How to make sure your vehicle is as safe as possible

Most drivers respect basic safety driving tips. They make sure they are not too tired, and haven’t had too much to drink. They are drive at reasonable speeds and avoid dangerous manoeuvers like cutting another vehicle at high speed on the highway. That said, there are small safety tips that can do a lot to make your vehicle even safer for you and your family.

The first thing is to always make sure you have a first-aid kit in the car. Although you may not think you need it, there may come a time where someone gets a small cut, or feels carsick. You will be happy you have band aids, or medication to help alleviate queasiness.

Your first-aid kit should also include tools that are useful in the event of a problem, like warning triangles and flairs, as well as a second set of clothing for winter, or a cool summer night should you be stuck.

Another often overlooked tip to improve your vehicle’s safety relates to visibility. This means making sure your headlights are clean and that your wiper blades are adapted to the climate you find yourself in, and of course that they are also in good condition. It’s a good idea to carry around an extra container of windshield washer fluid as well, just in case.

Third, you want to make sure there are not floating objects in the car that can turn into projectiles in the event of a sudden stop or an accident.

“At 60 km/h, an object’s weight is multiplied by 30. If you have a book or a pair of shoes, or a briefcase that is not tied down, a sudden stop or collision can lead to serious injuries”, explains a service technician at Town + Country Volkswagen.

Therefore, remove everything from the shelf behind the passenger seats, and make sure that anything that is not tied down is at lease stowed in the trunk or behind the seats on the floor if there are no passengers in the back.

Combined with safe driving, the tips above will ensure that you are your family are safe at all times.