2023-06-30 10:51:02
The DGT forecasts 95 million long-distance journeys by road for this summer, 1.75% more than the real movements registered last summer. Traffic in Spain in summer presents different characteristics to those that occur at other times of the year, so it is necessary to take into account the increase in long-distance journeys on weekdays and especially on weekends; the increased traffic of vehicles on secondary roads; the increase in night movements; and conflictive circulation on roads that connect coastal towns and coastal tourist areas with the beaches.
From Traffic they remember that you have to be careful with the greater presence of cyclists and pedestrians on the road; the increased circulation of foreign-registered vehicles on the road whose drivers are not used to the itineraries on which they circulate.
One of the dangers on the road is the presence of expert and overly confident drivers, who also on numerous occasions have “vices” when it comes to getting behind the wheel.
According to Arval , one of the problems with these experienced drivers is that they are not aware that they are not alone on the road, which leads to very selfish driving. How many times have we believed that the left lane is only for us, we have straightened the roundabouts or changed lanes without turning on the indicator, causing the driver who was following us to get angry? Surely more than one… You have to stay in the lane furthest to the right as possible; At roundabouts you have to turn correctly and, of course, mark each of your movements. Nothing happens if we go too far. Better to do a full lap again than to cause an accident.
Another of the most common “vices” consists of not holding the steering wheel correctly, with only one hand or with a position of the same that would make it difficult for us to carry out an emergency maneuver.
A good posture in the car means driving more relaxed and also reduces the risk of an accident, so before starting the vehicle you have to make sure that you are in the correct position. Once under way, if it is necessary to rectify, it must always be done with the vehicle stopped to avoid distractions, according to the recommendations of the Directorate General of Traffic.
The first thing to check as soon as you get into the car is the distance behind the wheel. It is necessary to find the optimum separation with respect to the steering wheel and the pedals. The sidewalk should be at a distance that allows you to maneuver comfortably. One trick is to depress the clutch fully, so that the left leg should be slightly bent, and not straight.
Virtually all modern cars allow the steering wheel to be adjusted in height and depth. To do it correctly we must be able to hold it comfortably, with the elbows slightly bent, forming an angle of more than 90º. In addition, when we maneuver, the knees must never run into it, and there must not be any obstacle that prevents us from seeing the instrument panel or the road. Placing the hands on the wheel for maneuverability, and imagining that the wheel is the face of a clock, we will grasp it at the “ten past ten” position. While driving you have to keep your arms slightly bent, never tense. While driving, avoid crossing them when turning the steering wheel. The mirrors must be positioned in such a way that they offer a correct vision of the road without having to move the head. The interior mirror must be centered on the rear window. The sides, open to cover a greater angle, until you can no longer see the side of the vehicle.
The hands should be at the “ten past ten” position, imagining that the balance wheel is the face of a clock. When maneuvering, it is important that you never hold the steering wheel low or cross your arms . And remember that your hands should always be on the steering wheel, except to carry out a maneuver, according to the recommendations of the RACE .
The mobile is another of the “gadgets” that can make us commit a large number of irregularities. You must always use the hands-free device: bringing your mobile to your ear, even for a second, is prohibited, so if you need to pick it up, always ‘hands-free’. And, of course, do not succumb to the temptation to look at the alerts generated by instant messaging applications, emails or social networks while we are inside the car.
Finally, it must be taken into account that the road is not a rally: the lack of patience and the misuse of the lanes by others means that many take the liberty of overtaking in a more than dangerous way, on the right, stepping on continuous lines, at the entrance of a curve or inside roundabouts. All caution behind the wheel is little, so you have to stay calm and be patient in case you run into a bad driver. It is possible that we will arrive at our destination a little later, but we will arrive without compromising our safety or that of those around us.
#vices #wheel #avoid #Operation #Exit