time during spring and fall. Consequently, replace your detectors every five years to maintain efficiency. You also need to get your heating system and other appliances for signs of leakage. Avoid burning charcoals in your home to prevent CO buildup in your home. 

  • Fire hazards 

Statistics indicate that over 3,000 people die in fires annually, making it the third most dangerous household hazard. Moreover, approximately 358,500 homes experience fire outbreaks each year, with cooking taking the lead position in fire outbreak triggers. Faulty electrical wiring is also a major cause of fire hazards in domestic households, so keep this in mind. If you have faulty home appliances, you’re also at risk of experiencing an outbreak. Therefore, it’s best to have them examined by a professional. Suppose you need spare parts to restore your Simpson home appliances. In that case, you can get authentic Simpson spare part replacements from credible online stores. As a tip, avoid leaving your cooking unattended, and keep your candles away from flammable items like books. 

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The 4 Best Ways To Look After Your Family Car

January 12, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Apart from your home, your car is the most important item of equipment your family will use. From the teenager learning to drive to the essential trips to the store or you will soon notice if your car is not running as it should because everything in your daily life will collapse! This is why it’s so important to make sure that you look after your car, inside and out. What are some of the things to bear in mind? 

keep car in good condition

Keeping an Eye Out for Rust

Rust is one of those things that can easily creep up on your car if you’re not careful. Make sure that you look after the exterior by waxing it on occasion, but also keeping an eye on how you store it. If you leave it out in the sun constantly, it’s going to discolor. If you have the space, it’s worth investing in a flyover carport as this will keep the sun’s harmful rays away. 

Changing the Oil and the Filters

The oil needs changing every 5,000 miles, and whether you do it yourself or go to a mechanic, getting your oil changed is one of the most important ways you can keep your car running smoothly. Additionally, changing the air filter is one of the easiest things you can do yourself. Changing your air filter will increase the efficiency, prolong the engine’s life, and it is simple to do. 

Check the State of Your Tires

Your tires are literally taking the weight of you and your family, so you need to make sure they are operating as they should. The wear on the front and rear tires are different and you can reduce the wear and tear by rotating your tires between every 5,000 and 10,000 miles. This will make sure the natural wear patterns equalize so you can have a smoother ride. Additionally, it extends the life of your tires which can save you a lot of money in the long run. You should also keep an eye on your treads. When it gets below a certain level, you need to have them changed, no questions asked. One of the best ways to test for yourself if the tires need replacing is the Lincoln penny test. 

Looking at How You Drive

Most of us take our cars for granted, but if we are driving improperly, this is going to cause issues over time. This is why you need to learn how to drive with what they call “mechanical sympathy.” This means using the controls of the car while understanding how the car works. When you start to drive with this in mind, you are limiting wear and tear and will make the vehicle go further. These involve some simple things, such as breaking gradually and driving smoothly. 

It’s so important to look after your car, especially if there are many of you using it. Hopefully, some of these little things will make a big difference to the lifespan of your car and will save you a bit of money in the process.

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Earth Baby Sunscreen and Rubber Ducky Sunscreen – Great Options for the Great Outdoors

September 15, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Spending the day at the beach? Maybe just outdoors. Spending any amount of time outside means you should likely be wearing at least some amount of sun protection.  It can be hard to find sunscreen that is safe for your little ones (not to mention the planet!) so I wanted to draw your attention to some recent discoveries.

We all know by now that using sunblock is one of the best and easiest ways to protect your skin from sunburn, cancer, premature aging, and quite a few other problems. From babyhood on up- don’t forget the sunscreen.

According to Johns Hopkins, you should use it daily. For your “day-to-day use, pick a sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. If you spend time outdoors, choose a product with SPF 60 or greater. In reality, most people do not use as much sunscreen as they should, and this higher SPF helps compensate. To protect your face, neck, arms and legs, you’ll need about 1 ounce of sunscreen. Squeezed into your hand, 1 ounce of sunscreen is enough to completely cover your palm. So long as the sunscreen is at least SPF 30, water-resistant, broad-spectrum and applied about 15 minutes before going outside, it doesn’t matter in what order you apply your skincare products. Some people find it’s easiest to work with bare skin — before makeup or moisturizer have been added. Find what works best for your routine.”

Of course, always speak to a dermatologist or other doctor for best advice- I’m just passing on general information.

reef safe sunscreen

Committed to using certified organic fruit and vegetable-based ingredients, Earth Baby’s products are non-toxic, gentle, and effective on baby skin, hair, and body. Earth Baby products provide immediate moisturization and superior hydration, emollient oils and vitamins with a time-controlled release, and dramatically reduced need for high levels of UV filters.  It doesn’t feel greasy when you put it on, or leave a lingering slippery feeling. It has no unpleasant odor, and I didn’t mind using it on my face (I’m pretty picky about that).   It is safe for the ocean, and cruelty free.

Crafted in a reef-friendly formulation using non-nano Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, our sunscreen makes the great outdoors safer giving the best possible protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays.  Packed with German Chamomile, shea butter and mango, our nourishing sunscreen is gentle enough for the most sensitive young skin.

Formulated Safe + FriendlyTM in California

  • Reef-Friendly, Photostable
  • Non-Nano, Non-Phototoxic, Non-Toxic
  • Reduced Whitening Effect, Water Resistant (40 min)
  • Certified Organic & Natural Ingredients*
  • Hypoallergenic, Non-sensitizing, Non-irritating
  • No Artificial Dyes
  • Essential Oils used for Scent
  • Preservative Free
  • No Animal Derived ingredients, No Animal Testing
  • Clinically Tested
  • Pediatrician & Dermatologist Tested
  • FREE of: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Mineral Oil, Propylene glycol, DEA, MEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Triethanolamine, Petrolatum, Lanolin
Price: $14.00
If you would like another option, we like Rubber Ducky.
cruelty free sunblock
Price: $8.99 +
When adventuring outside, number one thing is to have sunscreen on. Rubber Ducky, whose motto is “just like water off of a duck’s back” has been cruelty-free since 1984 and chemical-free since 2013. The sunscreen, which is formulated and made in the USA, is eight hours water resistant—you can actually see the water bead up and not soak in. It also won’t “sweat” in the eyes, freeing you from irritation and making it perfect for hiking in the sun.
  • Oil Free, Oxybenzone/Octinoxate free, Paraben Free,  Gluten Free, Non-GMO
  • Clear Application
  • Stays on in Water
  • TSA – OK to Fly
  • Biodegradable
  • Reef Safe
  • Up to 8 hours of wear
  • Cruelty Free

The sunblock is a brownish color, though it applies clear and with no tint. It smells differently then most do- a king of patchouli scent or something like that. It’s not your typical coconut, or “sunscreen” smell.  It was a bit surprising, but my husband especially liked the smell of Rubber Ducky. He used it before taking the dog out on her “doggy splash day” and fun run at a local  waterpark, and he didn’t burn at all by the end of the day, so that’s a decent endorsement. It stayed on through sweat and water spraying/splashing, and he didn’t need to reapply.

puppy pool party

Filed Under: environment, safety Tagged With: , , ,

6 Tips for Driving in Wildfire Smoke

February 18, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Each year, areas of the world deal with wildfires that consume large amounts of acreage. Visibility is often low on roads covered with a layer of smoke. Experts report that wildfire smoke can rise as much as five miles into the air and then travel thousands of miles depending on winds. 

We can help you drive through the dangerous area with some helpful tips. Of course, the first thing you should know is to slow down. Forget about any appointment you might have, safety is more important. Drive as carefully as you can and follow the advice from below. 

1. Keep Windows Rolled Up

Although the first thing you want to do is slow down when driving through smoke, it is just as important to keep your windows rolled up. Be sure to use the recirculate air option on your vehicle’s heating and air conditioning system to be sure the smoke does not enter your car. 

Every so often, however, you will want to open your window slightly to release any gases that may have built up inside the car. Carbon dioxide levels can build up quickly when your vents or windows are closed for too long. Just leave the window open for a few minutes and then close it again. 

2. Use Driving in Fog Practices

Driving in smoke is similar to driving in fog. You want to avoid slamming on your brakes and be sure to use your turn signals. Don’t follow the car in front of you too closely. Keep more distance than usual in case they must stop suddenly. If you know traffic signals are coming up, begin slowing some before you reach them to warn cars behind you. 

3. Avoid Using Hazards

Many people believe that if they are driving under the speed limit, turning on their hazard lights will keep someone from hitting them. Actually, in low visibility, it may appear as if you are stopped on the road. When a driver sees that, they may try to go around you, resulting in an accident. If this happened to you, make sure to discuss your car accident case with a lawyer.

Although you do not want to use your hazard lights, you do want to turn on your headlights. Use your low beams and, if your car is equipped with them, fog lights. 

4. Watch Out for Animals

If you are driving in rural areas, keep an eye out for animals. Wildfires and smoke may result in animals escaping from barns, fields, or pens. If this happens, a cow, horse, or other large animals could be in the roadway and you might not see them until it is too late. 

If you notice broken fencing or suspect livestock may have tried to escape the smoke, keep your eye on the road ahead as best you can. 

5. Pull Over

If the conditions are extremely bad, pull over and sit on the side of the road until you feel safe. Be sure to turn your hazard lights on, remain in the car, and call for help. Police may be able to come to your location and drive you out of the smoky area. 

6. Don’t Cause Additional Fires

While driving in a fire-prone area, you don’t want to be the cause of another fire. If you have a flat tire or your brakes are locked, pull over as sparks could cause dry grass to ignite. 

Don’t drive in dry grass as the heat from your exhaust could ignite it. Never throw lit cigarettes out of the car window. Not only can it start a fire in dry conditions, but it is also a hazard to vehicles behind you, especially motorcycles.

Contact a Lawyer

If you were involved in an accident while driving through wildfire smoke, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. You can usually arrange for a no-obligation consultation with many firms. Just call them or fill out the online form on their website.

Filed Under: safety Tagged With: ,