Car Pool

After getting a ticket for not having an emissions test done I was determined to find out what, exactly, I needed to do to avoid fines in the future. I also wondered what the mechanics look for when they conduct an emissions test and how that contributes to lower levels of pollution. I figure, by knowing more about the whole process I can keep myself and others safer.

Each state in the U.S. and each province or territory in Canada has their own standards for emissions testing. I happened to get mine done in Ontario, but if you want to know what the standard is in your area then you can Google “emissions testing” and add the geographic location – state or province – in which you’ve registered the car.

In most cases, an emissions test needs to be conducted either annually or once every few years. In Ontario, emissions are regulated through the Drive Clean Program and you must get your car e-tested (emissions tested) once every five years, although if you’re driving a larger truck you may still be required to get it tested annually. Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment has contracted out this testing to privately owned garages so it’s easy to find a place to get this done and some mechanics even offer savings if you get a safety test done at the same time.

After paying a hefty fine, I wanted to know how such a test could actually reduce the amount of pollution my car puts out. So, when I went to get my test done, I asked the mechanic what, specifically, they looked for.

“Well, every car gets a gas cap pressure check – no matter what.”

“And what’s that checking for?” I asked.

“Make sure none of the fuel vapors are escaping,” he turned towards me, like he was revealing a secret. “See, fuel vapors can leak out of your car and then sit around to become what they call ground level smog.”

“We also check your brakes, we check for leaks, and throw your old beauty up on the dynamometer where we run her for a bit and test the gasses coming out the tailpipe.”

“What do you mean by gases?” I asked. “Isn’t there supposed to be something coming out of the exhaust?”

“Well, we’re testing the levels of various chemicals that make up that ‘something’. In particular we test for carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and various other hydrocarbons that contribute to pollution” he said. The mechanic went on to explain that getting this checkup done would save me money in the long term.

“You stand to spend lots more cash on gas if you don’t get your exhaust system checked like this every so often.”

By making emissions testing a law the government of Ontario has stirred some controversy. Several leading environmentalists critique the regulations, saying that the heavy cost of the bureaucracy outweighs the benefit of the program. However, the provincial legislators have clearly taken a step in the right direction. Even our idle conversation turns to these broad issues. The lawmakers have succeeded in establishing public health and safety as a priority – and that can’t be a bad thing.

Reference: Auto Transport > Auto Insurance > Demerit Points – An Effective Deterrent

Our knowledge of safety standards is really the crucial factor in ensuring their success and overall effectiveness. One of the best ways the automotive industry’s safety authorities can educate the population is by making sure they are connected and have a good online presence.

In the past, existing media outlets such as radio, television and newspaper were great avenues for disseminating information – especially when it came to road safety. There were also community outreach programs that are still effective, and thus in use, today. I can remember two police officers coming into my grade school class and asking us questions about how to make sure we crossed the road safely (“Look both ways!” we all shouted), or what the difference between the green and red colors on a traffic light was.

These days though, in order to make sure any message about driver, road or highway safety is communicated properly the authorities need to make sure they make it available online.

Some organizations have picked up this idea very quickly. For instance, you can sign up for email alerts from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding vehicle recalls and other wide-reaching announcements concerning car safety. As I mentioned here, the provincial ministries of transportation in Canada have made a significant attempt to place safety resources online and have even gone so far as to offer many of their kiosk services online.

In terms of real-time updates concerning road traffic safety, one can always turn to the radio for information. Most cities in North America have radio stations devoted to educating visitors on the specifics of their area. But if one was so inclined there are a large volume of traffic safety apps available in most mobile app stores. The regional authorities in several major cities have had apps designed that will update the end user on road conditions, ongoing construction as well as traffic accidents throughout the area.

The organizations enforcing the road safety standards have made it really easy to keep abreast of recent changes to existing measures. Most of us are comfortable with the idea of having safety standards enforced upon us, but by leveraging the online medium to communicate with drivers the authorities can have a two-way conversation with the general population. Discussion boards, comment spaces and social bookmarking links are all very effective ways of ensuring your information is connected and one can only hope that the organizations which develop or enforce safety standards become more comfortable with this aspect of the internet.

By allowing their content to become freely available and easily transmittable the various new and existing safety measures and tips these organizations oversee can be spread even further than is possible with existing communication techniques.

Bibliography

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precrash_system
2. http://www.usedcarsontario.com/articles.php?id=5
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario%27s_Drive_Clean
4. http://www.cleanaircarcheck.com/emissions.htm
5. http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment/en/category/drive_clean/index.htm
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emissions_testing
7. http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/demerit.shtml
8. http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ns/prog_services/community_policing-police_communautaire/traff/demerit/demerit_explained-eng.htm
9. http://www.truckline.com/Newsroom/Trucks%20Are/When%20Trucks%20Stop%20America%20Stops.pdf
10. http://www.safetyasaservice.com/news/Trucking-Laws-and-Legislation/Mandatory-speed-limiters-could-increase-driver-safety$800318100.htm
11. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_limit
12. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_limiter
13. http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/trucklimits.shtml
14. http://www.truckline.com/Newsroom/Trucks%20Are/When%20Trucks%20Stop%20America%20Stops.pdf
15. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driver%27s_license
16. http://usedcars.about.com/od/gettingstarted/ss/UsedCarInspect.htm
17. http://www.vinguard.org/ncpb.htm
18. http://ucda.carpages.ca/content/Curbsiders
19. http://www.safercar.gov/

The North American car market is massive. There are over 170 million cars in use on our continent alone and, due to the dangers associated with these fast-moving, heavy steel objects, an equally vast network of safety mechanisms has been built to protect us all. Although some may not like it, this framework was designed alongside the ever-evolving car industry in an effort to keep consumers, technicians and pedestrians as far out of harm’s way as possible.

Just think about the number of safety inspections a car goes through on its way from the manufacturer to your driveway. On top of product development, including crash and road tests, the manufacturer will conduct at least some kind of quality assurance testing for safety before it gets sent to dealerships around the world. In order to even be released on the market it must meet national and regional policies regarding safety mechanisms, emissions limits, engine size, and a host of other subjects.

Once it’s on the market there are a wide range of consumer protection agencies, consumer review websites and magazines that do their own assessments. One of the things they look for is whether or not the manufacturer paid close attention to widely accepted safety standards. They also conduct their own tests for braking distance, collisions and rollovers.

Even in the hands of the driver there is an ever increasing list of laws that were created in an attempt to promote safety. Traffic laws, regular safety inspections, emissions testing, and the notorious “cell phone” bylaw that is cropping up in various municipalities across the continent are all designed to encourage drivers to be more safe.

Most people consider this complex web of laws and safety regulations to be cumbersome and unnecessary, but where would we be today if seatbelts weren’t mandatory? How many more fatalities, or serious injuries, would be recorded if there were no school zones or speed limits? Of course, one could argue that some laws impinge on personal freedoms, but the point is that driving safely isn’t something people do naturally. The laws exist to protect the broader population.

Also, by making safety a priority the government has encouraged industry to become more innovative when it comes to their own design. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently began studying whether to make collision warning systems and lane departure warning systems mandatory. Regardless of the outcome, it’s clear that the automotive industry is responding to our society’s rigorous position on safety. They are the ones developing these new solutions.

Rather than trying to buck against the “system” drivers and car owners that understand the regulations and the paperwork are actually able to benefit more than those who don’t. The evolution of communications technology over the past decade is also now lending itself to this bureaucracy, making the entire safety framework much more effective and user-friendly.

The “thin white line” enforced by traffic cops, mechanics, industry regulators, and the government at large is actually a very effective system for ensuring that drivers are more cautious about how they use their vehicles. Often, it’s the paperwork, the laws, and the regulations that make driving so much safer for everyone involved.

Reference: Auto Transport > Safety > Vehicle History Reports Make Cars Safer

It’s dark and I’m on the last leg of a 15 hour drive from Kingston to Halifax, somewhere in south-eastern New Brunswick. The dusting of light snow that started just before the sun went down has now turned into a blast of blinding white specks smacking my windshield. I try slowing down, but it makes little difference.

A cautious voice pipes up – somewhere deep in the recesses of my simple brain – and wonders if it would be best to just pull over. It is quickly silenced by male bravado and the knowledge that stopping now could leave me stranded if the weather keeps up.

Next exit, I promise myself. Little did I know I’d be stopping soon anyways – whether I wanted to or not.

Canada’s vast landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful. A road trip between major cities is one of the best ways to experience the wonderful natural landscapes that define our country. The weather is unpredictable though and can be extremely unforgiving even in the summer months. Add to that the fact that, in some places, one can drive hundreds of kilometres without seeing so much as a rest-stop and it becomes obvious why Canadian drivers seldom leave their driveways unprepared.

So, what would a Canadian do to make sure they’re well-prepared for long distance driving in severe weather conditions? One of the best things you can do is make sure you have a plan and make sure it gets communicated. Cell phones are great for emergencies but depending on where you are, you might not get coverage. Let the people at the other end know when you think you’ll be arriving. That way, if something happens to you and you have no way of telling anyone at least somebody will know to start looking for you.

The other must-have that most Canadians will make sure they’ve got stowed away is a road safety kit. Items that are normally included in a safety kit are:

1. Food and water
2. Blankets
3. Flashlight and extra batteries
4. First aid kit (with seatbelt cutters)
5. Shovel and road salt/kitty litter (to get out of slippery situations)
6. Road map
7. Road flares

On top of these you want to make sure you’ve got some other important equipment such as:

1. Spare tire and jack
2. Jumper cables
3. Towing rope
4. Fire extinguisher
5. Tire iron that fits the nuts on your wheel

This list of items for a road safety kit is just a starting point and I would highly encourage you to discuss this with your family to see what, if anything, you could add to it. Personally, I always make sure I’ve got an extra set of warm winter gear (toque, gloves, scarf, etc.) because, and I’m not exaggerating, I’ve seen snow in June up here.

I’m now driving 40 km/h on my long, easterly drive through the interminable snowstorm and I’ve managed to creep across the border into Nova Scotia. Occasionally, an 18-wheeler rips past me and I wonder how those guys can keep their speed up in such low visibility. The only thing keeping me on the road is the reflection of the distance markers on the side of the highway.

In front of me, the rear lights of another car slowly approach. Someone is going even slower than I am. I get a little bit closer and decide that it’s safe enough to pass.

Reference: Auto Transport > Car Travel > One of the Many Disasters of Traveling by Car

A long distance drive is like a paired figure skating routine. It can be truly exciting and memorable then in a second become a complete disaster. By following a few steps you can help ensure your trip is as pleasant as it should be.

When preparing for a long distance drive there are several factors to take in to account, the most important is the vehicle itself. Taking the time to top off all the fluids and check the drive belts is well worth the time and effort and can save you the stress and inconvenience of being stranded in an unfamiliar area. Check your spare tire to make sure it can get you to the next service station in the event of a flat; the spare tire can lose air over the course of years, leaving you with two flat tires. A few unsuspecting drivers have even had the misfortune of discovering that there is no spare where it should be leaving them with no option except a tow truck. The basic tools for a tire change are a must, a jack and a wrench to fit the wheel nuts. An adjustable wrench and a multi-tip screwdriver are also invaluable tools, small and relatively cheap, they can save you a lot of time and headaches in a multitude of situations.

A blanket and a sealed bottle of water can save a lot of discomfort in the event that the car breaks down and the driver must wait for assistance. A set of booster cables and a battery powered flashlight round out the drivers kit of essential gear. A battery powered flashlight is a better idea than a rechargeable for the simple reason that good batteries of the non-rechargeable variety will hold their charge for five years or more while rechargeable batteries are not generally dependable after a year and often much less than that. Of course, it is always wise to have an auto club membership and cellular phone, especially during a cross country trip. At least one nationwide auto parts and service chain gives priority to out of province travellers when it comes to repairs, having a membership with this chain gives the added security of knowing your car will be taken to their garage and given the most expedient service possible.

Once the vehicle itself is taken care of, there is the driver. Route planning is an under-appreciated part of any long trip. Many people will look at a map and see a trip from point A to B with only one route between the two. In many situations this is the Trans-Canada Highway, generally fast and safe it is unfortunate that many sights can be missed. On many occasions tourists from abroad can be heard to say that the Trans-Canada gives a great view of the forest and little else. It is often the case that the less travelled route is just as fast for the simple fact that it is less travelled freeing the driver up from traffic tie ups that can plague the major thoroughfares.

Reference: Auto Transport > Car Travel > Delays and Hazards when Traveling Long Distance

In today’s world the importance of safe driving cannot be overemphasized. More and more deaths are being caused by reckless drivers who are not able to concentrate on the road when driving. From young drivers to old ones, male and females alike, the trend is worrying. We see it happening every other time despite the various campaigns to arrest the situation.

Every person behind the wheel has to be trained to drive safely and has to have some form of driving license. While this training takes a relatively short time to complete compared to other forms of training in other fields, it is by no means one of the most critical areas to continuously haunt the human being because a slight mistake/error on the road affects you directly or affects other road users or both and other relatives as well with debilitating consequences.

We can drive safely if we are able to translate what we have been trained into discipline on the road. We need to be conscious of the speed limits – when and where to drive fast or slow down, number and type of people we have in the vehicle as some people can easily be distracted in nature – getting our attention out of the road, our eyes should be constantly moving near and far on the road so that we are able to detect any situations that might require our attention well in advance, we must realize that we are on the road singly and severally, that is, we must know that whatever action/move we make on the road not only affects us but also affects other drivers as well, we must have proper judgment to determine when and where to pass or overtake and at what speed – we do not have to leave other drivers ranting and cursing.

Simple procedures like always using the seatbelts to enable us reduce the impact in case of an accident, turning the headlights on when we want to attract the attention of the other driver especially on two way lanes, being the first in the evening and the last in the morning to have the head lights on and in icy or stormy weather, turning on the signals well in advance before turning to give the other drivers ample time to note our intentions, will go a long way in enhancing safe driving and reducing the consequential effects of careless driving.
One should always maintain average traffic speed when entering or leaving the freeways. This will enable smooth flow of the traffic without any delays or abrupt entry greatly inconveniencing other road users. It is also a deadly error to stop on the freeways unless it is practically impossible to continue. If one has to stop, then adequate notice should be displayed on the road to alert oncoming drivers that they need to be aware that something unusual is happening ahead and take the necessary precautions.

Also see: Defensive Driving > Defensive Driving and Weather Conditions

There are different stages in life and each of these stages has its own challengers. We began from childhood and advanced to teenage stage and adulthood. At particular stage in our life we are regarded as senior citizens – that is the stage when we retire from active service. There are some challenges associated with this stages that makes driving difficult such as poor visibility and others. This calls for readjustment in elderly driving. An elderly driver should know that he or she is no longer stronger – both physically and psychologically – as before and so should drive with caution. In this article we are going to see those factors that affect elderly driving and how they can be managed. Here are some of them

Sight Problems

As one is becoming older, the person will be losing the strength of his or her visions. The eyes and even the other sense organ will be dwindling in their strength. This will definitely affect driving. Statistics have shown that traffic fatalities involving older drivers were as result of poor sight due to glare. Sequel to the above, older drivers should limit their driving time. They should try to drive for only few hours in a day and should make effort to avoid night driving. Night driving is very risky for elderly drivers due to sight problem.

Besides night driving, there are some weather conditions that make driving difficult and cause poor visibility. Such weather conditions include rain, snow, fog, hail and others. So when it is raining or snowing, elderly drivers should keep away from driving.

It is recommended that elderly drivers go for vision test at least once in every 2 years especially if the driver is above 75 years of age. This will help to reduce accidents caused by poor sight among the elderly.

Physical Strength

As one is becoming old, he or she is also becoming physically weak. The person may not be able to accomplish some of things that he or she used to do with ease. The same thing is applicable to driving. When one is getting old, he or she will have some physical weakness in driving. The person may not be able to drive for a long hour.

Sequel to the above, elderly drivers should acknowledge this fact and limit their driving hours. There is a certain age one will reach and the person should not be allowed to drive again. Elderly people who are still able to handle the steering should not be allowed to drive on every road and hours. It is better for them to drive only in a less busy street and also during the daytime. This will help to reduce auto accidents involving elderly people.

Other Problems that affect Elderly Drivers

Besides the problem of sight and physical strength to handle the steering, there are other problems that may affect elderly drivers. Some of the problems are also caused by the attitude of younger drivers towards the elder people who are still driving. Some of the problems are as result of old age.

Also see: Driving > Elderly Drivers verses Younger Drivers

There is a great improvement in transportation by road in the 21^st century. The modernization of road transportation has led to emergence of many types of cars. Thus, there is increase on the number of vehicles that are moving on the roads nowadays. Consequently, there is increase in the rate of traffic accidents such that car accidents have become a global issue. It is now a social responsibility of every driver to ensure that there is traffic safety. It is believed that if every driver is careful on the steering most of the accidents that have occurred should have been averted. Owing to road conditions of our time, there is need for every driver to learn how to drive safely.

Road Conditions Today

As the living conditions of many people are improving despite the recent economic recession that hit the world, there is increase in the number of people who are car owners. This is quite unlike before when vehicles were owned only by the privilege few. Most people today can afford cars. The mortgage system of today also contributed to this. The road is consequently becoming more and more congested on daily basis. You can see different types of vehicles struggling to out speed each other on the highways. In the busy cities’ roads and street, there are also many vehicles moving up and down the highways.

This explains why there are traffic jams in the cities especially during the morning hours when people are going to work. Besides private cars, there are also heavy engine vehicles moving also at the same time. These situations make it highly necessary for every motorist to know how to drive safely. It takes a good driver to manoeuvre the road congestion of today. There are some amateur drivers who are always afraid when bigger vehicles like buses are driving pass them or are coming in front of them. The ability of some drivers to control their fear can lead to accidents.

In order to deal with this fear and for motorists to drive safely, there is need for every driver to go to driving schools before hitting the road. This will help them to overcome this fear and to be courageous while on the steering.

Besides the congestion of the roads nowadays, there is also the issue of extreme weather condition that makes driving difficult even for the professional drivers. Heavy rain fall, snow, hail and the likes can sometime impair the driver’s vision and this can lead to collisions or ghastly motor accidents.

Another problem that contributes in worsening the road conditions today is the inability of many drivers to master the road rules and traffic signs. It is not uncommon to see drivers who are ignorantly violating one road rule or the other. Some drivers are not educated and they are not able to study the road rules and signs. This situation does also contribute to the increase of motor accidents in the society today.

Also See : Safe Driving > The Importance of Safe Driving

One hot-topic that can always capture people’s attention and make for a good story-telling session is the topic of bad drivers. Everyone can relate.

If you have ever driven or have ever been a passenger in a vehicle, more than likely you can recall an experience witnessing an absolute horrible driver. Or, if we’re being completely honest, maybe the bad driver was you. Regardless, we have all witnessed the horrors of dealing with those who just don’t seem to know the rules of the road.

Every second of the day, we can guarantee that someone, somewhere, is witnessing speeding, passing on the inside lane, illegal turns, running a crosswalk or a red light, parking in no-parking zones, and sometimes, just flat out crazy dangerous and wreckless driving. It makes me wonder, how did we all get our licenses? Did we all read the same learner’s book? How do people get away with driving like this?

The truth is, is too many of those drivers become statistics for being involved in a traffic accident. More than 6 million motor vehicle accidents happen every year. I believe that if people actually paid attention to what they were doing instead of multi-tasking while driving – talking on the phone, texting, changing music stations, talking to other passengers, dealing with the children you may be trying to calm in the back seat, or just blatantly ignoring everything and driving like you are the only one on the road – we would all be a little bit safer.

If you actually paid attention to the number of signs that litter our roadways with great instructions and advice, you could arrive home to your friends and family drive in one piece. The government and law don’t implement the speeds they do for nothing.

The problems is, yes, there are many signs, too many in some areas. We have all become very desensitized to the distractions that we encounter while we drive. On some level, we realize that reading each and every sign would be very distracting and take away greatly from the amount of attention we are focusing on the actual driving. So, we begin to ignore the distractions on the side of the road – speed limits, directions, which lane goes where, what lights mean what, when you stop, when you go. We just drive the best way we know how and get to our destination in the least amount of time as humanly possible.

We are all in a rush to be somewhere doing something. This adds to the pressure society has put on us all to believe that there’s no need to not rush.

One huge factor to why some people are just simply bad drivers is the fact that they really don’t know the rules of the road. Maybe they just memorized the material needed to pass the test, maybe they just barely passed their drivers test, or maybe, just maybe, they just didn’t pay attention to the learning process and continued to not pay attention when they got on the road.

Reference: Safe Driving > Learning to be a better Driver

Severe driving conditions can be defined as conditions in which the driver must deal with challenges above and beyond those encountered in day-to-day life. These conditions may vary depending on where you are, but most include common factors such as poor visibility and reduced vehicle response.

There are many ways to adjust your driving to compensate for severe conditions, but perhaps the most basic and most overlooked step is being equipped for emergencies. No matter where you are, you can benefit from carrying just a few basic items with you in your travels. First and foremost your license, registration, and insurance information should always be on hand when you are driving. This is not only good practice in case you are pulled over or involved in an accident, in most countries it is also the law.

A basic first aid kit, usually available at your local pharmacy, should be kept in the glove compartment or trunk. You can also assemble one yourself, if that’s your preference. Regardless, it should at the very least include the following:

1. Polysporin or similar
2. Band-Aids of assorted sizes
3. Butterfly bandages
4. A roll of gauze
5. Safety pins
6. Alcohol wipes
7. Q-tips
8. A pair of stainless steel scissors
9. A pair of sterile gloves
10. Medical tape
11. Ibuprofen or Tylenol
12. A first aid manual

In addition to the first aid kit, you should carry in the trunk of your vehicle a flashlight, extra batteries, a blanket, and a bag of sand or kitty litter; the sand can be used to provide extra traction when stuck in slippery or icy conditions. If you don’t own a cellphone, having a charged, pay-as-you-go phone in the glove compartment is also a good idea.

Some of the most common severe conditions include heavy wind and rain, either separately or in combination (such as hurricanes). When driving in heavy wind or rain, it is very important to reduce your speed and keep both hands on the wheel to maintain control of your vehicle. In heavy winds, a sudden gust can force your car off the road if you’re not careful. Rain has an additional risk- hydroplaning. Hydroplaning can be avoided by taking the steps mentioned earlier, especially reducing your speed; it takes longer for a vehicle to stop after braking in wet conditions. If you do hydroplane, resist the urge to press down on your brakes; this is extremely dangerous, as it can cause your brakes to lock and the vehicle to skid off the road. Instead, take your foot off the pedals and try to maintain control of the vehicle by steering until your wheels find traction again. Test your brakes by pressing them very lightly at intervals to make sure they haven’t become saturated or less responsive. Thunder and lightning can add an extra element of risk to driving in storms; lightning flashes can temporarily blind and disorient the driver, reducing reaction time. It is important to pay extra attention to the road and other drivers in these conditions.

Reference: Safe Driving > Dangerous Driving Situations