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.