HowToDoThings.com Recent Safety Articles

How To Stop a Car with No Brakes

marcalex — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:13:13 -0500

Automobiles are large and dangerous machines. We often feel safe and protected while inside our cars but our cars may fail us. If you are faced with a situation when you need to stop a car with no brakes, follow these steps and you should be able to stop safely.

How To Be a Good Designated Driver

mobile mom — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:00:26 -0600

So, you've set all your plans in stone. You will meet up with all your friends and comrades at the local pub this Friday night to enjoy a night of fun and frolic. In all of this excitement and planning, did anyone stop to ask who was going to be the designated driver for the evening? If not, I feel this is where we should start.

I really don't think many partygoer's put enough effort or attention into making sure they have a responsible designated driver with them when they are going to be drinking. There are plenty of kind citizens that offer to be the designated driver, but then fail to uphold their end of the deal. They give into to just a few drinks, feeling that as long as they are at least more sober than everyone else, they are still ok to drive. That is NOT a designated driver.

How To Adjust to RV Driving

rik — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 19:20:51 -0600

Driving an RV is little more difficult than driving a private car. You simply need to remember a few basic and very obvious facts: it's bigger, wider, longer and higher, and probably slower on acceleration. The actual driving is probably easier, as various power assistance features will be fitted on steering and brake systems to reduce strain on the driver. Other driving systems fitted to modern RV's include rear-view cameras, reversing sensors, GPS, cruise control, automatic gearboxes and even automated engine management systems that 'talk back to the factory' to monitor efficiency and ensure proper working.

How To Drive Long Distances Safely

omehaney — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:43:40 -0600

It's inevitable that we have to drive a long distance at some point in our lives and we would like to do so safely. Whether we are going on vacation or moving cross-country, getting the drive over with as quickly as possible is usually the objective. Before embarking on your next four-wheeled adventure, consider the following to help you stay alert and safe:

How To Make Sure Your Kids Drive Carefully

Denise639 — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:41:02 -0600

Driving is a privilege. It is a way to make our lives convenient and more efficient. The truth is, teenage deaths related to car accidents is rising, so talking about vehicle safety should be a priority on your list of topics to discuss with your teen as soon as possible. When you want to make sure that your teenager drives carefully, there are steps you can take to help her understand the importance of driving with caution.

How To Pass Your DMV Driving Permit Test

davenkit — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:29:34 -0600

In order to pass your DMV permit test, and assure you will "know your stuff" when you hit the road, you really need to take a good quality driver education course. Then take as many practice permit tests as possible prior to going in to DMV.

How To Ride a Motorcycle in the Rain

mcdesign — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 13:40:05 -0600

Experience will always be the best teacher when motorcycle riding. And this is never truer than when having to ride on wet pavement. But that doesn't mean with added experience you can ride as fast as or as aggressively as you might normally on dry pavement.

How To Prevent Car Problems on a Road Trip

Adeleah — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 13:45:11 -0500

At last! You and your family are having a road trip vacation, from the noise and pollution of the city to the peace and quiet of the countryside. But along the way something happened...you had a flat tire! And when you opened the boot of the car and find the spare tire, the tire does not have the proper tire pressure due to the long safekeeping. You did not bother to check it before you left...whose fault was it? Have you ever tried to give your car a safety inspection?

Check your car regularly to prevent minor problems from getting worse. Like we used to say, "Prevention is better than cure..."

This is how to prevent such hassles. Just remember the word B-L-O-W-B-A-G (Brakes, Lights, Oil, Water, Battery, Air, Gasoline).

CHECK the following:

How To Avoid Being a Back Seat Driver

Staff468 — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 19:29:00 -0500

Ever pressed that imaginary brake pedal on the passenger side? Do you sometimes feel your chest tighten and blood pressure rise as you sit powerless at the mercy of a driver whose skills fall well beneath yours? How come, whenever you make a suggestions or point out an obvious error, drivers always seem to repay you with annoyance and resentment? Welcome to the frustrating world of a back seat driver.

Believe it or not, no matter how frustrated you feel as a passenger, you're making the driver feel just as much frustration, if not more. Here are some ways to ignore that underlying urge for control of the car and become less of a back seat driver.

How To Find Vehicle Safety Ratings

Joshua281 — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 18:29:00 -0500

Manufacturers are building safer and better cars than ever before, thanks to a little help from agencies and organizations dedicated to testing and publishing results on most of the new car models produced today. You can get simple ratings, or you can search in-depth reports about the crash worthiness and safety of your car. Also, several international organizations operate websites that make it easy to get information about cars from across the globe.

Some cars are not tested by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Although specific safety information may be available for your particular model, all cars sold in the United States are required to adhere to federally mandated guidelines that specify safety requirements.

How To Prevent Skidding

Joshua281 — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 19:08:00 -0500

When it comes to skidding, prevention really is the best medicine. You can't always get yourself out of skidding situations. Taking necessary steps to prevent a big problem can go a long way to keep you and your passengers safe.
How you should react really depends on the road conditions and how fast you are driving. Obviously, your tires will have a lot more traction for steering and braking when road conditions are idea -- warm and dry. You also need to constantly evaluate road conditions and potential hazards whenever you drive. Bumpy, wet, or unpaved road surfaces will not provide you with the same traction performance as a smooth, dry road surface.

How To Reduce Vehicle Wear and Tear

Joshua281 — Sun, 25 Jun 2006 15:40:00 -0500

According to Motor Trend magazine, the average cost for a new car is upwards of $28,000. Gas prices and car parts costs will not be getting cheaper any time soon either. You may have determined to make your current car last as long as possible. You can reduce wear and tear on your vehicle by following these simple rules:

Regular oil changes: The single most effective way to take care of your car is to change the oil and oil filter regularly. Most warranties require that oil be changed on a regular basis. A modern engine should last well over 200,000 miles when properly cared for. Manufacturers and oil companies usually recommend changing your oil at 3,000 to 6,000 mile intervals. Check your owner's manual to learn any specific recommendations for your car.

read more

How To Drive on Black Ice

Victoria116 — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 05:44:00 -0500

Winter driving conditions can be tricky for even the most experienced drivers. While a snow-covered road can be an obvious driving hazard, a road that just looks wet can also be deceivingly slippery.

Black ice is a dangerous wintertime hazard because the icy road may not always be visible to the driver. Indeed, melted snow or ice that refreezes may still look deceivingly like a dry road. And temperatures don't have to be below freezing for black ice to develop. Black ice can occur if temperatures are near the freezing mark--or even a few degrees above it.

How To Minimize Your Braking Distances

Joshua281 — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 12:44:00 -0500

Under normal circumstances, you may not think about braking as fast as possible. However, when an emergency arises you may quickly discover that you are extremely interested in stopping as fast as you can. You can do a lot now to get you and your car ready to slow down quickly and safely when the time comes.

Brake fluid check: Your must properly maintain your car safety systems. The most important of these is the brakes. Check the brake fluid every time you change the oil or open the hood. Most cars use DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluids, which are specially made to resist compression. If your brake fluid level is low, use only new fluid. Never use an old bottle of brake fluid.

read more

How To Calculate Your Braking Distance

Joshua281 — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 18:13:00 -0500

While you might not think of your braking distance every time you drive across town, you will eventually be very interested in slowing down as fast as possible. All sorts of things can go wrong, and highway driving is deceptively fast. Children can run into the road, animals can wander in front of you.... the possibilities are endless, and they're very real. Here's a few tips I've put together to help you understand what kind of braking distance you can expect and how speed affects your braking distance.

How To Prevent and Control Hydroplaning

Elizabeth69 — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 20:30:00 -0500

Normally, when you are driving down the road, your tires are firmly on the pavement. On wet roads, however, that is not always the case. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water comes between your tires and the surface of the road. The resulting loss of control can be both frightening and dangerous. Here are a few ideas on how to prevent and control hydroplaning:

How To Evaluate Elderly Driving Skills

Joshua281 — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 18:22:00 -0500

Loved ones often do not realize how much their driving skills have deteriorated. Reaction time slows. Motor control and coordination suffer as well.

Age should never be the dominant factor in determining if an older person is fit to drive; some drivers may be very capable and safe at 80, while others no longer operate on a safe level at 55 or 60. Older drivers are also frailer than their younger counterparts. Even a small accident can have serious health consequences.

Self Test

Here's a self test to help you determine if it might be time to give up driving. As with any self-test, try to be as objective as possible when evaluating whether or not it is time to hang up the keys. Answers to these questions may provide some valuable insight into how you're doing.

How To Drive Safely in the Winter

Elizabeth69 — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 18:38:00 -0500

There is no doubt that driving in the winter poses some unique challenges. Freezing drizzle, blizzards and icy patches in the road can all make your daily commute a bit more complicated. Bears probably have the right idea -- they just curl up and hibernate until spring makes the world a little less harsh. That works well for them, but for the rest of us who have jobs and kids and errands to run, here are a few ideas for driving safely in the winter:

Wait awhile. If at all possible, try to postpone getting on the road after a snowstorm until the plows and salt trucks have had a chance to make a few passes.
Plan ahead. If you will be making a long drive, be sure to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. If you must travel, allow yourself extra time in inclement weather.

read more

How To Prevent Road Rage

Elizabeth69 — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 11:30:00 -0500

Road rage is becoming a commonplace occurrence on our streets and highways. Drivers are often stressed, short-tempered, impatient, and inconsiderate. Everyone can get a little irritated behind the wheel once in a while, but allowing your temper to get the better of you is both foolish and dangerous. Here are a few tips to help you to prevent road rage:

Get your rest. Physical exhaustion contributes to mental fatigue and shortened tempers. Try not to drive when you are too tired to do so safely.
Keep your cool. Do not engage in emotionally charged conversations or arguments with your passengers. Your car is not a safe place to have difficult disagreements.

read more

How To Make Rules for a Teen Driver

Victoria116 — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 09:52:00 -0500

Parents naturally become somewhat anxious when their teenager starts to drive. The newfound independence that comes with driving can overwhelm a teen's common sense, so it is important that you, as a family, set some rules and guidelines. Here are some tips on how to make rules for a teen driver:

Start off slow. When your teen first starts to drive, don't give her free reign of the car keys. Have your teen start off slow, with short local trips. Don't give your newly licensed teen the option of taking the car for a whirlwind weekend -- there will be plenty of time for that later.

read more