TRANSPORTATION TUESDAY

Even at 25mph, the force of a head-on collision is the same as pedaling a bicycle full-speed into a brick wall, … or diving off a 3-storey building onto the footpath.

AVOIDING AND SURVIVING COLLISIONS

Transportation Tuesday

Avoiding collisions … (1) Stopping Quickly

Without ABS • ! braking too hard may cause you to skid !

• apply the brakes as hard as you can without locking them With ABS - make sure you’ve read your owner’s manual • press on the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep pressing on it • if the brakes lock, you will feel the vehicle start to skid - quickly let up on the brake • as soon as the skid stops, press on the brake pedal as hard as you can again • keep doing this until you stop • you might feel the break pedal pushing back - do not take your pressure off - ABS only works with the brake pushed down Once you’ve stopped, make sure you feel okay, that no one has been hurt and that it is safe to move away.

Use your mirrors and indicators.

Transportation Tuesday

Avoiding collisions … (2) Turning Quickly

In most cases, you can turn the vehicle quicker than you can stop it … you may need to use this if you’re too close to the vehicle in front, and they stop, or if the vehicle in front has a collision • make sure you have a good grip, with both hands on the steering wheel • be ready when you’ve made your turn to correct your direction and keep the vehicle under control • pay attention and check your mirrors make sure you do not cause another accident by turning into traffic • generally it is better to run off the road than to collide with another vehicle • if you turn off the road, keep the vehicle as straight as you can until you slow and stop Breaking slows the vehicle, weight on the tyres and allows for a quicker turn read your owner’s manual.

Without ABS … while braking • turn slowly to avoid a skid Transportation Tuesday puts more ABS helps you to turn without skidding • step on the brake pedal, then let up and turn the steering wheel • do not lock up the front wheels -

Avoiding collisions … (3) Speeding Up

The least favoured option … but it may save you when ...

•another vehicle is about to hit you from behind •another vehicle is about to hit you from the side •you see a collision about to occur in front and there is clear space for you to go around Only use this option if … •you have a clear view of the road ahead •you are in control of your vehicle •there is room ahead for your manoeuvre Transportation Tuesday

Protect yourself in a collision

Even when you’ve tried every move, you may not always be able to avoid a collision. But, there are some things you can do to survive.

WEAR YOUR SEATBELT - even on short journeys Hit from the rear … your body will be thrown backwards • press yourself against the back of your seat • put your head against the head restraint • be ready to apply your brakes so that you don’t fly forward and hit another vehicle Hit from the side … • your body will be thrown towards the side that is hit • only your seatbelt will hold you in place and keep you behind the wheel • get ready to steer or brake to prevent your vehicle from hitting someone else Hit from the front … instead of a full impact • try to turn the vehicle - you might even get lucky and miss the collision collision it is important to try and have a glancing blow • if your vehicle has an airbag it will inflate • try to stay in control and alert in case you need to avoid a second Transportation Tuesday

After the collision

If your vehicle has an airbag - this is what will happen if it inflates … • it is a soft fabric that will not cause injury - it may feel like a slap, but no pain • there is a slight smell from the airbag inflation gas … don’t be panicked into thinking this means fire or poisonous fumes • it will deflate again almost instantly and you will be able to steer the vehicle • you will not be trapped by an airbag Survive the scene … • if possible, move your vehicle off the road • do not - and do not let anyone else stand between the accident and other traffic • do not smoke - you risk fire and explosion if there are petrol fumes • turn off the ignition of the wrecked vehicles • if power lines have been knocked down, stay away from them If there are injuries … • do not move injured people unless they are in danger from fire, explosion or other vehicles • call the police - remember to tell them if the vehicles are on fire • never remove a motorcyclists helmet • do not give injured people anything to drink - even water • keep them warm to help avoid shock Transportation Tuesday

Transportation Tuesday