New driver's licence test

In a bid to cut the carnage on South African roads the National Department of Transport is to make major changes to the driver's licence test next year.

The pilot project to turn out more skillful and safer drivers will kick off in KwaZulu-Natal in February or March next year and will be extended to the other provinces by the end of the year.

Spokesperson Collen Msibi said the department would work with driving schools and licence station inspectors to make them aware of the new rules and tests incorporated into advanced manuals.

He said that at present driving schools were more interested in getting drivers to just pass their tests on the specific day but with a more specialised and advanced driving school manual, they would help to "drastically" improve road safety.

Drivers would be taught many of the skills encountered in the real world on the road such as dealing with situations when robots stop working, overtaking safely, reversing out of difficult places to get on to busy roads, dealing with busy intersections, driving in wet and rainy weather and manoeuvring in traffic congestion.

"Rules on overtaking will be emphasised as we believe each and every driver needs to be able to do this without any problems. We want to be sure that when a person walks away with that piece of paper containing their drivers' licence, they can indeed call themselves drivers," Msibi said.

"KwaZulu-Natal may have it introduced by February or March next year shortly after a week-long awareness campaign is carried out. All driving schools will have to comply with the manual by law.

"We are confident that these new rules will help create safer drivers who are able to deal with situations faced on a daily basis," he said.

"The present K53 manual contains just the basic methods of teaching drivers and we want to move away from that," he said.

The Department has also consulted with traffic authorities to get their input on "problem areas" and ways in which additional testing can be incorporated to improve driving standards.

Other provinces like Gauteng and the Western Cape will have the new manuals introduced by the end of the year, according to Msibi.

"We will be reviewing the manuals every two to three years to make sure they keep up to the standards," he said.

Local traffic authorities have praised the department's decision, saying that the number of accidents and fatalities caused by unskilled drivers were "frightening".

Durban Metro Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Thozamile Tyala said they were glad about the implementation of the new manuals.

"We have found that many accidents on our roads could have been avoided if the drivers were skilled and equipped to deal with a situation where they had to avoid an obstacle or a car or taxi that swerves into their lanes.

"There have been incidents where motorists dangerously swerved into oncoming lanes and crashed into other vehicles.

"Currently driving schools concentrate more on the operation of vehicles rather than the traffic laws. When traffic lights go faulty motorists just all want to rush and go forward. However, by following some simple rules, they will then be able to ensure that traffic flows smoothly."

Road Traffic Inspectorate spokesperson Rajen Chinaboo said the standards of driving needed to be improved as this would contribute to safer roads.

"Judging by the numbers of collisions caused by drivers failing to carry out simple techniques like overtaking safely or swerving to avoid a pedestrian, we need to have a more specialised way of teaching drivers.

"The improved manual will definitely assist in creating more order on our roads and hopefully reduce the number of collisions."

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Safety checks for your caravan

It pays to spend a little time getting your caravan ready for the touring season – both in terms of safety and looking after your investment.

Here is a checklist to put you on the right track.

• Tow bar - check the condition and operation of your tow bar – and lubricate if necessary.
• Tyres - check the condition of the caravan’s tyres and replace if damaged, cracked or worn.
• Lights– make sure all rear lights on your caravan are working correctly before setting off.
• Number plate– make sure the number plate on your caravan is intact. Don’t forget to change the number plate if you have bought a new car recently.
• Window seals - replace any rubber window seals that look perished.
• Exterior - clean the caravan body thoroughly with a car shampoo and protect with polish or wax.
• Interior - vacuum carpets, curtains and upholstery. Wipe walls, ceilings, fixtures and fittings with anti-bacterial solution. Leave windows ajar for a few hours on a warm, breezy day to air through. Test to ensure that all kitchen appliances and internal electrics are working correctly.

Tyre Maintenance

Check Your Tyre Inflation
Proper tyre inflation is essential for safe driving and long tyre life. It's wise to check your tyres' air pressure at least once a month with an accurate tyre pressure gauge. Be sure to check pressure while your tyres are cold and have not been used recently. Even driving a mile will cause your tyre pressure to increase and give you an inaccurate reading.
Should you experience continuous loss of inflation pressure, it could be an indication of a possible tyre or wheel assembly problem. Consult your tyre professional immediately if you encounter this situation.

Check Your Tyre Tread
Another way is to look at the tread wear indicator bar that's molded into your tyres. The bars are located at the bottoms of the tread grooves in several locations around the tyre. When a tyre is so worn that these bars become visibly flush with the adjacent tread ribs, it's time to replace the tyre.

It is suggested that you check your tyre tread using either method every 4 800Km.

Know What Certain Wear Patterns Mean
As tyres wear, sometimes wear patterns emerge that can indicate problems with your vehicle or tyres. If you see any of these patterns, have your tyres checked by a professional Goodyear Retailer. Here are some wear patterns to watch for.

Wear on both edges: UNDERINFLATION

Underinflation of a tyre reduces its treadlife by increasing the tread wear on its outside edges, or shoulders. It also generates excessive heat which reduces tyre toughness. Finally, it reduces fuel economy through increased rolling resistance because soft tyres make your vehicle work harder. Abnormal tyre wear may also be caused by misalignment or mechanical problems.

Wear in center: OVERINFLATION

When a tyre is overinflated, the center of the tread bears most of the load and wears out faster than the outside edges. Uneven wear reduces the useful life of a tyre. It could also be the result of misalignment or mechanical problems.

Cups or dips in the tread: WORN PARTS

Cupping (also called dipping) is most common on front tyres, although rear tyres can cup as well. It may be a sign that wheels are out of balance or that suspension or steering system parts are worn out.

Sawtooth edges: MISALIGNMENT

If the edges of your tyre tread take on a sawtooth or feathered appearance, it's because of erratic scrubbing against the road. The solution is an alignment correction.


Tyre Balancing
If your tyres are unbalanced, you'll notice vibration. This can lead to driver fatigue, premature or irregular tyre wear and unnecessary wear to your vehicle's suspension. Your tyres should be balanced when they are mounted on wheels for the first time or when they are remounted after repair. Check your tyre balance at the first sign of vibration or shimmy.

Vehicle Alignment
Your vehicle is properly aligned when all of its suspension and steering components are working smoothly and when its tyre and wheel assemblies are running straight and true. If you notice uneven tread wear, it could be due to a misalignment and your vehicle should be serviced by a professional.

Tyre Rotation
While many people are knowledgeable enough to rotate their own tyres, the procedure is especially quick and easy for a professional. Your vehicle's owner's manual will specify the proper rotation pattern and schedule for your vehicle. If no specific schedule is indicated, a good rule of thumb is to rotate your tyres every 9 600 to 12 800 Kms.

Tyre Repair
Tyre repairs should be made by a trained tyre professional. Proper repair procedure includes dismounting the tyre from the wheel. This allows for thorough inspection of the tyre for damage, as well as the use of a patch and plug to repair any punctures that fall within the guidelines for repair.

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Parents can Help Children Become Pressure-Resistant

WE usually think of peer pressure as an adolescent issue, but its effects are showing up in younger children. Physical and societal changes mean children are growing up faster than they did 30 years ago. Young people today may also have fewer caring adults in their lives. In earlier generations, extended families and tight neighbourhoods meant children had more grown-ups to turn to. If there was something you weren't comfortable talking about with your mother or father, you might discuss it with a relative or neighbour. These are just some of the reasons that it is harder for children to be peer pressure-resistant.

Pressure-resistance starts with understanding peer pressure. Peer pressure is not inherently negative. The desire to be accepted by a group is a driving force in all humans. Positive peer pressure encourages children to participate in scouting, sports, band, or church groups.

Of course, children also have to face negative peer pressure. The teen years present perhaps the greatest risk. Adolescence is a time of challenging family rules and values. While these actions are part of the normal journey toward independence, they also can result in experimentation with dangerous behaviours. The need to be accepted by friends can make it hard for children of any age to say "no".

Despite the power of the peer, parents don't have to sit back helplessly. One obvious action is to get to know your children’s friends. Here are seven additional suggestions you can try to help your children become pressure-resistant. Don't wait to do these things in your family. Start early and stick with it.

Show your love: Take loving action every day. Children are more likely to handle negative pressure when they feel secure, accepted, and loved. Help children identify and use personal strengths. Show sincere interest in their activities, ideas, and feelings.

Discuss family values: Talk about right and wrong. Practise asking: "What if" as a means of exploring common solutions. "How does this fit in with what we believe in our family?" Practise simple sentences. ("No, ‘everyone’ doesn't do it - I don't!") It even works to use parents as the "bad guys". ("Boy, I'd like to go with you, but my mom would have a cow!") Emphasise that brave and independent people stand up for their beliefs.

Listen and work to understand: Talk less and listen more. Ask open-ended questions, and then let your child move at his or her own pace. Listen closely for the unspoken message under the words. ("Sounds like you're stressed out. You seem lonely today.") Anger is almost always a surface emotion that often covers a much more difficult feeling, such as sadness, fear, guilt, or worry.

Encourage and support decision-making: Children don't automatically know how to make good decisions. They learn by being given thousands of opportunities as they grow. Teach your child decision-making steps, then come up with alternative answers. ("What are the three things you could do in that situation?") Think through the pros and cons, and then choose the right alternative. Give a pat on the back when decisions turn out well. When they are less successful, ask: "What did you learn from this?" and "What could you do differently the next time?"

Choose your battles: Decide which issues are most important. If you try to control every aspect of your child's life, you will endure endless power struggles. Rather than worrying about music, hair, and dress, focus on the "Big Four" ? the four most dangerous activities for teens: unsafe driving, drug/alcohol use, cigarette smoking and sexual activity.

Be an effective consultant: Know the facts, especially about the "Big Four". If you don't know something, admit it and find the answers with your teen. Get accurate information from community groups. Search the Internet for informational sites run by reputable organizations. (Note: The Human Service and Support directory on the Parents' Source website - www.parentssource.com -- lists hundreds of related organizations.)

Set an example: The best way to pass on your family values is to live them every day. Be a positive role model for your family.

Finally, if you're concerned about peer pressure, talk with someone. Parenting is the most difficult and important job in the world. There is no need to fly solo. Talk with other parents and share ideas. For serious problems, consider professional help. Get referrals from friends, neighbours, your spiritual advisor or doctor.

Some Pointers for Motorcyclists

A MOTORCYCLE is extremely vulnerable on the road. One of the factors that expose you more to dangers is that you do not enjoy the protection of a seat belt - a crucial element in preventing serious injury in the event of collisions. So, as a motorcyclist you have to be even more careful.

Here are some things you need to know before taking to the road on your bike:

Watch the Speed

Of all vehicles, motorcycles accelerate the fastest, while heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses the slowest. Be constantly aware of your speed, especially when you see trucks, and when you ride in bad weather and at night. Many a motorcyclist has ridden into the back of a truck. You must also be aware that motorcycles provide virtually no protection in a crash. Other drivers also may not see you on your bike. You must be aware of everything going on around you. Pay constant attention to the signals and brake lights of other vehicles, especially trucks.

The Helmet is a Must

Your helmet is your best protection in a serious crash. So, make it a habit to wear one always. Also ensure that it is of the right type and quality as far as safety standards are concerned.

Inspect Your Motorcycle

Do a safety check of your motorcycle every time you ride. Wear protective gear such as gloves, boots and a jacket. Protective clothing can help reduce the severity of your injury if you are knocked off your bike.

Watch Your Riding Habits

Avoid the bad habit of zigzagging among other vehicles. You cannot always predict what other motorists may suddenly do. Even a slight bump, can throw you off your bike. Never ride in the blind spots ­ on the sides, the front and the back ­ of heavy vehicles such as trucks. Truck drivers cannot see you when you ride in these blind spots. Apart from not riding between lanes, also don’t share a lane with another vehicle. As a motorcyclist you need to learn to ride not only with caution but also defensively.

The Teen Years: The Deadly Risk Factors

SPEEDING, alcohol consumption and a refusal to wear seat belts pose the biggest threats to young drivers. And the dangers are compounded if the driver is inexperienced.

Yet, the lives of many young people could have been saved if only they made a habit of buckling up before turning on the car’s ignition. A quick look at the following speaks volumes on the life-saving advantages of seat belts.

Seat Belt Usage

• Failure to buckle up contributes significantly to fatalities on South African roads
• Seat belts are designed so that the strongest areas of your body - the bones of your hips, shoulders and chest, absorb the forces in a crash
• They prevent you and other occupants from being thrown around the vehicle and against each other
• Seat belts provide the greatest protection against ejection from the vehicle in the event of a collision
  

These are the rules that you should follow when using seat belts

• Wear the lap/shoulder belt combination adjusted so it is low across the hips and pelvis, and never across the stomach
• Sit at least 25 cm away from the steering wheel
• Wear the shoulder belt across the chest and collarbone
• Sit upright with your back to the seat
• Make sure all passengers are wearing seat belts
  

Injury can occur if

• The belt is worn across the stomach
• The shoulder belt is placed behind the back
• The belt is worn under an arm
• The shoulder belt has excessive slack (more than one 2.5 cm)
  

Speeding

It is a known fact that speed kills. The speed at which a vehicle knocks a pedestrian also determines the degree of the injuries sustained. It is a case of: the greater the speed, the worse the injuries.

Some things you need to know:

• A large number of teenagers die each year on our roads as a direct result of speeding
• Peer pressure and alcohol consumption play a part in this
• Driving at about 70km per hour instead of 60km per hour on an eight-km trip will save you less than two minutes before arriving at your destination
• The faster a vehicle is travelling, the greater the chance of serious injury in the event of a crash
  

Alcohol Consumption

Over-the-limit alcohol consumption continues to prove a headache for the people policing our roads. A significant number of young people killed in road accidents had been found to be drinking. The regular portrayal of drinking in adverts on TV, radio and in the print publications as a classy and fun pastime, adds to the problem. The powerful advertisements easily imprint on the minds of the young. But despite all the cleverly devised hype on drinking, the simple truth is: drinking and driving don’t mix ­ because it can kill you. Say this aloud to yourself a dozen times each morning in front of a mirror. It will help.

The factors that make drinking deadly for young drivers:

• Inexperience: you don’t gain real driving skills by just obtaining a driving licence. You gain the skills over time
• Risk-taking behaviour and immaturity: the desire to show off can be very costly to you. Don’t do things to please your friends. Do what you think is right
  

Hand signals

Hand signals (Licence2Drive ~ Learners Licence Guide)

Hand signal to turn right.

You must extend your arm out the window as far as possible, so that it is clearly
visible to other road users. Your fingers must always be together and the palm of
your hand must always face forward with your arm fully horizontal.

Hand signal to turn left.

Extend your right arm horizontally out the window, with your forearm pointing
downwards, now turn your forearm anti-clockwise until it is time to brake.

Hand signal to stop.

Extend your right arm horizontally out the window, with your forearm pointing
upwards. Your fingers must always be together and the palm of your hand must
always face forward until it is time to brake.

Hand signal slow down.

You must extend your arm out the window as far as possible, so that it is clearly
visible to other road users. Your fingers must always be together and the palm of
your hand facing downward with your arm fully horizontal. Move your arm up and down horizontally.

Signalling with the hooter.

Use your hooter only for a suitable time period and only when it is necessary.A
vehicles hooter or horn must be audible at a distance of 90 m.

A Clean Car Is Cool

Cleaning a car: a piece of cake, right? Certainly, if you follow the procedures suggested. While it's the most basic procedure in car care, it does deserve some thought.

The first step in cleaning the car is to wash it. Give it a good rinsing from top to bottom, including the wheels and inside the fenders. Always clean the tires and wheels before washing the body, and don't use the same mitt for both. This way you'll avoid contaminating the vehicle's paint with debris from the wheels and tires.

Use a good tire cleaner with a stiff brush, to improve your tires' appearance even if you don't have white sidewalls or white letter tires.

Next, clean the wheels with a wheel cleaner that removes the brake dust, which often blackens the front wheels. Application of these cleaners vary, so be sure and follow the directions on the container.

Now it's time to wash the body. Use a product sold specifically for automobiles. (Household cleaners can strip the wax from the paint and damage the finish.) Starting at the top, wash one section at a time, thoroughly rinsing away the soap. Work your way down toward the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle. Clean the rear last since it usually has the largest accumulation of dirt and grime, which can contaminate the wash mitt. Wash the inside door jams about once a month.

To rinse, remove the spray nozzle from the hose. Starting at the top, let the water cascade down the surfaces of the vehicle.

Then, to avoid water spotting, dry with a chamois or other product made for this purpose.

Now is an excellent time for waxing, which not only protects the finish but also makes subsequent washing easier. Before proceeding, look for foreign particles on the paint. Use a car cleaner, available at auto supply stores, to remove contaminants imbedded in the paint.

Once the surface is clean, apply the wax, following the manufacturer's instructions for application of the product. Often they recommend not using the product in direct sunlight..

Keeping your vehicle clean, while it doesn't require a lot of effort, it does foster a feeling of pride and accomplishment.

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Your Local Holiday Trip Checklist

SOUTH Africans are at last discovering that they don’t have to jet off to far off places to spend their holidays. There are destinations in their backyards that are just as good as any other in the world, and offer them all that they seek. But it’s interesting to note that it took soaring airfares and a one time weak rand to make them realize this.

While all this is excellent for out local tourism industry and the spin offs they offer to many rural
communities, they do place a burden on our roads during the holidays as people move in their carloads and bus-loads from one province to another in search of scenic beauty, dazzling nightlife and sea and sand.

It is in our interest to plan our holiday first before we turn on the car ignition to hit the road. Here’s a guide on what you should do for your safety and for the safety of those with you.

A vehicle breakdown can ruin your holiday. So as part of your pre-trip preparation ensure that your vehicle is in top condition. Although it is not possible to guard against all mechanical and electrical faults, doing this considerably reduces the chances of defects occurring.

It is always wise to plan the route in advance. Getting lost will lead to a waste of precious holiday
time, frustration and anxiety. All this unnecessarily exposes you to dangers on the road. The best route is one that is the safest, most convenient and with plenty of opportunities for rest to ward off driving fatigue.

Long trips can easily cause driver fatigue a major cause of accidents. Even if you close your eyes
for just half a second it is enough to cause you to veer off the road.

Driver fatigue is a physical as well as mental condition. Often, you are not even aware that you are suffering from fatigue until it is too late. Be on guard for the following signs:

• Sweaty palms
• Heavy and sore eyes
• Blurred or dim vision
• Droning or humming in the ears
• Constant yawning
• General discomfort
• Deterioration of concentration and slow reactions
• Poor gear change
• Inconsistent speed
• Tendency to drift out of your lane
• Impatience and temper
  

If you experience any one of these symptoms, stop at a safe spot to rest.

Here are some of the things you can do to avoid or reduce driver fatigue

• Make sure that you rest well before you embark on your journey
• Avoid alcohol consumption the night before embarking on a journey
• Avoid driving when feeling sleepy
• Be comfortable. Adjust your seat and make sure your back is properly supported. Use a pillow if necessary
• Sit upright to maintain your spine in an erect position
• Get your blood circulation going to avoid stiffness. Revolve the wrists; rotate your head periodically to prevent stiff neck; move your left leg up and down while keeping your toes on the floorboard (the left leg gets more tired than the right as it is idle); draw imaginary circles with the toes of your left foot; and at every opportunity, take your right foot off the accelerator and draw imaginary circles with your toes. But do these things only when you think it is safe
• Take a break at least every two hours
• At each stop, get out of your car to stretch and exercise your limbs
• If there’s another driver, take turns driving
• Eat well-balanced meals but exercise restraint. A big meal can induce drowsiness
• Have water, wet face towels or mist sprays available so that you can refresh yourself when you need to do so
• Avoid driving for more than eight hours a day
  

Don’t force yourself to continue driving when drowsiness or fatigue sets in. This will only endanger your life and of those with you. Remember, you are on holiday. Don’t ruin it by taking uncalled for risks.

You can Beat Car Sickness

SOME of us are more prone to car sickness than others. But whatever the degree of the affliction, sometimes it can certainly ruin our car trips. Although there is no cure for motion sickness, it can be prevented in all but some extreme cases. Passengers are more likely to experience nausea or vomiting than drivers, and it affects people travelling by road, air or sea.

Some car travellers have reported being so severely affected that they resorted to unusual methods to cope. Among them are:

• Travelling with the windows wide open even in winter
• Using only those routes where they can stop easily every 15 minutes
• Avoiding roads with bends
• Wearing sunglasses even when the sun was nowhere to be seen
• Fasting for 24 hours before trips
• Chewing liquorice or sucking sticks of celery
  

Motion sickness occurs when two "motion messages" to the brain are in conflict. One comes from the balance centre of the inner ear, while another comes from the eyes. The brain becomes confused by the discrepancy between sight and sensation when it interprets movement, even though the body isn't actually moving. People suffering from motion sickness often then have some resulting nausea or vomiting.

This problem affects some groups more than others. Women are more than twice as likely to be
affected as men - particularly during their menstrual cycle. Children between the ages of three and 12 years are also prone to car sickness.

The United Kingdom-based RAC Foundation, an organization established to promote the
environmental, economic, mobility and safety issues relating to use of motor vehicles, has issued
the following advice on how you can prevent your journey from becoming a misery:

• Choose the front seat and face forward, keeping your head steady
• If you have a choice, drive rather than being driven. The concentration required distracts you from the sickness and enables you to visually look at the horizon and road ahead
• As a passenger, try to focus on the horizon straight ahead of you - don't look from side to side or turn around to talk to those behind you
• Don't read in the car, not even a map - let someone else navigate
• Avoid heavy meals before travelling and steer clear of fatty or spicy foods and alcohol
• Never travel on an empty stomach or consume alcohol before travelling
• Avoid direct exposure to the sun
• If you have a choice, a straight road is less likely to make you feel queasy than a winding one
• Try driving at night when there are fewer visual stimuli to confuse your brain - provided you are not tired
• Get plenty of fresh air by opening a window
• Try not to feel anxious about it as this merely increases the likelihood that you'll feel queasy
• For children, travel games that don't involve looking down make good diversions. Anything that requires looking out of the window (for example car spotting) is suitable, as are word rhyme games
• Travel with a leak-proof container or a strong plastic bag in case of emergencies
  

People can also buy over-the-counter drugs to prevent motion sickness. Such drugs need to be
taken at least 30 to 60 minutes before travelling - but advice on the best type of drug should be
sought from a pharmacist. Motorists should always ensure that any drug they take, whether
prescription or over-the-counter, has no side affects that could affect their driving ability.

Alternative suggestions for combating motion sickness include "acu-pressure bands". Such
wristbands have a small plastic bead that puts pressure on the inside of the wrist - preventing the user from experiencing motion sickness. This can be done manually by applying gentle pressure between the two tendons about 3cm or so back from the wrist joint.

Herbal remedies may also help. Many people use ginger root to help calm the stomach and thus
prevent motion sickness. This can be bought as a tea drink, in capsule form or chewed raw in small slivers.

Overtaking.

Must do:

1. Overtake only when it is safe to do so.
2. Pass the vehicle you want to overtake, on the right-hand side of the road.
3. Only return to the left-hand side of the road, when you are safely past the vehicle you overtook.
4. When you are being overtaken, keep as far to the left of the road as possible.
5. You must signal your intentions, so that other road users know what you are going to do before you change lanes, or overtake another vehicle.
   
6. Be on the lookout for passengers getting onto or off a bus, or walking in front of or behind the bus.

Must not do:

1. When your view of oncoming traffic is obstructed by (a) A turn in the road, (b) The crest of a hill or (c) Any other place, it is illegal to overtake.
2. Where a road marking, traffic sign prohibits overtaking, you may not overtake.
3. When being overtaken, do not accelerate.
4. Do not drive over a solid white line road marking, when overtaking.
5. When approaching the crest of a hill, do not overtake, unless the road is wide enough.
6. Do not overtake an immobile vehicle at a pedestrian crossing.
   

You may overtake on the left side of the road:

1. When you are not going to drive onto the shoulder of the road.
2. When it is safe to do so.
3. When the road you are travelling on is a one-way road and it is wide enough for two vehicles to pass.
4. When a traffic officer instructs you to do so.
5. When the driver in front of you is busy turning right.
6. When the driver in front of you is signalling to turn right.
7. In a two-way rural road which is wide enough to accommodate two traffic lanes, where the traffic travels in the same direction.

Keep Your Pet Safe in the Car

Pet Safety Travel Tips

When you travel with your pet, whether it's across the country or just around the corner, it's easy to overlook your pet's safety. Letting your canine or feline family members simply jump into the back seat is dangerous for them and for you.

Follow these tips to keep your pets safe in the car.

General Safety Tips for Dogs and Cats

Make car trips safer for your pets by following these simple travel tips.

• Secure your pet with a harness or a strapped in kennel.
• Gently accustom your pets to the car by taking them with you on short trips before you spring a long road trip on them.
• Of your trip, bring vaccination and health records. Depending on specific guidelines, you may need to get these records 10 days before you travel.
• Attach your destination information to your pet's collar and bring pictures of your pet in case you are separated.
• Always leash your pets before you let them out of the car. They may dash into traffic if they are unleashed.
• Take familiar items like toys or blankets with you if you're traveling for a long period of time.
• Speak to your pet in a soothing, reassuring manner if they seem upset.
• Be prepared to make frequent stops to allow your pet to walk and stretch on long trips.
• Make sure your pet is welcome at your destination.
• Try to keep your pet's food and restroom schedule as normal as possible, or start a travel feeding schedule ahead of time. Do not feed your pet while the car is moving.
• Bring a pet first-aid kit with you. The kit should contain emergency vet contact information, bandages, prescribed medication, etc.
• Be aware of regional hazards such as ticks, mosquitoes and fleas — pets are very susceptible to these pests. Bring treatments along if advance preventive care is not available.
• Never leave your pet unattended in the car. During warmer weather, cracking windows may not be enough to prevent your pet from suffering heatstroke, and it can take relatively little time for a pet's temperature to rise to a fatal 107 degrees. Keeping a normal demeanor helps you stay in control of the situation.
  

Dog Safety Tips

Dogs tend to be more willing to ride in the car than cats, so take advantage of their enthusiasm
while keeping their overall safety in mind.

• Use a pet harness specifically made for dogs. These harnesses protect their chest area in sudden impacts or stops. Do not treat your pet like a human by strapping him into the car seat belt. These belts are engineered for people, not canines.
• Never let your pet ride in your lap or unsecured in a seat. If an accident happens, they become deadly, free-flying objects.
• Keep your dog's head inside the car. At high speeds, a dog's eyes and nose could be damaged by objects whizzing past the car.
• Bring supplies like plastic bags and water bowls so you don't leave a mess behind, or in your car.
• Keep your dog in the back seat, away from air bags. If an air bag deploys, it could seriously harm or kill your dog due to its child-like size and fragility.
  

Cat Safety Tips

Cats tend to be terrified of car trips, so it may take some coaxing to get them in the car and keep
them safe.

• Do not let your cat ride in your lap, even if it helps provide comfort. If an impact occurs, cats can become deadly, free-flying objects. Cats also may try to crawl behind the pedals when they're nervous, which could cause an accident or injuries to both you and your cat.
• Keep your cat in a padded kennel that is secured by a seat belt. Cats tend to feel more comfortable in a kennel than out in the open. The kennel padding will provide a cushion against sudden stops or jolts.
• Keep travel as smooth as possible. Drape a towel over the kennel (without obstructing air flow), minimize sudden stopping or acceleration and keep a calm atmosphere in the car.

AA Autobay - new service for sellers and buyers

The Automobile Association has launched AA Autobay, a web-based site through which people can buy, sell, finance and insure pre-owned vehicles privately.

Buyers can log on to aautobay.co.za to search for used vehicles, make an offer to purchase and apply for finance and insurance online.

AA Autobay's Ed Gassner says the service lets private buyers and sellers deal in a safe, hassle-free and cost-effective environment.

"Until now there has been no real way of selling or financing a pre-owned vehicle privately," he said. "Even if you could find a buyer, the banks were reluctant to finance it."

Sellers must take their vehicle for a quality check (R379) at a participating AA Test & Drive centre before it can be listed. AA Autobay will also ensure that the vehicles are not stolen, previously written off or rebuilt.

A comprehensive report will be produced and, if the vehicle meets minimum criteria, it will be photographed and put on the site.

AA Autobay will arrange a test drive and, once a price has been agreed, arrange payment and the transfer. Both buyer and sell pay a two percent fee to AA Autobay and the service is available to non-AA members as well.

Go take a look.

From:

What Parents of Teenagers Can Do?

When parents understand the risk factors involved in letting 18-year-olds get behind the wheel,
they can act to improve the situation for their own children.

Don't rely solely on driver education.
Driver education / driving schools may be the most convenient way to learn driving skills, but it
doesn't always produce safer drivers. Parents also should set good examples when they drive
while reinforcing the lessons their teens learned in driver education / driving schools.

Restrict night driving.
Most nighttime fatal crashes among young drivers occur between 9 p.m. and midnight, so you
can reduce their risk of a crash by restricting nighttime driving after 9 p.m. The problem isn't just that late-night driving requires more skill. Outings late at night tend to be recreational. In these circumstances, even teens who usually follow all the rules can easily be distracted or encouraged to take risks.

Restrict passengers.
Teen passengers in a vehicle can distract a beginning driver and/or lead to greater risk-taking.
Because young drivers often transport their friends, there's a teen passenger problem as well as
a teen driver problem. In 2003, 59 percent of teenage passenger deaths occurrred in vehicles
driven by another teenager. While night driving with passengers is particularly lethal, many fatal
crashes with teen passengers occur during the day. The best policy is to restrict teen passengers,
especially multiple teens, all the time.

Supervise practice driving.
Take an active role in helping your teenager learn how to drive. Plan a series of practice sessions
in a wide variety of situations, including night driving. Give beginners time to work up to
challenges like driving in heavy traffic or on the freeway. Supervised practice should be spread
over at least six months and continue even after a teenager graduates from a learner's permit to
a restricted or full license.

Remember you are a role model.
New drivers learn a lot by example, so practice safe driving. Teens who have crashes and
violations often have parents with poor driving records.

Require safety belt use.
Don't assume that seat belt use when you're in the car with your 18-year-old means belts will be
used all the time, especially when your child is out with peers. Remember that belt use is lower
among teenagers than older people. Insist on belts all the time.

Prohibit driving after drinking.
Make it clear that it's illegal and highly dangerous for a teenager to drive after drinking alcohol or using any other drug. While alcohol isn't a factor in most crashes of 18-year-old drivers, even
small amounts of alcohol will impair teens.

Choose vehicles for safety, not image.
Teenagers should drive vehicles that reduce their chances of a crash and offer protection in case
they do crash. For example, small cars don't offer the best protection in a crash. Avoid cars with
performance images that might encourage speeding. Also, be mindful that certain vehicles with a
higher center of gravity may be more prone to roll over.

Avoid the pitfalls of buying a first car

The dream of every teenager is to get wheels - but the wrong wheels can tie you down as surely as having your feet nailed to the ground.

The biggest mistakes people make in buying motor vehicles are:

• They buy the biggest and the best, saddling themselves with high debt.
• They buy a new car when they could save considerably buying a good second hand model.
• They replace their vehicles too quickly; most cars will last about eight years.
• They choose the wrong form of finance, with high interest rates and other add-on costs
• They buy uneconomical vehicles with high running costs and expensive spare parts.
• They forget the more costly or more sporty a vehicle, the more they will pay in insurance.
• They add expensive accessories.
  

There are 10 steps to follow when buying a motor vehicle:

Step One: How much?
Work out how much you can afford to spend, including the running costs of the vehicle.

Step Two: Financing
If you are under 21, the banks will not allow you to borrow money without support and agreement from your parents. They are also reluctant to lend money for a car more than five years old.

Vehicle financing plans include:

Hire purchase: A hire purchase, or HP, agreement is a loan, mainly from a bank but also increasingly from vehicle manufacturers and big dealers

Basically:

• You are leasing (hiring) the vehicle until you have repaid the loan.
• If you stop paying the lender is entitled to reclaim the vehicle.
• You need a deposit of at least 20 percent.
• The maximum repayment period is 54 months.
  

Lease: A lease arrangements is different from hire purchase in that you are actually only hiring the vehicle.

• Leasing is suitable for businesses and people with car allowances because you can claim some of the cost against business mileage.
• No deposit is required.
• The maximum lease period is five years.
• You can buy the vehicle at the end of the lease period expires by paying what is called "residual value".
  

Residual payment works like this:

• You leave an unpaid sum, called a residual or balloon payment, until the end of the contract period. Over five years it's anything between 20 and 35 percent of the new cost.
• In theory, the residual payment should be equal to the re-sale value so you can sell the vehicle at the end of the contract and owe nothing.
• Leasing is more expensive than hire purchase: a R200 000 vehicle at an interest rate of 15.5 percent over 60 months would cost you almost R14 000 more to lease and then pay the residual, than to buy with HP financing.
• The market value of the vehicle could be less than the residual value at the end of the contract if the vehicle is in poor condition.
• As a rule of thumb you can expect your vehicle to depreciate by 1% a month for the duration of your contract. If your contract term is 60 months, your car will depreciate by 60% over the period. This means you should not have a greater than 40% residual.
• You can opt for a buy-back contract with a motor dealer, who guarantees to buy back your vehicle for a certain value after a set time - provided you have not done more than a specified number of kilometres.
• You must make sure any insurance covers the entire value of your motor vehicle, including the residual payment.
  

Step Three: New or second-hand
Whether you can afford a new car depends on how much money you have; there's nothing wrong with a second hand as long as you check it out properly.

Step Four: Choosing your car
If you're buying a new car advance to Step Eight. If you are buying a second hand car go to Step Five.

Step Five: A second hand car
Get a book called the Auto Dealer's Digest, which prices all second cars. There is an upper price - at which the second hand car dealers normally sell a second hand car - and a lower price at which they buy them.

You can buy second-hand cars privately from someone else or through a second hand dealer. You'll probably get a better price in a private sale, but a sale through a dealer usually comes with some guarantee on the motor vehicle itself.

If you buy from a dealer make sure he's a member of the Retail Motor Industry, so if you have a complaint you can appeal to the Motor Industry Adjudicator.

Step Six: Final checks
Here are a few precautions to take before buying a second hand car:

• Don't pay anything until you are happy with the car.
• Check the service record book to ensure it's serviced regularly.
• The Automobile Association (AA) will give the car a thorough check over for a fee.
• Insist the current owner puts the car through the road worthiness check. You can't get the car licensed in your name without a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR).
• When test driving a car take it out on the freeway and see what happens at speed. Keep going for about half-an-hour so you can see if any odd noises develop or the engine starts overheating.
  

Give away signs of poor condition include puffs of smoke from the exhaust when the car starts, or when you change gear. Also look out for a rough feeling to the gears; a grey colour to the oil, and any jerkiness when the motor is running.

Wait a while after parking, then check under the car for oil and water leaks.

• Check the odometer. The lower the kilometres done the better; you can expect a distance of about 20 000km a year.Check the body for rust and previous collisions. Give-aways are slightly different colours on different parts, and body filler. To check for body filler, use a magnet on the body. Where it doesn't stick is a sure sign of body filler.
  

Rust shows up on window edges (look under the rubber), behind boot and door panels and at joints.

• Check you are not buying a "Code Three" vehicle – a car that's been scrapped and rebuilt.

Step Seven: Stolen vehicles
If you buy a stolen car and it is tracked down to you, the police will take it away from you and you will lose your money. To prevent being caught out:

• Ensure the ID book of a private seller tallies with the name and address of the registered owner.
• Check the engine and chassis numbers on the vehicle against the registration documents.
• If you have any doubt, check with the police or your local traffic department. They can access the National Traffic Information System (Natis), an online database that records ownership details of all registered vehicles. You can also call AA Autocheck on 0861 601 601.
• Make sure no money is owed on the car - check with the institution that financed the previous loan.
• Never pay for any vehicle in cash. Pay with a bank guaranteed cheque or a personal cheque made out to the seller.
  

Step Eight. Taking ownership
Get the car registered in your name as quickly as possible. You can get the necessary papers, which must be signed by the current owner and yourself, from the motor vehicle licensing department.

Step Nine: Guarantees and maintenance contracts
Carefully check what is guaranteed and what is not guaranteed. Maintenance contracts are sold by dealers to cover the on-going costs of maintaining your vehicle.

Step Ten: Insurance
It's important you have the car insured before you drive it out of the garage - you could have an accident on the first corner bend. You can get three types of insurance:

• Comprehensive insurance means your car, and anything or anyone else, is covered against any accident.
• Third party, fire and theft is really there for older second hand cars. Your car is insured if it is stolen or catches fire, and if you damage someone else's property or injure someone else. Damage to your vehicle is not covered.
• Third Party Motor Vehicle Assurance is compulsory assurance that you pay without even knowing it every time you buy petrol; it covers anyone injured in an accident.
  

If you're under 25 you'll have high insurance premiums and a higher than normal excess; excess is the first part of a claim you pay if you have an accident.

Four tips on motor car insurance:

• Get the lowest premiums. Shop around by getting quotations from a number of insurance companies.
• Make sure that the value of the car is reduced every year when you renew your insurance.
• The cost of insurance will come down if you pay a higher excess; take into account how much you can afford to pay yourself.
• If you do not make an insurance claim you will build up a no claim bonus, which reduces your insurance premiums.
  

From:

How to Avoid Conflict on the Road

• Keep calm, show restraint: Every car journey brings a risk of frustration and conflict. Before you set off, be determined not to succumb to it.
  

• They're not out to get you: Most aggravating moves by other drivers are unintentional.We all make mistakes. Don't show your frustration by making gestures. They may mean nothing to you but could be the last straw for others.
  

• Don't compete or retaliate: If someone's driving annoys you, don't try to "educate" him or her. Leave traffic policing to the police and driving instruction to professionals.
  

• Be patient in traffic: Don't push into traffic queues. If you wait and clearly signal what you want to do, other drivers will usually let you in. They don't like being forced to do so.
  

• Set an example to others: Give way at busy junctions or where traffic lanes merge; it won't delay your journey by much. Wherever there's merging traffic, follow the rule "let one in and go".
  

• Say thanks: Courtesy encourages co-operative, safe use of the road.

• Say sorry: Apologising to the other driver when you make a mistake reduces confrontation and helps to defuse anger.

Violent motoring-related incidents such as road rage are rare. But it is important to know what to do if you feel threatened by another driver.

• Try not to react: Avoid making eye contact, which may be seen as confrontational.

• Don't respond by accelerating, braking or swerving suddenly: The other driver may think that you are looking for an argument, and you could lose control of the car.
  

• If you think you are being followed: Try to drive to a busy public place or a police station before you stop. If you're on a motorway, mingle with other vehicles.
  

• Don't leave the motorway for unfamiliar roads.

• Keep the car doors and boot locked: Also keep the windows and sunroof only partly open in urban areas.
  

• Physical threats: Stay in your car and lock the doors. If you have one, call for help on your mobile phone, and use the car's horn and lights to attract attention.
  

• Never carry any kind of defensive weapon: It could simply provoke a potential assailant.

A new car: your worst investment

YOUR car is going down in value by thousands a month!

The chances are good that it dropped by 20% as you drove it off the showroom floor!

A car is the second biggest outlay most people make. It is a consumer durable, not an investment – but because it can impoverish over the long term, it could be called the worst investment.

Depreciation is the dirty word that the motor industry and the media seldom mention.

The table plots the one, two and three-year depreciation of a random sample of 23 cars. They range in price from the Nissan 1 400 at R70 000 to the Porsche Cayenne at R1,4m. The table compares the prices of these vehicles when they were new to their present trade-in value.

The worst example, the Jeep Cherokee Laredo V8 plummeted 38% in value from R382 000 to R237 500 in a year. That was R12 000 per month.

The best, ironically, the Porsche Cayenne, fell by only 11,9%. It doesn’t sound like much in percentage terms but in rands the drop was R175 000 – R14 500 a month!

One third of the sample depreciated by more than 30% in the first year. Less than a third fell in value by less than 20%.

The depreciation over two and three years is shown in columns three and six. It is, expressed in percentage decline per annum. The table shows that depreciation in years two and three starts to level off. Many cars these days can last 20 years.

This sample represents less than 10% of the cars available on the SA market. One cannot make judgments about any particular brand - but it does confirm that depreciation, though often unseen, makes fuel costs look trivial.

According to the latest vehicle statistics released by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), more than 200 000 new cars have been sold since January.

Tony Twine, director and senior economist at Econometrix, describes the life cycle of a car: “During the first year, the value of the car decreases at a steep rate. For the next four years, the car depreciates at a more gentle, slower pace, with a further step down in value in the sixth year. Beyond this, the value of the rate of depreciation flattens out.”

Borrowing money to purchase a depreciating asset is the worst “investment” you can make. Sages say: “Buy things that appreciate and pay for the use of the things that depreciate.”

“A car is not an investment; you use it and then discard it”, says Piet Viljoen of Regarding Capital Management (RE:CM).

He says the definition of an investment is a security of principal, with the potential of growth and this does not apply to a car, explains Viljoen.

“Each person will do what they want to maximise their own value or utility”, says Viljoen.

A new car usually involves allocating a large amount of money into a diminishing asset.

Opportunity cost must be taken into account. Deciding to buy a luxury model now can detract significantly from one’s wealth in later life.

“If a person prefers to buy a fancy car as opposed to investing a portion, they must realise they will fall behind in the wealth accumulation stakes”, adds Viljoen.

People should think more carefully about the objectives of having a car, reckons Twine.

“They are swept along by the emotion of a brand new car and don’t take into account what the car is going to be used for,” warns Twine.

Twine advises leasing if the car is to be used purely as a means of transport. “This will decrease the costs of owning the use of a car, rather than the vehicle itself”.

Up to now, leasing has been restricted to companies and professionals who use their vehicles to generate income. The new Consumer Credit Bill, which is likely to come into effect in 2007, will allow for private leasing.

After owning the car for six years, the car will be worth around 20% of its original value, excluding VAT, adds Twine. A brand new car worth R500 000 will be worth about R100 000 after six years, if you are lucky.

“To avoid the early rapid depreciation of a new vehicle, rather buy a second-hand car,” advises Twine.

Let’s look at the numbers: instead of spending R500 000 on a new car, one could buy a three-year-old model of the same type for R300 000 and invest the balance.

The cost of ownership of the new car is R400 000 during the period. Meanwhile the R300 000 car after seven years will be worth R60 000, so the depreciation cost will be R240 000. At only 4,2% a year after tax, a R200 000 money market investment would have grown over six years to R256 000. The second-hand car owner is thus ahead by R16 000 while the new car owner is down by R400 000. Had the second hand car buyer put the money into the JSE, the relative situation would have been far better.

Some makes and models depreciate faster and this all depends on market forces, says a statistician who monitors car values.

“If the market likes it, will depreciate more slowly,” he reckons.

He adds that the technology race is over and the reliability of a particular is no longer a factor. Whether a car holds its value depends more on what car the public would like to be seen in. Reputation of the brand is critical.

Lower-priced vehicles suffer less depreciation because a larger number of prospective second hand buyers can afford them, says Twine.

Twine says the rate of increase of new car prices in the future determines how fast a particular make and model will depreciate.

He maintains that “the higher car inflation is, the greater the residual value and the lower the depreciation”.

Other factors do affect the rate of depreciation, he adds. “Historically, the slowest depreciation of vehicles hangs around the 1800cc engine size, manual transmissions and diesel engines”.

Sources: recommended retail price figures from Car Magazine editions from 2003-2005. Trade values from TransUnion Mead & McGrouther Auto dealers Guide.

http://www.moneyweb.co.za/mw/view/mw/en/page62053?oid=38649&sn=Daily%20news%20Detail

Has your car lost half of its value?

Some cars on the SA market lose up to half their value in one year according to a study of car depreciation by Moneyweb, including certain Renaults, Chryslers and Nissans.

Depreciation is often the most expensive component of car cost in the early months of a car's life.

It found that Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche held their value best in percentage terms while three models of Renault's Laguna range lost the most value in the first year.

The Laguna 3.0 Privilege depreciated by 52 percent and the Laguna 2.0 Expression by 49 percent.

Other poor performers were Chrysler's Crossfire sports car which plummeted in value by more than 40 percent, while the Nissan Almera lost 38 percent of its new value in a year.

The table is split into two pages – car manufacturers A-L and M-Z - and is based on Trans-Union's Auto Dealers' Guide, the "bible" of used car values, which uses real prices paid for cars across the country as a reference for car dealers.

It compares the new prices of vehicles to their present trade value and expresses the depreciation as a percentage, based on a car in standard condition with an average mileage.

Econometrix analyst Tony Twine said: "A car's residual value is hit heavily in the year it's discontinued; its value is lower than usual a year later but by the third year it's more or less back to normal."

Another motoring analyst said Nissan's volume models depreciated badly due to huge sales to the rental industry at severely discounted price; these cars were then dumped on the dealer network after their time with the rental companies.

He added: "Almeras also suffered from a falsely inflated new list price to make them appear to be priced along with their competitors. However, the real price you paid was always way below the stated retail price."

The car that held its value best was the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet which depreciated by 9.49 percent in a year - a modest percentage, although a rather steep R94 425 in rand terms.

The next best value-holder was the Mercedes ML SUV at 10 percent in one year. The Porsche and VW stables had the most models with the lowest depreciation.

Data disputed

The average depreciation of the 824 vehicles surveyed was 22 percent in the first year compared to 27.16 percent in 2005.

Twin said many manufacturers and dealers disputed the use of the Auto Dealers' Guide figures in the survey but could not offer a substitute as no other statistics exist in the motoring industry.

"When you trade in your car, the first thing dealers take out of their pocket is this guide. They seldom budge from the figures when working out a trade-in value."

http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3742521&fSectionId=751&fSetId=381

Image A-L Click on the Image to enlarge
Image M-Z Click on the Image to enlarge

Moving off

How to Move/Drive off: (Licence2Drive ~ Drivers Licence Guide)

1. To drive off correctly you must learn to balance your accelerator pedal and clutch-pedal. Make sure that your gear lever is in neutral, and that your handbrake is up, before you start your vehicles' engine.
2. To put your vehicle into first gear you must use your left foot, and push the clutch in as far as possible (completely).
3. If you want to drive off without stalling or jerking you must push the accelerator down slowly. When you hear the engine rev a little (if you have a rev counter in your vehicle, take the rev up to ± 1 000 revs per minute (r.p.m), slowly lift your foot off the clutch until you feel the back end of your vehicle dropping a little, or until you see the front end of your vehicle lift a little (if you have a rev counter you can see the revs drop to ± 750 r.p.m.).
4. When you have balanced the accelerator and clutch (keep your feet very still at this point), free the handbrake, put your hand back on the steering wheel, now you will feel and see your vehicle slowly beginning to move forward.
5. When your vehicle has moved forward a couple of meters and the engines rev settles, slowly release the clutch while at the same time pressing down the accelerator. Remember that if you keep the heel of your foot firmly on the floor you would or should have better control over the vehicle and clutch.
6. Once you can drive off and the vehicle can move forward slowly, with practice you can learn how to stop smoothly at any given position and moment.

Accidents

What to do in case of an Accident. (Licence2Drive ~ Learners Licence Guide)

1. Stop your vehicle immediately.
2. Determine the extent of the injuries, if there are any, and assist the injured person(s).
3. Determine what the damage is.
4. Provide the following info;
1. Your name,
2. Address,
3. Owner of the vehicles name and address and
4. The vehicles’ registration number.
   
5. The accident must be reported to the police within 24 hours.
6. If anyone was injured or killed in an accident in an urban area, the police
   must be summoned immediately.
7. The vehicles involved in the accident may only be moved if they are
   creating an obstruction and their position has been clearly marked on the
   road.

Stopping

You may not stop in the following places: (Licence2Drive ~ Learners Licence Guide)

1. In or closer than 6m to a tunnel.
2. On or closer than 6m to a bridge.
3. On or closer than 6m to any part of a road which has been narrowed.
4. In or closer than 6m to a subway.
5. Within 9m on the approaching side of a pedestrian crossing
6. Next to or opposite a vehicle in a road narrower than 9m.
7. Infront of a gate or driveway.
8. Within a railway reserve.
9. Where it is prohibited by a road sign or road marking.
10. At an obstruction or excavation where your vehicle will cause a hindrance or danger for other road users.

Fancy a drink? Try this crash simulator...

London, England - A new online simulator to prove to drivers the dangers of being behind the wheel when travelling too fast, after drinking or when using a mobile phone has been launched by RoSPA.

That's the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and it shows how speed, weather and impairments dramatically affect stopping distances and result in crashes and pedestrian deaths.

By logging on to the RoSPA site your can see how long it takes to stop when a child dashes out from behind a van to retrieve a ball bouncing in the road

You can set your speed at five mph intervals from 20 to 45mph to check...

You can set your speed at five mph intervals from 20 to 45mph to check your stopping distance in normal conditions - then change the settings to see how using a mobile phone, drinking alcohol or driving in rain makes things more dangerous.

You'll get a driver's view of the road and, as the ball appears, the car starts to slow. They then see if you've stopped in time or hid the child.

Details will be given of thinking distance, braking distance and overall stopping distance and the pedestrian’s likely fate. The replay button will show an aerial view of the scene with the thinking and braking distances marked on the road to highlight how far the car travelleds and the point where the child was hit.

'Clearer idea'

The simulator has been produced with support from the British Department for Transport to help all drivers improve their road-safety knowledge but may be particularly useful to employers with employees who drive as part of their job, schools and colleges.

Duncan Vernon, RoSPA road safety project officer, said: "We hope that, after using the simulator, drivers will have a much clearer idea of how speeding, drinking and cellphone chats put all road users in danger."

http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3796400

Buying used? Here are some tips from an expert

Most people tend to buy a used car to avoid the high depreciation rate of a new vehicle but the car you want to buy should be closely inspected because one expensive repair can turn a "bargain" into a bad deal.

Start your search for a car with healthy scepticism. Take a friend along who is not prepared to spend a lot of money, is less excitable and more reasonable.

Four eyes also see more than two. No driver is the same and no two owners maintain their vehicle in the same way, but if you take your time and inspect the vehicle closely you will have some idea how the car was treated

Once you've made a choice, however, have the car checked by an impartial professional who will tell you all you need to know about potential repairs, odometer fraud and the overall condition of the car.

But here are a few tips for the layman:

Rule 1: Never to buy a car you have not test-driven yourself.

Knocking from the engine, a humming gearbox, worn wheel bearings, uneven braking or an exhaust in need of replacement are things you'll not notice when just looking at the car from the outside.

Go for a drive – and wind down the windows. Don't let the seller turn on the radio – it could mask suspicious sounds. The clutch is worn out if you can drive off without stalling in second gear with the handbrake on.

Rule 2: Check the car's papers and registration and confirm the seller's identification with a passport or other identity document that carries a photograph

• Is the vehicle registered in the seller's name?
• Are the chassis and engine numbers the same as those on the papers?
  

Ask to see the service and maintenance records. If they're not available, go buy somewhere else and absolutely do not accept any argument from the seller.

All that done? Now make a closer inspection. Worn seats and pedals are sure signs that the car has done a lot of kilometres.

Check for uneven bodywork, unmatched paint or for paint on sealing rubbers – all signs of repairs after a crash.

Lift the floor mats – signs of moisture indicate a rusty body letting in water. Check that all the electrics – air-conditioner, sunroof and windows – work then, after satisfying yourself about the cabin, take a look at the engine.

The battery should be clean; low brake fluid level could indicate trouble with the braking system.

Grab those tyres

Check all the piping, hoses and radiator for any signs of lime - that can indicate leaks. Be suspicious of a recent engine wash – it could temporarily have removed telltale water and oil leaks.

Grab each front tyre in the middle with both hands and try to shake it side-to-side – play from worn bearings will be apparent. Also check the condition of the tyres: uneven wear could indicate worn shock-absorbers or incorrect axle adjustment.

The brake discs should have no rust signs and be of ample thickness. The tyre tread should be at least three millimetres deep – and don't be shy about crawling under the car to check for oil leaking from the motor or gearbox.

Suspension seals should be dry and without signs of wear and tear. Check the full length of the exhaust system for rust – replacement can be expensive.

Finally, ask for a guarantee and a test report from a reputable testing firm. Such companies check cars thoroughly.

http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=751&fArticleId=2124506

How to stretch that tank a little further

Driving economically isn't rocket science so a how-to-save-fuel advice column might seem about as useful as an instruction booklet on how to get dressed every morning.

But there might just be one or two points you've skipped in that great fuel-saving quest. So here are tips provided by Dave Johnston, head of AA driver training in South Africa:

Driving style - Major Points:

• Avoid accelerating harshly from stops.
• Avoid erratic acceleration, try to keep accelerator in the same position.
• Keep engine revs as low as possible.
• Use the highest gear possible for the conditions.
• Decelerate early for stops.
• Look and plan well ahead (at least 12-15sec) so you can see obstructions and hazards early and plan your lane changes.
• Learn to "pace" yourself in the traffic to avoid having to stop at most traffic lights. In other words, keep the vehicle moving.
  

There are many benefits in doing this - not just saving fuel.

Minor Points:

• Avoid unnecessary idling of the engine. The vehicle is most efficient when being driven at the rpm where the engine produces the most torque (Nm). Check this in the owner's manual under engine specifications.

Vehicle - Major Points:

• Have your vehicle serviced and properly tuned according to its schedule. Fuel mixture settings, ignition timing, spark plugs and air filter play major roles in ensuring that an engine runs efficiently.
• Correct tyre pressures. Under-inflated tyres waste fuel by increasing rolling resistance.
• Correct wheel alignment. Fuel is also wasted if wheel alignment is not set correctly. This also has accelerates tyre wear.
• Brakes should not bind and all wheels should rotate freely.
  

Minor Points:

• Keep windows closed to reduce wind drag.
• Wide tyres cause more resistance at speed resulting in more fuel being used.
• A highly polished vehicle creates less wind drag.
• Avoid leaving unnecessary heavy objects in your vehicle and take off the roof rack when you come home from holiday.
• Drive an aerodynamic vehicle.
• Using the air-conditioner increases fuel consumption slightly.