Myths abound in every culture around the world. Even in first world countries, where people are supposed to be modern and logical, myths can be found in every corner. Take for example the world of motorized vehicles – it is as modern as can be, but the myths are there! Have you fallen for any of these myths? Take a look.
Myth #1: Change your oil every 3,000 miles.
I know a lot of people who follow this myth to the T. Some even change their motor oil before they reach the 3,000-mile mark. The truth is that you HAVE TO change your motor oil on a regular basis. This can make or break your engine. However, 3,000 miles is not the mark anymore. This is especially true for newer models. Indeed, experts say that you can easily go twice that distance before having to change your oil. The safest bet is 5,000 miles.
Myth #2: Warm up your engine before you go.
Again, a lot of people tend to do this. Perhaps it is because of habit, but it really is not necessary anymore. Fuel-injection systems have done away with the need to let the engine idle for a bit before taking off. Don’t waste your time and money doing this.
Myth #3: The higher the octane rating, the better your car will perform.
Not true. Cars are made with a certain octane rating in mind. Just because this kind of gasoline has a higher octane rating doesn’t mean that your car will be better running on it. Check what kind of gasoline your car is designed for and stick with that. There is no need to spend extra when there really is no benefit.
I don’t mean that you can use your mobile phone to drive. You know what I mean by that – a lot of us have become largely dependent on our mobile phones that we are rarely seen without them. When on the road, the mobile phone is not turned off (not that I am proposing this) and is even used by the person behind the wheel.
Many states have already imposed bans on this habit and rightly so. Driving is a focus-oriented task and the slightest distraction can make the difference between life and death. The split second that it takes to glance at the cell phone screen just might be the split second that you need to save someone else’s life or your life.
So how can you drive safely with your mobile phone?
Use voicemail! Instead of picking up, let the call go to your voicemail. That’s what it’s there for. If the call is really important, then pull over before answering it. If your argument is that you have a hands free feature, let it go. You know as well as I do that carrying a conversation can prove to be a distraction.
Ask your companion/s to take the call for you. If you’re not alone in the car, there is no need for you to take the call or answer the text message. Ask the person with you to do it for you.
If you do have to use the hands free feature (they were made for a purpose, I suppose), then at least make sure that you don’t spend too long on the phone. Also, make the road your primary focus. Last, be aware of your speed – be consistent and don’t speed up or slow down suddenly.
Texting and driving has been an issue for the longest time. Ever since using the mobile phone for more than making voice calls became a common thing, texting behind the wheel has proven to be a serious problem. I suppose one factor is that many people do not see texting while driving as deadly as drinking and driving. It just seems to be “safe” and not really dangerous – at least to those who have not really thought about it or to those who have not had a bad experience.
In Great Britain, though, they are taking this very very seriously. There is this Texting While Driving PSA that is currently airing in the country, and it is quite graphic! It can be quite disturbing, actually. Here, take a look for yourself.
I hadn’t gotten through halfway of the video and I already felt as if there were a huge thing crushing my chest. The sound of metal on metal, the girl’s screams, the blood…this is only a video but it really had an effect on me. Other viewers feel pretty much the same way. As a matter of fact, I read that there are some people who have been complaining about the graphic nature of the clip; that it is way too much for the general public. I think that it should be shown to anyone who can drive. If that means showing the video to a 16-year-old, then so be it! If a person can take the responsibility of driving and potentially placing his life (and the life of others) at risk, then he can take this video. What do you think?
Written by Marcel on September 9, 2009 | 2 Comments
Safety is paramount when you are behind the wheel. Driving has become such a part of our lives that sometimes, we take our safety for granted. Take those who take pride in being able to multi-task while driving. Mind you, these people are normally reasonable and logical people. I know some people who would not drive if they had taken even just a glass of wine in the past hour. But it is a different story altogether when it comes to texting while driving. But have you ever thought about just how dangerous texting while driving can be?
According to Car and Driver, texting or reading e-mail is extremely distracting. The study that they conducted has been described as “loosely structured,” but the results are nonetheless alarming. They asked for two volunteers who drove in a drunken state and then drove while texting.
While over the limit, the drivers managed to stop about four feet into the simulated car they were supposed to be following, whereas texting slowed reaction times to the point that drivers had travelled upwards of 70 feet ahead of where a normal driver would have stopped.
Followers of texting and Twittering culture might wish to notice that a new abbreviation has been added to the growing list of time-saving acronyms. In e-speak, this message indicates that the sender is currently having an accident: HRHH%^&UB%6UB6U65 TTTTTT.
It is scary, isn’t it? One thing I know – I will not stand for texting and driving anymore!
In my last post, we took a look at some of the most common sense tips to help you keep safe while on wet roads. Here are some more that you can bear in mind.
Stay away from the side of the road.
As much as possible, drive as near to the middle of the road as you can. The rationale behind this tip is the fact that most of the roads in the United States are crowned in the middle. As a result, the water tends to run off to the sides of the road. In many cases, the water gathers toward the sides, posing a hazard to motorists.
Always turn your headlights on.
This is the law in many places actually, but not everyone really does it. If I were you, the moment that a light rain falls, I would turn my headlights on. Even if you can see relatively clearly ahead of you, it would still help. More so, your headlights would alert other motorists to your presence. A word of caution: do not use your high beams when there is a fog. Instead, use your fog lights if you have them.
Keep your eyes on the car ahead of you.
While you have to keep your eyes on the road and the condition, you also have to pay attention to the car in front of you. Make sure he has enough space, especially if he has to suddenly brake. Also, seeing how the car in front of you “behaves” will give you a pretty good idea of what is ahead.
Study driving is a blog for drivers and auto enthusiasts of all kinds. Here we talk about driving tips and techniques ranging from the simplest lessons for beginners, to defensive driving techniques, to advanced maneuvers. (Read more...)
Myths abound in every culture around the world. Even in first world countries, where people are supposed to be modern and logical, myths can be found in every corner. Take for example the world of motorized vehicles – it is as modern as can be, but the myths are there! Have you fallen for any of these myths? Take a look.
I don’t mean that you can use your mobile phone to drive. You know what I mean by that – a lot of us have become largely dependent on our mobile phones that we are rarely seen without them. When on the road, the mobile phone is not turned off (not that I am proposing this) and is even used by the person behind the wheel.
Safety is paramount when you are behind the wheel. Driving has become such a part of our lives that sometimes, we take our safety for granted. Take those who take pride in being able to multi-task while driving. Mind you, these people are normally reasonable and logical people. I know some people who would not drive if they had taken even just a glass of wine in the past hour. But it is a different story altogether when it comes to texting while driving. But have you ever thought about just how dangerous texting while driving can be?
In my last post, we took a look at some of the most common sense tips to help you keep safe while on wet roads. Here are some more that you can bear in mind.
