Making Safety-Your Balik Kampung Priority

Dipetik dari :www.aam.org.my

MAKING SAFETY - YOUR BALIK KAMPUNG PRIORITY

As Malaysian motorists prepare to make the annual balik kampung journey for Hari Raya, safety on the road becomes increasingly important judging by the horrific statistics of accidents and fatalities recorded previous years. Safety on the road can be categorized into two main areas; driving safety and vehicle safety. Driving safety reflects on an individual's attitude and driving habits, while vehicle safety zeroes in on a vehicle's road worthiness. Both are equally important to give you a greater safety margin on the road and in ensuring that you make that journey to and fro safely. The Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) advises motorists to have your vehicle inspected for its roadworthiness, serviced and repaired if necessary, before making the journey back home to give you the peace of mind on the road. Driving safety Keep to the designated speed limit. Keep left when not overtaking. Do not drive or overtake on the emergency lane or on the left. Wait or queue up. Do not stop, wait or park on the emergency lane. If the vehicle breaks down, steer to the emergency lane, switch on the hazard lights and wait outside the vehicle beyond the highway barricade for safety reasons. Place an emergency triangle a few metres behind the vehicle if you have one to warn others behind you. Strictly observe the road signages that have been put up for your own safety and that of other motorists. Do not overtake in double line areas, stop when you come to any junction and slow down when you are advised to. Do not tailgate. Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front giving you sufficient room to brake and react in the event of an emergency. If it rains, slow down. Do not turn on the hazard lights when driving as others will assume your vehicle is at a stop. If visibility is poor switch on your headlights. If you feel drowsy or sleepy, stop at the nearest rest area and rest. Constantly look at your vehicle's rear view mirror and side mirrors. Use it before you attempt to overtake or switch lanes. Use your vehicle's indicators (signal lights) when attempting to switch lanes to inform the motorist behind of your intentions. Keep your cool at the wheel. Be patient, considerate of other road users and do not let your temper and emotions get in the way of your better judgment on the road. Plan your journey. Allow for enough time to arrive at your destination so that you do not have to rush. Vehicle safety  Tyres (make sure your tyres are in good condition and still has enough tread to offer sufficient grip on the road. Check to make sure the tyres are not under inflated. Inspect wheels and if necessary have all four wheels balanced and aligned).  braking system (check the condition of your brake pads and discs, inspect the brake fluid level topping up if necessary or repairing any leaks if any)  suspension system (inspect condition of absorbers and have them replaced if worn out. Inspect condition of drive shafts, suspension rubber bushes etc)  overall engine condition (when was your last timing belt change? Is your vehicle overheating? Check the engine oil level, transmission oil level, water level, clutch wear, condition of the water hoses, and inspect the fan and air-conditioning belts.)