Lowers concentration levels and extends reaction time.
Reduces hearing ability.
How to prevent driving fatigue:
Take a minimum 15-minute break after driving for two hours and stretch.
Don’t eat too much.
Don’t stare at the centerline of the road all the time.
Keep the vehicle well ventilated and at a comfortable temperature.
Impaired states
Sickness and medications can affect your driving
Your focus on the road can be severely reduced by pain or strong emotional situations.
If you are taking medication and are unsure about its effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist before driving.
Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol
Do not consume any alcohol before you drive and be aware of the legal limits.
Designate a driver or hire a taxi if you have consumed alcohol.
General advice in emergency situations
Remain calm and do not panic; it will help you make rational, calm decisions.
Try to brake in a straight line if possible.
If you are driving at a high speed when the emergency occurs, try to avoid sudden steering since it may result in accidents that can otherwise be avoided.
You can steer far more effectively at slower speeds. Slow down as much as possible to reduce the impact of a potential collision.
Your main priority is to save lives. If an accident is unavoidable, take priority actions that ensure the safety of human life first.
Turn on your hazard lights as soon as possible.
Make sure you have emergency numbers and insurance numbers on hand at all times.
Regaining steering control
Release the gas pedal gently.
Steer the car in the direction where the back of the car is sliding.
Shift to a lower gear quickly and use the engine to slow down.
Turn on hazard lights as quickly as you can until you regain control.
Apply hand brake if necessary.
Brakes are not working
Hold the steering wheel firmly.
If this happens before entering a turn, try to control the direction first.
Then try to slow down: shift down gears step by step to slow down.
Use the handbrake/emergency brake to stop the car if the speed is below 20 mph.
Turn on your hazard lights if applicable.
Use upward slopes or hills to help stop the car.
If your brakes stop working when going up a hill, shift quickly to lower gear, then use the handbrake/emergency brake to park the car.
If available, park in an emergency parking lane, or hard shoulder. If not, then park away from fast traffic and ensure your hazard lights are turned on.
How to avoid it:
Test brakes before your trip.
Always test your brakes when you first start down a steep hill or if you have driven through deep water.
Tire blowout
Note on the video:
The footage is shot at a professional course with a professional driver and tire-explosive testing equipment.
The loud noise will surprise you but try to stay calm.
Always keep both hands on the steering wheel and grip firmly. This may save your life in case of a sudden rapid deflation.
Don’t slam the brakes, keep your foot on the gas to maintain the momentum of the vehicle.
Keep the direction of the car as straight as possible.
Brake slowly to maintain control of the vehicle and lower the speed.
Bring the car to a stop in a safe place.
Material to keep in the car
Tire gauge to measure the pressure of your tires
Spare tire and jack
Motor oil
Jumper cables
Flashlight
Roadside flares
Blankets and gloves
First aid kit
Bottles of water, snack bars and nonperishable food