Car safety is something that should obviously be focused on by everybody, but it seems
that it is always taken for granted. It’s actually a scary thought. 1.35 million-deaths-per-
year-scary.

Yes, you read that right. According to the World Health Organization, approximately
1.35 million people per year die in road crashes. The saddest part is that the majority of
what causes road accidents are preventable such as car maintenance and driver
competency. If you yourself are a driver, then you must be alarmed by these facts.

The best way to prevent and reduce the number of road accidents that happen annually
is to start with yourself. Educate yourself and do what you need to do to stay safe and to
keep others safe. This article will give car safety tips that every driver needs to know to
inform with emphasis on road safety.

Perform safety checks

Regularly check your car even before you get on the road. Proper car maintenance not
only assures safety but also extends the lifespan of your vehicle. Here are the simple
car safety checks that you have to work your way through regularly before driving:

● Check your tyres
Never overlook the condition of your tyres. Your tyres are the only things that provide
cushion between your car and the asphalt. Schedule regular checking of your tyre
pressure and tyre tread depth. If you see that you need to replace them, get to your
trusted and nearest tyre shop to purchase and install new ones.

● Check your battery
Have your battery tested as part of your routine safety check. Drained batteries are one
of the most common causes of breakdowns, which is an inconvenience that you don’t
want to encounter, particularly if you have a schedule to follow.

● Check your lights
Inspect both exterior and interior lights of your car at least once a month and refer to
your owner’s manual to understand the use of lighting systems in your car. Brake lights
are integral to your safety, so make sure that you don’t leave those out. Thoroughly
check your lighting and replace bulbs if necessary.

● Check your engine oil and other essential car fluids
The engine oil lubricates, cleans, cools, and protects your car engine. It’s important that
your oil and oil filter are changed according to your car manufacturer’s guidelines.
Aside from your engine oil, you must also keep an eye on your car’s coolant level,
power steering fluid and brake fluid, as they also play an important role in your car’s
functionality.

● Check your windscreen wash and wipers
Check your windscreen washing fluids and top up as needed. Also, take a look at all
window cleaning and demisting features and see if everything is working properly. You
don’t want anything blurring your view, especially during the rainy season.

Tips for safe driving

The simplest tips are often the best ones when it comes to driving safely. Here is a
refresher of what some of these tips are:

● Buckle up
Seatbelts save lives. It’s a cliche, but it’s true. This cannot be stated enough. Always
wear your seatbelt regardless of the speed that you are driving.

● Focus
Never be distracted by anything while driving. Always stay alert and stay focused on the
road at all times and be wary of what other drivers around you are doing.

● Obey traffic rules
Pay close attention to the traffic signs and the stoplight. Respect and obey all of them
and always use indicators when turning or moving between lanes.

Final thoughts

Yours and other people’s safety starts from you. Ensure that your car is in good
condition and always drive safely. Don’t be a statistic by being a better car owner and
driver.

Guest Writer: Rosette Monell

Rosette has a knack for anything DIY, but not only that,
she also knows a lot about chores and stuff as
she spent her younger years immersed in books about
hardware tools, equipment, and tires. As a child, she
once dreamed of establishing her own hardware & tire
store. Her career options may have changed, but today,
she continues to write so passionately about her first
love.