Chapter 9 – Safety and Your Vehicle

Environment

Many questions concern the effects cars have on the environment. These effects are considered to be negative. In relation to the Theory test, cars pollute; consuming fuel is bad; using less fuel is good. So remember this when answering the questions, for example:

Increased Fuel Consumption is caused by:

1. Under-inflated tyres
2. Harsh braking
3. Harsh, rapid acceleration
4. A roof rack
5. Over-revving in low gear
6. Carrying unnecessary weight

To Improved Fuel Consumption:

1. Plan your journey
2. Use gently, steady acceleration
3. Get your car serviced regularly
4. Reduce your speed
5. Watch traffic and plan ahead
6. Cycle, walk & use public transport
7. Avoid very short car journeys
8. Miss out some gears when conditions allow

Other Environment Facts to Know:

1. Driving at 70mph uses 30% more fuel than driving at 50mph.
2. Driving smoothly can reduce fuel consumption by 15%.
3. Catalytic Converters are part of the exhaust system. They reduce toxic exhaust emissions.
4. Road transport accounts for 20% of all emissions.
5. Red routes in cities exist to help the traffic flow.
6. Light Rapid Transit (LRT) systems are environmentally friendly because they are powered by electricity, so they don’t emit toxic fumes.
7. A roof rack fitted to your car will increase fuel consumption.
8. The Noise and vibration caused by traffic damage buildings.
9. Servicing your car regularly will help give you better fuel economy.
10. Eco-safe driving leads to improved road safety and helps the environment by reducing exhaust emissions.
11. Missing out some gear changes can help save fuel by reducing the amount of time you are accelerating.

Avoiding Congestion

Avoiding congestion or busy times makes driving less stressful and can help you save fuel. Always try to:

1. plan your route before starting out
2. avoid driving at times when roads will be busy, as you are less likely to be delayed
3. Allow plenty of time for your journey.

Plan you route by:

1. looking at a map
2. Using sat- Nav equipment
3. checking for road works with a motoring organisation
4. Using a route planner on the internet.

Car Security

1. When parking, remove any valuables and take them with you. If you have to leave them then lock them out of sight.
2. Never leave vehicle documents in a car.
3. Etching the car number on the windows may deter car theft, as does adding an immobiliser.

Car Maintenance

1. Check tyre pressure when the tyres are cold.
2. Dispose of a used car battery and engine oil by taking them to a garage or local authority site.
3. The fluid used to top up a car battery is distilled water. The level you need to fill it to is just above the cell plates.
4. Uneven or excessive tyre wear can cause faults in the braking system, wheel alignment and the suspension.
5. Low levels of brake fluid can cause you to crash.
6. Brake fade is caused by overheating brakes and will make your brakes less effective.
7. Consult a mechanic immediately if your anti-lock brake light stays on or your vehicle pulls to one side when braking.
8. If the anti-lock brakes warning light comes on and stays on you should consult a mechanic immediately.
9. The legal minimum depth of tread for car tyres over 3/4’s of the breadth is 1.6mm.
10. The law requires you to keep headlights, windscreen and seat belts in a good condition.
11. Too much oil in the engine can cause oil leaks.
12. Dry steering (steering whilst the car is stationary) can cause damage to the tyres and steering.
13. Unbalanced wheels on a car can cause the steering to vibrate.

Driving with under inflated tyres can affect

1. Fuel consumption
2. Braking
3. Make the steering seem heavy

Seatbelts and Safety Devices

1. This is the responsibility of the driver to make sure anyone under the age of 14 who is a passenger in the car wears an appropriate seatbelt.
2. Car passengers must wear a seat belt or restraint if one is available unless they are exempt for medical reasons.
3. A child under 1.35 meters tall who is a passenger in the back seat of your car must wear a suitable child restraint. If such restraint isn’t available, then they must use an adult seat belt.
4. Make sure any front passenger airbag is deactivated when carrying a child in the front passenger seat using a rear-facing baby seat
5. In a collision, a properly adjusted head restraint will help reduce the risk of a neck injury.

Parking Your Car

1. When parking your car at night on a road with a speed limit of 40mph or above you should leave the parking lights on.
2. Park: In a well-lit area and Park in a secure car park.

Don’t park

1. On the front of a property entrance.
2. At or near a bus stop.
3. Near the brow of a hill where the limited view of the road ahead makes it difficult to see whether it’s safe to pass the obstruction.
4. At a dropped kerb, as this is the place for wheelchair and mobility scooter users to get onto the road or pavement.
5. On the zigzag lines at a pedestrian crossing.

Other Facts to Know

1. If your vehicle keeps bouncing when you press it down on the front wing mean shock absorbers are worn.
2. Before a long journey check the engine’s oil levels. Too much oil in the engine can cause oil leaks.
3. Red routes have been introduced in major cities to help the traffic flow.
4. Road humps, chicanes, and narrowing’s are traffic calming measures. When you encounter them you should slow down
5. You should only sound your horn in a built-up area between 7 am and 11.30 pm.
6. Planning your journey before you start will result in you having a more pleasant and easier journey, it will also help to ease congestion. Plan an alternative route just in case your preferred route is blocked.
7. Wear suitable shoes when driving as this will help you maintain control of the pedals.