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Introduction

At some stage all drivers are challenged by bad weather conditions. Many unfortunately underestimate the adjustments needed in driving technique. Researchers and statisticians in the U.S. found that 24% of all crashes occur during adverse weather conditions, including ice, snow, and rain.

In South Africa we are accustomed to driving in beautiful sunny weather most of the time. Many a young driver has a drivers’ licence but has never had to deal with the challenges presented by adverse weather conditions. It is the duty of the driver to know how to adjust his driving to meet conditions on the road he travels.

In this section we would like to provide some insights and advice on how to drive in adverse weather. There are several detailed discussions on specific weather conditions on the Arrive Alive website. We would like to discuss some of the general techniques for safe driving in most of these challenging conditions.

Adverse weather conditions and unique challenges on the road

Adverse weather conditions can be described as those conditions brought about by changes in weather requiring the driver to exercise special caution and adjust his normal driving behaviour.

These conditions tend to reduce the visibility of the driver as well as his ability to safely steer or apply braking to the vehicle.

Adverse weather conditions include driving in:

Rain
Flooding
Snow
Fog and Mist
Hail storms
Smoke from veld and forest fire
Strong winds
Extreme cold and hot weather
Driving toward the sun from sunrise to sunset

We need to recognize that these conditions may present rather unique challenges to the driver. These would include:

Reduced visibility
Reduced steering ability
Reduced traction
Increased time and space required to bring the vehicle to a stop.

Extreme weather requires special skills from the driver to be safe on the road.

Wet road surfaces can cause tyres to hydroplane (skim on a thin layer of water).
Wind creates additional problems for drivers as it reduces steering control.
It can be especially dangerous for recreational vehicles and vehicles towing trailers.
High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds.
Crosswinds may cause the car to swerve, especially SUVs and vans.
Sudden gusts of wind may present a unique risk as you cross a culvert or bridge, or drive through mountain passes and ravines.
You may also encounter a small gust when being passed by a large truck or bus.

The rather unique challenges are not only having an effect on your own steering and ability to control the vehicle, but also on your awareness with regards to other road users and objects.

A driver needs to take special care when driving behind goods vehicles as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility. It is best to hold back to where you can see their mirrors.
Adverse weather and strong winds may increase the chances of falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road to avoid such debris.
Surface water may contain hidden objects that could cause you to stall or damage your tyres.
Increased awareness is required of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and the need to allow extra space.
They too may be trying to avoid the mud and slippery side of the road.
It is best to avoid moving off the road under trees that might fall on your vehicle.
Also remain alert to animals at roadside where fences may be down.
Adverse weather conditions may cause power lines to go down next to and on the roads –be alert and avoid downed power lines.
Smoke from forest or brush fires can be dangerous to drive through, because it can occur suddenly, without warning, and be very dense.
Clouds of sand can also significantly reduce visibility.
Some drivers may not be using the headlights as is required by law – rather avoid overtaking in conditions of poor visibility.

Aspects to consider before driving in bad weather

Most of us not caught off-guard by sudden changes in weather have the option whether to confront these challenging driving conditions or rather to avoid them. The best way to be safe in extremely bad weather is to avoid driving at all. Even for the experienced driver with the best vehicle the best way to avoid an accident or problem on the road in stormy weather is just to stay at home and wait for the weather to improve. If possible, it is best to postpone a trip and stay home rather than drive if there is an extreme weather system moving through your area.

For those who need to be on the road it is essential to plan ahead for the drive! Driving in bad weather usually takes longer and is more stressful. Not allowing enough time to reach the destination will increase your stress level and could adversely affect your driving. By planning ahead for the bad weather and the problems it may throw at you, you will be better prepared to handle unfortunate situations if they do happen to you.

Driver Fitness and Safe Driving in Adverse Weather Conditions

A safe driver should strive to be physically fit, healthy and in the best condition possible for the challenges that extreme weather might throw at him.

In adverse weather conditions it is even more important to be alert, using all your senses to identify potential dangers.

Most importantly the driver needs to have clear vision – make sure you are able to see!
Always remember - if you cannot see a safe distance ahead you should not be driving.
In traffic with limited visibility you should also be able to listen to traffic.
Avoid loud music on the radio and other driver distractions.
Avoid driver fatigue by keeping the vehicle well ventilated.
Only drive when well rested – you will need all your concentration when driving in extreme weather!

Vehicle Fitness and Driving in Bad Weather

The safe driver will be well aware of the need to have a vehicle best equipped to drive safely in bad weather and not break down!

We would advise a complete pre-trip inspection with a focus on the following:

Do a visual, hands-on inspection and check all important items, including tyres, wiper blades, fluid and lights.
Check that wiper blades are not worn and are capable of clearing the windscreen correctly.
When it's your safety, your family's safety, and the safety of others on the line the cost to purchase a decent set of windshield wipers is a small price to pay.
Don’t forget to check the spare tyre.
Tyre tread is very important especially on slippery roads allowing you to slow down and stop suddenly should the need arise.
Guard against “over” and “under” inflated tyres and potential loss in traction.
Check the battery, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid and headlights.
Ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible.
Headlamps, turn signals, and hazard signals are imperative in bad weather driving conditions.
Be Visible Be Seen: The more visible you are the less likely it is that somebody will hit you, and it's always a good idea to be able to see in front of you when you're driving, regardless of the weather outside your vehicle.
Check that mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly.
When driving in hot weather, keep an eye on the warning lights and gauges, especially the temperature gauge.
Be sure to have enough fuel for a delayed journey.

Emergency preparedness for bad weather driving

Once you are confident in your own driving ability and that your vehicle is in the best condition to drive in the bad weather, there are a few basic steps to prepare you for the drive:

Listen and obey national and local radio/TV announcements and warnings regarding road and weather conditions for your journey.
Do not attempt to cross at a river crossing where the road has been closed - no matter how big your vehicle is!
Buckle Up! - Be sure you and your passengers wear seatbelts at all times. Not only is it the law, it can also save lives, especially when driving in bad weather.
Look out for signs warning of adverse conditions – including fixed signs, such as those warning of exposure to high-winds, and variable message signs on motorways that warn of fog, snow and which may display temporary slower speed limits.
In the event of journeys of a necessary nature inform family/friends of your estimated time of arrival (ETA) and carry a mobile phone.
Ensure your mobile phone is charged and have a car charger ready - you may get stranded and need to call for help.
If you are to be prevented from driving further – be prepared to get off the road.

If in a worst case scenario you do get stranded in snow or cold you will wish to be prepared. You can buy or even create an emergency kit to have in your car before departure. This could include

Protective clothing and blanket, including high visibility jacket and a torch/flashlight with batteries.
Water, snack foods like high-calorie fruit bars, granola bars, nuts etc.
If you have the space and may be travelling in snow consider keeping extra clothing, snow boots, flares, a shovel, and even strips of carpeting to place under your tyres if your vehicle becomes stuck.
First-aid kit
Battery jump leads
A GPS navigation device or map for any unplanned diversions
A towing rope

Safe Driving techniques in bad weather

Once you get caught on the road in bad weather conditions it is important to follow the following safe driving techniques:

Make sure your headlights are on –Be Visible Be Seen!
Obey all road and traffic signs- Safety authorities post this information with good reason.
Be alert and drive defensively.
Be prepared for the road conditions to change over relatively short distances.
Allow yourself enough time and space to react to a sudden emergency and move from harm’s way or to come to a stop safely.
Increase your following distance - Remain well behind the road user in front as stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads.
Slow down. Braking takes longer on slippery roads — the slower you go, the easier it will be for you to maintain control and stop your vehicle.
Don't slow down so much that you become a risk to other drivers – Rather move off the road surface than getting to a complete stall in areas of poor visibility.
Be aware that in reduced visibility conditions, drivers tend to follow the tail lights of vehicles in front of them.
Use special caution near intersections. Never assume that because you have the green light or the right of way that the intersection will be clear — always scan ahead to spot potential hazards.
Avoid unnecessary lane changes - Stay in one lane as much as possible
Keep two hands firmly on the wheel and two eyes on the road at all times.
Remain alert by continuously scanning the whole area.
Drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy. Avoid sudden actions as these could cause loss of control.
Accelerate and brake very gently - Drive particularly slowly on bends where loss of control is more likely.
Brake progressively on the straight before you reach a bend. Having slowed down, steer smoothly round the bend, avoiding sudden actions.
Be careful near elevated structures, such as bridges and highway overpasses, as they usually freeze first.
If you get stuck in a bad storm or blizzard and you can't see a close place to seek assistance, stay put! It's easy to get confused in a bad storm, and you may get lost.
Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the conditions improve or help arrives.
If you get stuck - avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by keeping the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.
When you encounter problems when driving in extreme heat –do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when your car is hot, and do not pour water over a hot radiator or engine. You must wait a sufficient amount of time until your engine cools.
Never leave a child or pet in a parked car in extremely warm weather.

What to do in an emergency to avoid a crash

The safe driver will always consider worst case scenarios and what to do in an emergency situation. The driver who knows what to do in an emergency is more likely to stay in control. What do we need to now in the event of a skid on slippery roads?

Identify the cause – It is either, Too much Braking, Too much Steering, Too much Acceleration or a combination of one or all of these.
Remove the cause gently and smoothly
If your vehicle has ABS it will not skid under braking. If ABS is activated, keep your foot on the brake and steer around that what caused you to brake.
If your vehicle does not have ABS and starts to skid on the brakes, pump the brake pedal very fast (Cadence Braking) and steer around that what caused you to brake.
If your vehicle skids and slews sideways -Turn the steering wheel in the same direction as the skid and ease off the accelerator at the same time.
Avoid over correction with too much steering.
Always look and steer toward your intended path of travel. Keep your eyes focused on where you want the vehicle to go.
Be ready for a secondary skid.

We would like to encourage driver alertness with regards to your own driving, the driving of others and well as the surroundings! If you observe a car or truck driving too quickly for the conditions, put some distance between you and their vehicle. If you see a vehicle in front of you starting to lose control, you'll need to make split-second checks for vehicles coming up behind you, potential dangers beside you, all while making a decision on how you need to react in case another driver loses control of their vehicle.

If a crash cannot be avoided you may have to choose the lesser of two evils. If there's concrete to your left and a steep ditch to your right, or a forest right off the road - you need to keep these things in mind while you're driving so that you can make informed split-second decisions about the safest place to steer your vehicle in case of an emergency.

Conclusion

It is our wish that more drivers can make informed decisions on the roads. The more safety awareness we gain and apply in our driving on the roads, the better we are able to prevent and reduce road crashes. We will continue to search and share the advice from safe driving experts across the world in our efforts towards safer roads!

Also view safe driving techniques required for some rather specific conditions:

Safe Driving in the Fog and Mist

Safe driving near veld and forest fires

Driving in Winter/Driving on Snow and Ice

Road Safety and Flood Risks for Drivers and Pedestrians

Introduction

Mountain biking can be described as the sport of riding bicycles off-road, often over rough terrain, using specially designed mountain bikes. There are many different categories to the sport of mountain biking. These include cross country (XC), trail riding, all mountain, downhill, free-ride, slope style, dirt jumping and trials. Most participants will take part in the cross country and trail riding categories.

Mountain bikes share similarities with other bikes, but incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain. The sport requires endurance, core strength and balance, bike handling skills, and a large degree of self-reliance from participants.

Those who participate in mountain biking are usually a friendly, yet competitive and environmentally friendly group of guys and girls. Mountain biking is a highly enjoyable activity for those who enjoy physically fitness – yet, it can also be one of the more dangerous sporting activities if not approached with the necessary caution and preparation.

It is essential for just about any mountain biking fan to understand the fundamentals of mountain biking safety. The experts in mountain biking are well aware of the risks and have shared important safety advice with us.

Preparation for riding the trail

The first steps to safety start long before you get on the bike! It is often said that being smart and using common sense can go a long way to preventing injury! Advice during the preparation phase should include:

Be aware of the weather. Check the latest reports and determine how the weather will affect the trail.
There is strength in numbers - Don't ride alone, particularly in remote areas. In case someone is injured, it's best to be with at least two other people, one to get help and one to care for the injured rider.

Fellow riders will also help to protect against possible criminality and bike-jacking.

Always study a map of the trail before you go riding, know the possible challenges and how long your trip might be - don't get caught unprepared for a steep incline, tricky terrain or darkness.
Know where you are and where you're going – inform friends or family where you will be riding and when you expect to return.
Plan a ride to finish before nightfall just in case you have bike problems or you go a little off route.
Plan exit routes as well, so if there are problems at any of the stages of your trip, you are able to confidently decide the quickest and safest way to services that you need.
If it is a new trail it is more important to take a map, compass and / or GPS unit. If the weather changes, things can look very different in the fog or rain.
Plan for a worst case scenario - always carry a mobile phone or another type of communication device for emergencies. Make a note of the relevant telephone numbers for emergency services.
Check that batteries are charged or that you have spare batteries.
Be well prepared with enough food, water, and equipment to last in case of emergency.
Keep the trail safe for others by letting those who maintain the trail and other riders know when conditions change or new hazards appear.
Emergencies could leave you stranded on the trail, so carry a pack with a first aid kit, a light, spare bulbs and batteries, rain gear, a reflective blanket and your bike repair tools: a pump, wrench, Y-socket tool, multi-tool, Allen keys, tire levers, and spare tires and tubes.

Physical conditioning and knowing your limitations

Mountain biking requires a combination of strength, endurance and skill. The better conditioned competitor in an endurance sport should always have the edge – even when it comes to safety! We would like to advise the following:

Know your body and your limitations – don’t try to push yourself beyond those limitations.
Think about what you are attempting to do and trust those instincts.
The consequences of trying to 'carry on' can be pretty severe especially where you are riding on trails far from civilization.
Where a rider lacks the fitness required to ride a particular trail, they may become fatigued, putting themselves at an increased risk of having an accident.
The novice biker should train in less difficult and dangerous situations or at lower speeds before committing to something more dangerous - stick to smooth, flat trails with few sharp turns or steep descents.
Practice riding the bike in a variety of terrains, from wooded areas to hills. Don’t try tackling rocks, grass and sharp turns until you feel sure that you can keep your bike under control, no matter what's in front of you.
Do not attempt too much at the first attempt - build up your endurance and increase your aerobic capacity so that you can tackle longer rides, and practice your skills slowly until you are more prepared.
Intermediate riders will want a few added rocks, hills, narrow spots and switchbacks (zigzagged trails) to challenge them. Before trying these trails, you'll want to be in good aerobic shape and have at least a few technical skills.
Let those who ride with you know how you are feeling - if you've taken a knock, are feeling weak or light headed or would simply like to stop for a bit.
Weekend riders might need little more than the right gear, some practice and a good warm-up.
Take at least 20 minutes beforehand to warm up. This increases blood flow to your muscles so that you're less likely to injure them.
Stretch your muscles, especially the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, lower back, neck, and shoulders.
Regular exercise can help firm the muscles you'll use for mountain biking and give you the aerobic endurance you'll need for long rides. Swim, hike and work out with weights to stay in top biking shape.

The mountain bike trail and safety

To reduce the risk of accident and injury the mountain biker should choose to ride on a trail within his/her range of experience.

Gain as much info as possible on the trail you will be riding – do not attempt to ride like a pro on a trail you are not familiar with!
Read bike and outdoor magazines, mountain biking web sites and tourism guides that have information about trails you are interested in.
Look for signs that indicate the skill level needed to ride a specific trail.
Try to find a topographical map to help you plan your ride. Know how to read the map and select a scale which will give you the most detail.
Speak to the locals who know the trail and can identify specific hazards.
Always follow the signs and route markers, and get to know the trail well.
Never push the limits on a trail you are not familiar with. You need to get to know the trail you are riding at slower speeds before you can ride it like the trails you're used to.
Be aware of the laws in your area that govern where you can ride. If the trail is not specifically for mountain biking, determine if you're allowed to bike there.
Don't trespass on private land; do respect trail closures and get permission from the proper authorities if you are not sure cycling is legal on a particular trail.
Speed on a trail you are not familiar with is essential - Sustain your speed within a normal pace so that you can effortlessly adapt, going thru unpredicted hurdles or unexpected trail modifications and conditions.
Yield the trail. When you get near another person, slow down. Let them know you're approaching and signal that you want to pass.
Remember that there is no shame in walking sections you are not familiar/ comfortable with!

Always remember to put the environment first:

Respect the trail and the inhabitants of the woods.
Don't create new trails.
Clean up any evidence of your presence. Any trash you bring with you should go back home with you or be disposed of properly.
Watch out for animals. Never approach wild animals or startle them.
Don't disturb animals and vegetation in any way—it's not only dangerous, it might be illegal as well.
Yield to hikers on the trail

The Bike, Helmet and Protective Gear for safe Mountain Biking

· The Bike

Before we consider the helmet and other pieces of protective clothing we need to have a closer look at the bike. There are a wide range of bikes from the easily affordable bike for the novice to very expensive bike for the professional, made from higher-quality materials such as premium-grade steel or aluminium, offering more accessories and abilities to fine-tune.

From a safety perspective it is important that the bike needs to be the correct one for the rider, the type of riding to be undertaken and the typical terrain and angle of decent you will be riding.

Without being too technical we would like to share a brief summary of some of the characteristics of mountain bikes:

Mountain bikes were built to handle rough terrain. They're heavier than cross-country bikes, and can climb hills with ease.
Trail mountain bikes are modified cross-country bikes with a softer suspension to handle bigger obstacles.
Mountain bikes also come with two kinds of suspension, which protect the bike and rider from the shock of rough terrain:
Full suspension bikes have both front and rear suspension. They're heavier, more comfortable and easier to control than hardtail bikes.
Hardtail bikes have a front suspension fork, but no rear suspension. They are lighter and pedal more efficiently than full suspension, and they're more durable for off-road riding.

The mountain biker should also pay attention to regular pre-ride inspection and maintenance of the mountain bike:

Maintenance should be done more frequently than with a road bike - a mountain biker should check and properly maintain the bike before every ride.
Mountain biking places higher demands on every part of the bike. Jumps and impacts can crack the frame or damage components or the tyre rims, and steep, fast descents can quickly wear out brake pads.
Ensure brakes are adjusted properly to stop your bike while descending. Common problems are brake cable stretched, pads are worn, brakes knocked out of alignment with rims or discs.
Inspect the bike frame for cracks and damaged or dented areas.
Front and rear axles should be tight.
Headset and stem must be secure with no looseness or play.
Check that your tyres are in good condition, with no tears or cuts in the sidewall.
Handlebars and handle grips must be tight and unable to spin.
Seat and seat post need to be fastened securely.
Regularly applying oil to the chain will help extend the life of the chain and chain set.

It is important for the mountain biker to get to know his bike, understand when / which gears get him in trouble. Best advice - if you can't fix any problems yourself, take it to your local bike shop. Better to be safe than sorry!

The Helmet

The mountain biker should be actively thinking and paying attention while riding to keep from getting hurt or possibly injuring others. The helmet is the important piece of equipment to protect his head and brain when riding!

Attention should be given not only to a safe helmet but also the correct way of wearing it:

Make sure your cycle helmet fits properly - the helmet should be a tight fit so that the chinstrap is there only to stop it from coming off rather than holding it in place.
The side straps on your helmet should form a V-shape around the ear with the adjuster just below the ear lobe.
The front strap will keep the front of the helmet in place while the rear strap prevents the helmet from falling over your eyes.
The rear strap should fit neatly just under the base of the skull, centred evenly with the tension from each of the side straps.
Common mistakes are having one strap too loose, or completely messing up the fit either by pulling the back of the helmet down or pulling the rear strap over the ear.
Before heading off, while talking to your mates, you should feel the helmet pull down a bit when your mouth is open - otherwise it is too loose.

Additional Protective Gear and Clothing

For safe mountain biking riders need protection from head to toe from the elements and hazards on the trail.

For clothing, padded shorts, baggies or lycra will keep you more comfortable on long rides.
Make sure the gear is the right size and you're wearing it properly.
It is best to have layers of clothing available to you.
Pack a waterproof jacket in case the weather changes and a reflective jersey if you're going to be riding at night.
Knee and elbow pads will help shield you against scrapes and falls, and gloves will keep your hands warm and protect against knocks and falls or blisters when you grip the handlebars.
For extreme downhill rides you need a full face helmet, relevant limb protection and suitable back and torso protection.
If you have clipless pedals, get the right shoes that fit into your pedals' cleats. They should be comfortable, durable and have a hard sole to help you pedal more efficiently.
Wear thick cycling socks to prevent blisters.
A good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet rays, and keep out dirt, wind, bugs and branches. Choose shatterproof lenses with high UV protection.
For longer cross-country trails remember to pack food and water for energy and hydration.
Pack a snack, such as an energy bar or piece of fruit, to keep you going.
Water is a must-have to protect from dehydration. If you don't want to continually pick up a bottle while you ride, get a backpack-mounted system.

Safe Riding Techniques

The mountain bike rider should always ride in control and within his abilities. There is a fine line between pushing the limits safely and pushing them recklessly. Safe mountain biking comes with experience – even though we cannot provide a guide to all the techniques we would like to share some advice from professionals with our lesser experienced riders.

The professionals advise the following:

Pay attention to the bike path, and steer away from obstacles accordingly.
Keep your speed at a level that will allow you to adjust to any unforeseen obstacles or changes in trail conditions.
The more control you have over your speed – the more control over your bike.
Avoid attempting crazy stunts on your mountain bike – think!
Try to keep your pedalling motion constant and rhythmic.
When nervous or uncomfortable on your bike, take some time to gain control.
If you think a section is well beyond your skill level then get off your bike, take a look and only ride it if you are confident that you can complete it with the minimal amount of risk to yourself and others.
It is your responsibility to avoid other persons and objects around you.
Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
When entering a trail or starting downhill, you must look uphill and yield to other riders.

Going Uphill

Learn how to distribute your weight evenly across the bike whilst feeding power to the right areas of the bike.
It takes practice to learn how simple variations in forward and backwards movements of your body can help you get over obstacles and up steep hills.
Drop your elbows and keep them close to your side, lowering the centre of gravity - as you become more expert you can start to shift your weight slightly further forward which should additionally help with the front wheel lifting.
Keep your head up to pick your line - you should see the obstacle and focus your attention immediately on the best route around it. Keep your focus on this point of reference and you will usually successfully navigate tricky obstacles.
Get in the right gear - When approaching a hill a common problem is to flick into the lowest gear and attack the hill. Instead, select the gear that's just low enough that doesn't mean you have to stand on the pedals.

Going downhill

This can be an exhilarating, adrenaline pumping ride but also very dangerous.
You should always check that your brakes are in the best working order before attempting an extreme downhill ride!
Place your weight over the rear of the bike - Keep your rear end as far back as you can without losing control of the front of the bike
Stay Low, holding the front of your body as close to the bike as possible - On steep sections, place your belly on the saddle
Keep your legs and arms relaxed and flexible - Even though you may be riding a full suspension downhill mountain bike, your arms and legs are the most effective shock absorbers you have, and flexibility in your legs is key when riding over humps and bumps.
When riding over the bumps, get your weight back over the rear wheel, and either grip the saddle with your thighs, or place your belly on the saddle keeping your knees bent and relaxed. Your elbows should also be slightly bent.
Keep your feet in line with the ground - Unless negotiating sharp tight switchbacks or corners your feet should be in a 'platform' position at roughly 3 and 9 o'clock. If you start to loose control it's easy for you to just jump off the back of the bike. Trying to dismount over the top of the bike is not always the most practical on the steep stuff.
Brake evenly using both the front and back brake.
Pick a line and stick to it - As you descend, look ahead 15 to 20 feet. The route you choose and your brake control contribute to a fluid descent as well.

Night Riding

Night riding is something the novice rider might rather like to avoid. The professionals such as Mark Hendershot have shared some info on how to approach riding at night:

Set Your Light Right - The ideal light setup combines a helmet-mounted spotlight and a bar-mounted unit with a broad-coverage beam.
Look where you want to go - Your light, like your bike, is going to follow your eyes, so look ahead, not down. "Your helmet light should be aimed at least eight feet ahead".
Artificial light sources create shadows that skew your perspective on obstacles. Two keys to success in technical situations: knowing about the weird shadows, and saving your highest light-output setting for when things get rough.
Novice riders should stick to a trail they know like the back of their hands so they can test their night vision on known obstacles and corners.

Emergency response and preparedness on the mountain bike trail

The mountain biker should always consider his location, the trail and possible “worst case scenario” consequences before undertaking the ride. Medical rescue services globally have reported an alarming increase in mountain biker rescues over recent years. On average, the injuries are worse, the distance is greater and the terrain is more challenging. Consider the following:

How easy would it be to receive medical treatment or to be evacuated from where you are riding?
Keep in mind that helicopters cannot fly in low visibility and may not be able to fly out to rescue you in the event of an accident.
In bad weather, you should take fewer risks and try to stay near to a 4×4 track where the emergency services can get a vehicle to you.
Injuries tend to range from minor wounds, such as cuts and abrasions from falls on gravel, to major injuries such as broken bones, head or spinal injuries resulting from impacts with rocks, trees or the terrain being ridden on.

Even though it is not required of the mountain bikers to possess the knowledge and skills of a paramedics, a bit of first aid awareness can be of great help in an emergency situation! We would like to advise taking a first aid training course to learn how to treat a broader range of injuries.

Conclusion

With this page we would like to pay tribute to the memory of Olympic cyclist Burry Stander and the inspiration he delivered to so many MTB enthusiasts! We would like to plead for greater safety and respect towards all cyclists from all cycling codes! May we share our public roads and mountain bike trails with the greatest of respect to all!

Also view:

Burry Stander Foundation

Cycling Safety Tips

Cycling and Road Safety

Cycling Safety Suggestions for South African Conditions

Cycling Safety on South African roads and mountain bike trails

Driving in bad weather presents several challenges to the motorist! We shared information on this as well as some safe driving techniques on the Arrive Alive website in a section titled “Driving in Bad Weather”. But what about our bikers who are even less protected against the elements?

We decided to raise this with our bike safety instructors from Bike Talk, and they shared the following insights and answers to our questions:

“It’s 7am Monday morning and you peer out your bedroom window. Although the weatherman on TV had announced the night before that clear skies were in today’s forecast, dark grey rain clouds are looming in the distance. While sipping on your coffee, you try to estimate just how soon they’ll be hovering over your house and contemplate thoughts such as, ‘If I leave now, maybe, just maybe I’ll be able to make it without getting wet.’ After all, that shiny bike of yours, sitting in the garage all night is begging for you to take it for another spin. You glance back up at the clouds and decide that yet again, you will chance it and ride.”

How important is pre-trip planning for bad weather riding and how do you do it?

The odds are if you ride long and far enough, sooner or later you’ll be confronted with bad weather, willingly or not. It could start off as a clear day, but then turn ugly and huff and puff you around the next corner. Taking into account experience, skill, preparation and risk tolerance, riding in rain or seriously bad weather should be avoided at all costs. However for some, riding a motorcycle in the rain can be anything from frightening to fun.

My planning involves attitude relaxed (check), good tyres (check), all weather high visibility gear, boots, gloves and rain suit (check), visor coated with anti-fog and water repellant (check). As for the route, fuel stops and rest breaks – nothing different to a normal day’s riding.

Preparing for any ride is important, but if you know you are going to hit bad weather and have no other choice but to head to it, then following are a few pointers that’ll get you through it.

Are there any pre-trip bike inspection and maintenance that becomes more important when faced with bad weather?

First of all I make sure my motorcycle is in good operating condition, especially the tyres as they are your first point of contact to the road, so they better be good. If I have to mention a brand here, with excellent road holding for bad or wet weather, then allow me to recommend Michelin Pilot Road 3.

Apart from the normal pre-ride inspection, let me not assume every rider conducts one, the primary focus has to be on lights, tyres, shocks and brakes. Lights for visibility: check that all the lights work, tail and brake light, indicators, and headlights. Get into the habit of riding with your main beams on, especially in low visibility conditions. Tyres should have a good tread depth and preferably suitable for wet weather riding or water displacement for traction. Just like bad shocks will give you poor road holding, multiply that effect for wet weather. These days most bikes come fitted with ABS and Traction Control, and although these are good to have, there are still motorcycles out there without these options. Brake pads and discs should be check for wear, have them checked and get your motorcycle brake lines bled before the ride.

What are the most common types and causes of motorbike accidents in bad weather?

There are three types that stand out above the rest and these are: speed, following distance and surface. A typical situation is when you’ve been riding in dry weather, when all of a sudden you hit rain and the transition from your dry to your wet riding style takes too long. In other words, you are still riding at the same pace, following other traffic at the same distance, and not realizing you are riding on a more slippery surface soon enough.

You need to be able to change your “riding cap” in the same way as the weather changed: Quickly!

Immediately slow down! Immediately increase your following distance! Immediately pull over under a bridge or stop at a fuel station, and wait 30 minutes for the muck to float to the surface and washed away by general traffic or more rain, then get back in there. Stay off painted lines, manhole covers or anything that will jeopardize traction.

What are the most important motorbike riding techniques to be aware of in bad weather?

Naturally, on wet roads lowered speeds, and careful movements are the watchwords. Keeping a relaxed body, and not a death grip on the bars also lets the bike do its thing. Progressively use the brakes. Take turns and accelerate smoothly. Going up a gear can help prevent spinning the rear wheel.

What do you need to know about safe riding in?

Thunderstorms: It is not advisable to ride if you are where lightning is striking. Riders have been killed or knocked unconscious while riding in lightning. The lucky ones wake up in a ditch.
Bitterly cold, snow or ice: Forget about riding in these severe conditions all together.
Strong winds: A motorcycle is like a little sail. Full fairings and lighter bikes are especially susceptible to side winds. Be prepared to have to lean into the crosswind just to stay upright. But if leaning into the breeze, also be ready to compensate if the crosswind abruptly stops. Alternately, some riders have been known to parallel cars or larger vehicles to let them block extreme crosswinds. Be careful not to ride in anyone’s blind spot though, if you try this.

Is there anything special that you need to consider when riding with a passenger?

Do the math; some pillions weigh 50kg, others weigh 100kg. Putting extra weight on the motorcycle will affect the handling. Adjust your suspension and tyre pressures to compensate for the amount of company you’ve brought along. Realize that your braking capabilities have changed; take that into account. The more weight you have on the motorcycle, the longer it takes to stop but it will help get more rubber down for traction.

How important is the personal protective clothing in bad weather - is there anything else you will be wearing changing from normal weather riding?

Always pack a rain suit when going on a long trip where there’s a good chance of rain, but a few years ago opted for a good all weather jacket with a wet/winter lining and a pair of Easy Overs from Xkulcha. A quality pair of all- weather boots to keep your feet dry, and the same goes for a pair of gloves. Now these items just keep the water out, you still have to deal with hypothermia and here I suggest you get yourself an open-ended tube scarf to keep the cold from creeping in at the neck area, a thermal vest and thermal underpants if you like. Don’t forget the thermal socks if you must.

There are vast amounts of all weather gear on the market, but I prefer to use those items that can adapt from the one to the other weather condition without having to carry or wear two of each. A simple but clever modular system is more than you’ll need in South African weather conditions.

How important is experience in bad weather riding conditions – are there any specific areas the novice rider should rather avoid in bad weather, or training he can do to be better prepared for bad weather riding?

A lot about how your rain riding experience goes is up to you. If, however, you are caught in a situation you feel is too much to handle, find the nearest safe spot to pull over. Otherwise, proactively teaching yourself to ride in the rain pushes back your fear threshold. Panic is the common denominator of all sorts of rider-induced crashes, so thinking about what you are doing, learning as you go, and not riding beyond the capacity of you or your motorcycle is key.

Any additional info you deem to be important for riding in adverse weather conditions?

By trying out a few options in bad weather closer to home, and sorting out any issues, could make the difference between surviving a longer trip and hating every minute of it.

Keep your vision and visibility clear: Hi-visibility colors and reflective bits are better than black or neutral colors without reflection. If you fell on the road, you would want to be easily identifiable as a human, not a piece of dirt bag. Treat your helmet visor with ATG (All Terrain Gear’s) Anti-Fog and Water Repellant coatings, and laugh at the buckets of water the weather might be throwing at you.

Answers kindly provided by:

Hein Jonker | Editor and Senior Instructor

Bike Talk | Motorcycle Magazine, Academy & Events

Tel. 0861 BIKETALK/24538255 | Fax. 0866 4898 55

Also View:

We often find in crash reports the phrase that “the brakes failed”.

But what does this mean, and how do an Accident Investigator/ Collision Reconstructionist go about establishing whether brake failure has been one of the contributing factors to the crash?

After the recent horrific crash at an intersection at Pinetown we decided to approach well known accident investigator Stan Bezuidenhout with questions to provide some clarity and insights on brake failure as a contributing factor to vehicle crashes.

We raised the following questions:

What are the most important differences between the braking system on trucks and the brakes on a normal passenger vehicle?

The most important difference between "car" and "truck" brakes include the following:

Car brakes are essentially in a permanent state of non-engagement. There are no brakes until you apply foot pressure. This pressure is amplified by the brake booster (brake system components) and converted into pressure applied via two cylinders to a pair of brake "pads" that clamp down on the brake disk. Essentially, this means that there are no brakes until brakes are actively applied. The car brake system contains a fluid (brake fluid) that is used to transfer pressure from the operator's foot to the brake calipers.
Truck brakes essentially consist of TWO systems: Park (or Spring) brakes and Service (or Foot) brakes. The truck brake system has a cylinder that contains a strong spring and a vacuum chamber (booster). This is connected to a push-rod which is, in turn, connected to an arm (slack adjuster) which twists a shaft with a cam (S-Cam on it). The S-Cam causes two brake SHOES to expand (open up) and contact with the inside of a brake drum. So, a truck brake system would be permanently ENGAGED if there was no external influence. A truck brake system works with a vacuum. If there is NO VACUUM, the springs would actuate the push-rod, which will lever the slack adjuster, turning the S-cam (shaft), engaging the brakes. When vacuum is applied, the push-rod (end) is "sucked back" and then the brakes are released. Then - every time a driver ties to "brake" the vacuum would be released and the brakes would be applied. You can "essentially" say that the truck brake system (air brakes) work in "reverse" to car brakes.

When we hear that the “brakes have failed” – What does this actually mean?

In the case of car brakes, this could mean a number of things, including:

a) There is a "leak" in the brake pipes, causing brake fluid to escape (leak out) and this would mean that there is no longer enough fluid to transfer pressure.

b) Seals could damage, resulting in some of the pressure "Escaping," reducing brake efficiency.

c) The brake linings (brake pads) could become worn, requiring more and more pedal actuation to engage brakes.

d) Brakes could overheat, resulting in poor brakes or even the brake fluid boiling or breaking down and reducing brake efficiency.

2. In the case of air brakes it gets a bit more complicated. The following things can lead to a "Failure:"

a) If there is ANY fault (leak) on the vacuum system and the vacuum is lost, the spring brakes will "actuate" and stop the vehicle.

b) If there is any fluid leak (bearing grease, etc), the friction surfaces can be compromised (made too slippery) and the vehicle could lose braking efficiency.

c) If the Slack Adjuster is not set (or adjusted) properly, the push rod might not be able to push the slack adjuster far enough to result in actuation.

d) If a booster is failing, operators sometimes removes the pipes, jacks off the brakes (this can be done) and seals the pipe so that the rest of the brake (boosters) can work; but this can lead to total brake failure due to overheating.

e) If the S-Cam turns too far, it can "flip over" and it then stops having any effect on brakes, while "everything looks fine." This is very dangerous and renders the brakes ineffective.

As an expert witness in court – are there specific challenges from the prosecutor / defense lawyer you have come to experience with regards to testimony on brake failure?

One of the biggest issues with regards to brake failure is the actual towing and recovery. When tow companies want to tow a vehicle that was involved in a collision and the brake system has been compromised, they need to "jack off" all the brakes.

This then forces the brake system, to compress the spring (brake) and release the wheel brakes.

If this is done the original condition of the brakes cannot be checked effectively and therefore testimony becomes harder.

Also - if the truck (horse) is totally destroyed, the efficiency of the vacuum pump and regulators cannot be determined reliably. This means that SOME components of the brake system might remain unexamined - limiting the accuracy of testimony.

Which brake components are the most likely to “fail”?

In cars it would be the brake pads (themselves), the master cylinder (main cylinder near the foot-brake that applies initial pressure) and the slave cylinder (the cylinder at the wheels that actuate the caliper) seals. But, as brake fluid gets older it also starts to deteriorate, and this also reduces braking efficiency.

In air brake systems the slack adjuster angles, vacuum (pressure) regulators and load sensors (not set properly) as well as worn brake linings are the most common causes of failure.

When you are requested to investigate a crash with alleged brake failure – what do you specifically look for and what are the indicators that there has indeed been brake failure?

Drivers of cars must ALWAYS become alert and have their brakes seen to if:

a) The brakes become "spongy."

b) The brakes work fine, but "fade" and become less effective at time (normally after increased use).

c) They find that there is a "scraping" sound when they brake.

d) The vehicle pulls to either side while they are braking.

e) They have to "pump" the brakes to stop.

Drivers of trucks and buses must become alert and report faults when:

a) They have to wait too long for the spring brakes to release (after starting up).

b) The pressure (or vacuum - there is a gauge in most vehicles) fluctuates at times.

c) They can hear the brake system "unloading" intermittently while they are driving.

d) They smell or see smoke from any wheels or brake system while driving or stopping.

e) They are unable to stop effectively at any time.

f) Their trailer brakes lock up when they are loaded or partially loaded, when they stop.

g) They hear any mechanical knocking or banging sounds while driving or braking.

What would you suggest as the most important steps for the trucking company and passenger vehicle driver to do to avoid brake failure?

Drivers should have their vehicle tested and checked REGULARLY.

Drivers should report BRAKE SYSTEM ISSUES IMMEDIATELY (see those above) and PUT IT IN WRITING.

If you experience ANY issues with braking, hear any funny sounds, see any fluids run out anywhere (at wheels) or if your can see brakes are hot (steam, smoke, etc), REPORT IT or HAVE IT SEEN TO immediately.

How important is training on vehicle maintenance for the trucking company - van the accident investigator play an important role in preventative measures as well?

No person should be allowed to work on a vehicle brake (or any other safety) system who is not a qualified mechanic/technician.

What role can the accident investigator / truck brake expert play in crash prevention?

We conduct regular technical fleet audits for clients. This having been said, these are NOT (mere) roadworthiness checks.

We examine a vehicle completely and our evaluation is so strict that we even "fail" new vehicles.

As crash reconstruction experts, we look not only at the functional elements but also the theoretical/legal ones.

We look at any and all items that could, might, would or may (one day) contribute to a collision.

With our Technical Fleet Audits, we assign a fault gravity value for each element we are able to predict as a possible cause or factor in COLLISIONS.

From this, we produce a chart, showing the components or aspects that need IMMEDIATE care (vehicle must be removed form service), urgent (fault/element must be repaired as soon as vehicle returns), serious (Fault must be repaired at next service) or general (it should be attended to at the next major service).

By being made aware of all the elements and seeing a chart (with red indicators) also enables a fleet owner to IMMEDIATELY evaluate the quality of his/her fleet and to determine how urgently they need to act.

Our system is so effective that we have seen clients recall and immediately repair 84 vehicles in three days (working overnight).

By having us do an independent technical fleet audit and acting on our recommendations, our clients are able to show (in the very unfortunate event of a collision) that they are SO SERIOUS about road safety, that they have appointed an independent EXPERT to examine all their vehicles and that they took immediate steps to eliminate all possible risks.

Stan Bezuidenhout

Forensic Collision Homicide Reconstructionist

Managing Director

IBF Investigations – All the evidence since 2000

c. +27 (0) 79 663-8664

f. 086 610-4148

e. stansb@ibfsa.com

w. www.ibfsa.com

Also view:

Brakes/ Braking and Road Safety

Accident Investigation and Road Safety

Alleged Brake Failure Crash in Pinetown

On the Arrive Alive website we find a detailed discussion on the importance of Emergency Response during the “Golden Hour”. Precious time lost getting to the scene of the car crash or medical emergency during this time could mean the difference between life-and-death.

In this section we would like to focus on safe driving for other road users when emergency vehicles with lights and sirens are heading towards the scene of an emergency. The drivers of emergency vehicles are mostly well trained in advanced driving and focused on the safety of others. They have no intention or desire to force others from the roads.

The everyday road user in return needs to make way for them in a safe manner and not create another emergency by making the wrong moves.

We will be sharing information on safe driving in an emergency as well as advice from the experts on how to respond when we hear the sirens of an emergency vehicle.

What are the major threats on the road when acting in emergency response?

Personnel of the emergency services risk their lives daily to help us in our time of need. But are we aware of the threats they encounter on the roads? Sometimes the biggest risk is just getting to the scene of a road crash or other medical emergency!

Emergency vehicles need to travel at high speed safely to reach those in need of medical response. Through unsafe driving we can stand in the way of a life-or-death situation.

The biggest threat is the driver who panics when he hears the sound of a siren.
Many drivers are confused about what to do and either come to a stop abruptly at the wrong place or makes a dangerous move threatening the safety of not only the emergency vehicle, but also other road users.
Some drivers don't give way at all, especially during rush hour.
Many road users, when approaching the scene of an accident are distracted, causing rubbernecking and dangerous traffic situations.

There are also increased risks at specific locations:

At hills or blind bends – when drivers stop at a hill or blind bend it puts the emergency vehicle driver in further jeopardy.
At Hospitals - Fire Stations: When drivers pull over at the entrances of these premises they may hinder one of their emergency vehicles from leaving or safe arrival.
Stopped or Parked Emergency Vehicle: Where these vehicles are spotted drivers need to slow down and continue with caution giving the emergency vehicle a wide berth. Watch out for obstacles, other drivers, and Rubbernecker's.
At Road Junctions/ Intersections: Vehicles sometimes block these junctions thereby impeding the emergency vehicle

Road Traffic Legislation / Rules of the Road and sharing the roads with Emergency Vehicles

There is specific legislation governing this in South Africa.

Regulation 308(1)(h) applies.

General duties of driver or passenger of vehicle on public road

Reg 308. (1) No person driving or having a vehicle on a public road shall—

(h) fail to give an immediate and absolute right of way to a vehicle sounding a device or bell or displaying an identification lamp in terms of section 58(3) or 60 or regulation 176;

Many drivers seem to think they can evaluate and judge whether a blue lamp is legitimate before they move out of the way. This is however not a decision to be made by the driver!

Reg 308 makes it an offence if the person does not immediately try to get out of the way regardless if the blue lamp is displayed legitimately.

Note that the Act also talks about a " warning lamp" (ie: flashing lights) which is deemed to be equivalent to a siren, so if you see a police car behind you which has its flashing lights on without a siren, your reaction should be the same as if it was sounding its siren.

In any event, regulation 308 (h) makes it an offence to fail to give "...immediate and absolute right of way..." to a vehicle displaying flashing lights and / or sirens in terms of S58 / 60. However, that doesn't mean you're obliged to crash your car into a barrier or something the moment a siren comes on behind you, because S58 also says that a driver of a vehicle which is showing a warning lamp or sounding a siren is obliged to drive "...with due regard to the safety of other traffic..."

So basically, the moment you can safely move out of the way, you should do so!

What do we need to avoid doing?

Before focusing on what to do we need to also consider what we should avoid doing!

Avoid those driver distractions such as loud music that may prevent you from hearing sirens timeously – keep the noise levels down inside your vehicle.
When an emergency vehicle approaches, do not panic and over-react.
Do not disregard the emergency lights & sirens and continue to travel despite the response vehicle.
Do not slam on your brakes or stop abruptly blocking the road or a junction or stop at a place that doesn’t have enough room to pull over.
Do not stop at places where it will be difficult for the emergency driver to pass – such as a hill or a bend.
Do not pull to the right or stop in the middle lane when there is room to pull to the left.
Do not race ahead trying to cross the green traffic light before the emergency vehicle gets there.
Never drive through a red light or stop sign when an emergency vehicle approaches from behind.
Do not try to overtake an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights unless directed to do so by a police officer or emergency personnel.
Emergency services will use the hard shoulder if all lanes are blocked, so don't drive onto, or block the hard shoulder.
Keep a following distance and avoid following behind emergency vehicles too closely – it is dangerous and may be illegal!
Avoid making sudden movements once an emergency vehicle has passed – there may be more response vehicles heading your way!

Safe driving after hearing the sirens: What do we need to do when driving?

The best advice would be for the driver to do the following:

Be prepared - look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights, headlights and sirens.
Avoid loud noise and other distractions and regularly scan your rear-view mirror.
Stay calm and make well informed decisions while staying safe and within the rules of safe driving and the law.
Remain aware of vehicles to your right and left as well as vehicles possibly in your mirrors' blind spots.
Check your rear-view and side mirrors to estimate the speed of the emergency vehicle and plan your next move.
Start looking ahead for a safe area where you can pull over.
If it would be unsafe to bring the vehicle to a safe stop - move forward at a safe speed.
Confused or nervous drivers that stay in motion, not knowing what to do or where to go, are the drivers that usually collide with other motorists or the emergency vehicle.
Always signal your intent to emergency vehicles and other road users by using your indicators.
Pull over to the inside lane if possible and wait for the emergency vehicle to pass.
Keep a foot on the brake so the brake lights let emergency vehicle drivers know you have stopped.
Keep in mind there may be more emergency vehicles heading in the same direction.
Be prepared in case you may be approaching the scene of a road crash.
When you see a stopped emergency vehicle- slow down and move over a lane if possible. If traffic or other conditions prevent you from changing lanes, you must slow down and proceed with caution.
When passing the scene of an accident do not be distracted or slow down unnecessarily - avoid causing another crash.
When you are at an intersection with a stop sign or red light and a response vehicle is coming up behind you, stay where you are if you cannot pull to the left.
Anticipate the likely route the driver of the emergency vehicle will take. If you're on a long road with no turnings ahead, it's sensible to assume that the emergency driver wishes to drive straight on and get past you.
Check to make sure the way is clear and signal before merging gradually into the fast-flowing traffic.

Challenges facing the Emergency Response Teams

We decided to approach our road safety partner and emergency response service provider ER24 to gain some insights on the challenges they face daily when responding to emergencies.

We raised the following questions:

Do you believe drivers in SA know what to do when they hear the emergency siren?

In general I do not believe that drivers know what to do when they hear a siren. Also we need to keep in mind that some sirens are not audible at long distances and will definitely not be heard when people have loud music on in their vehicles. The standard requirement is usually a 100Watt siren system. About a year ago ER24 changed the requirements and installed 2x 150Watt dual tone sirens in our emergency vehicles in order to make it more audible.

What do you experience as the biggest mistakes these drivers make when hearing a siren?

The first thing is people panic. They do not always know what to do and do not know where to move. Although it is accepted that you move to the left so the emergency vehicle can pass, it is not always possible and especially in peak traffic vehicles cannot always move over. Generally people also slam on brakes and slow down. This increases the risk of a collision as the emergency vehicle operator is not sure what the motorist's next move is. Try and use your indicator and move as soon as possible so we can plan our route around you.

How do you guard against these dangers – what can the driver of the emergency response vehicle do?

We try and keep a good distance between the vehicles in front and around us. However, if we do not move forward closer to the vehicle, the motorists do not make way. We use our indicators to show the motorist in which lane we try to move into. There is not a lot you can do but wait for a vehicle to move and pass until it is safe to do so.

How do drivers of the emergency response vehicle approach entering an intersection?

Intersections are very dangerous as the majority of collisions involving emergency vehicles occur here. Therefore we would slow down and the rule is to come to a complete stop at a red light before entering the intersection. Turning lanes are the biggest culprits here. People see the light as green and cannot understand why everyone is stationary. They proceed with speed into the turning lane and collide with the emergency vehicle. The slower you enter an intersection while responding the safer it is. Even a green light should be considered as dangerous as motorist's panic and may make sudden moves into the path of an oncoming ambulance or emergency vehicle.

Where do you as the driver of the emergency response vehicle seek to drive with emergency lights on a multiple lane road?

The best option is the far right hand lane. Should the traffic be gridlocked we try and make use of the emergency lane on the far left hand side. Some highways make it possible to use the shoulder lane on the far right hand as well. We seldom move in between the vehicles – this usually happens when there is no emergency or shoulder lane or if the emergency vehicle needs to get to an off ramp.

Any advice you might have for drivers when they are approached by emergency vehicles with their lights and sirens?

Pay attention and observe your surroundings. If you are not sure what to do, stay where you are and drive normally. We will move around you. If there is space for you to move left, proceed to do so if safe. Check your mirrors regularly and start moving over when you notice emergency lights. Do not wait for the vehicle to be right behind you to move over. Do NOT slam on brakes and then move over. Do so in a smooth and controlled manner.

Advice from the Safe Driving Experts

What do our safe driving instructors perceive to be the major risks when sharing the roads with emergency vehicles? We discussed this with Rob-Handfield Jones from Driving.co.za

Do you believe drivers are alert enough in traffic to pay attention to emergency sirens? Have we become too distracted?

A siren is fairly intrusive and even a distracted driver should be aware of the change in outside noise. A key issue is when drivers have music playing too loudly in the car and they can't physically hear the sirens.

What are the most common mistakes drivers make when suddenly hearing emergency sirens?

The most common mistake is that they don't hear sirens due to in-vehicle noise / loud music, or that they are not paying attention and do not see the flashing lights (which are equivalent to a siren, as I've already mentioned).

Another mistake drivers make is to brake almost by reflex when a vehicle with flashing lights or sirens approaches from behind. This is bad because it disrupts traffic flow and if you ask anyone who drives an emergency vehicle, they will list it as one of their major annoyances when on a response call.

The third mistake is to try and move out of the way when it's not safe to do so. This could cause a multi-vehicle crash in which an emergency or police vehicle might be involved and means that they cannot assist at the accident or crime scene they are trying to reach.

What would your best advice be to drivers on how to drive when hearing the siren?

On a multi-lane road – where do they go?

Maintain your speed and move out of the way as soon as you can safely do so. Remember you are obliged by law to give way, so don't hog the lane in defiance.

At an intersection/ traffic light?

Move as far left (or right) as you can to create space for the vehicle to get by if they are approaching from behind. If the vehicle is crossing the intersection against a red light or clearly intends to disregard a stop street or yield sign, remember that the law empowers it to do so while it is sounding its siren or showing flashing lights, so give way even if the light is green for you or it's "your turn" to go.

Are there any specific advice to cyclists or pedestrians - what would you advise them to do?

I've long believed that part of school education should include a module on vehicle dynamics so that pedestrians and cyclists can learn what vehicles are capable of and in which direction their momentum will carry them under different conditions. I.e. if a vehicle is skidding, or is involved in a minor crash at an intersection where is it likely to end up, and which way a pedestrian or cyclist should run / ride to get out of the way?

Unfortunately, most pedestrians don't have this knowledge, so they should always walk facing traffic and stay far back from the roadway to avoid conflict with drivers trying to get out of the way of emergency vehicles. Also, they should never walk on freeways. There is a worrying trend of pedestrians encouraging taxis to stop on freeways to allow them to get on or off, but this blocks the emergency lane and could lead to pedestrians being killed.

Conclusion

Let us assist our emergency response personnel to provide help fast and effective. If you had an emergency or a loved one was in peril you would want the emergency services to reach them as quickly as possible!

Also view:

Emergency Response Time and Road Safety

Emergency Services Communications on the road to a car crash

Accident scene safety

A word of appreciation to the following people for assistance with the Q&A’s

-Werner Vermaak, ER24

-Rob-Handfield Jones, Driving.co.za

The Emergency Medical Kit and Safety on the Road

We should always do our best to be prepared to respond to any emergency. Even though we may not be trained medical professionals there are often small bits of assistance we can provide with first aid and effective and fast response to smaller emergencies.

We always advise motorists to travel with a first aid kit or have a first aid kit available at home. This becomes especially important with small kids picking up those nasty bumps, burns, cuts and bruises. Many of us are however not well organized and could do with some advice on what we may need in such an emergency medical kit.

We decided to approach our road safety partner ER24 with questions about emergency preparedness and the emergency kit! Werner Vermaak kindly assisted with these Q&A’s.

What would you regard as the most important requirements for an emergency medical kit with regards to size, design, materials etc.?

A first aid kit should not be a hassle to take with you on holiday or keep in your vehicle. A good size is usually something that can fit comfortably into your cubby hole or one size larger that you keep in the boot of your vehicle. With regards to design, it should be something that is durable, preferably a bright colour so it can be easily identified and water resistant.

What would be the most important pieces of equipment / supplies in such an emergency medical kit?

The most important items should be items to treat burn wounds, cuts and bruises, splint a fracture, band aids, scissor, tweezer, treatment for insect bites and stings as well as disinfectant. If you prefer to keep medicine in your first aid kit, such as headache tablets, anti-nausea and vomiting, etc – it must be clearly marked and in a container that cannot be opened by small children. It is important that only a responsible adult make use of these medications and that no prescription medications are kept in the first aid kit. Also do not administer your prescription medication to someone else, even if you use the same medication.

Would your emergency kit differ from the one you keep at home and the one you have in the car? Would you recommend that we have an emergency kit both at home and in our vehicles?

Generally the kit may differ in size, but the content stays the same. It is recommended to keep one in the vehicle as well as in the house / kitchen. It might be good to think of purchasing a small fire extinguisher for the kitchen and/or the boot of the car.

What would be the most important essentials to carry in a mini-kit when biking etc in the outdoors?

Bandages, Band aids and anti-septic solution. Sunblock would also be a good item to keep in your first aid kit as well as after-sun lotion. The content of your first aid kit largely depend on where you will be traveling to and what is most likely to happen. If you are a regular outdoorsman you would know what happened before and what you needed. You can pack this accordingly.

What are the most common mistakes the amateur tend to make when trying to perform first aid?

Usually the first aid kit is overstocked with items bought randomly at a pharmacy or outdoor shop. Be smart and keep the right things in your first aid kit. The most important things are (A/B) a CPR mouthpiece should you need to perform CPR. © Something to stop the bleeding and splint fractures. This includes band aids, bandages, dressings, strapping, gauze etc.

Probably the most important of all is MEDICAL GLOVES!!! Protect yourself before you try and help others. This should be in every first aid kit, regardless if you intend to use it on your family or not.

Are there specific measures the amateur responder in an emergency should rather avoid and leave to the trained professionals?

If you are unsure contact ER24 on 084124 and ask for medical advice. Do not simply do something because you have seen it on television or saw a medic do it once. We have seen this happen on several occasions before.

How can we improve our knowledge of first aid training – what can be taught in courses on first aid training?

There are different first aid courses that you can attend to learn the basics. From first aid level I to level III and then there are friends and family CPR, etc. Some training academies offer a wilderness first aid course and field side first aid course for schools.

Examples of the contents of an emergency medical aid kit

Motorist Kit in A5 Bag

1 First Aid Dressing No. 5

2 First Aid Dressing No. 3

1 Conform Bandage 75mm x 4.5m

1 Conform Bandage 50mm x 4.5m

1 Triangular Bandage

10 Plaster - Single

1 First Aid Scissors - Metal

1 Forceps - Metal

1 Safety Pins 10’s

1 Antiseptic Solution 100ml

1 CPR Mouthpiece

2 Gloves per Pair

1 Sterile Gauze 75 x 75mm 5’s

1 Eno Sachet

4 Alcohol Swabs

1 Burn Dressing 10x10cm

1 Paper Tape 25mm x 3m

1 Rescue Blanket

1 Plaster Roll 25mm x 3m

1 A5 Bag

Motorist Kit in A4 Bag

2 First Aid Dressing No. 5

2 First Aid Dressing No. 3

2 Conform Bandage 75mm x 4.5m

2 Conform Bandage 50mm x 4.5m

2 Triangular Bandage

10 Plaster - Single

1 First Aid Scissors - Metal

1 Forceps - Metal

1 Safety Pins 10’s

1 Antiseptic Solution 100ml

1 CPR Mouthpiece

2 Gloves per Pair

2 Sterile Gauze 75 x 75mm 5’s

1 Eno Sachet

4 Alcohol Swab

1 Burn Dressing 10x10cm

1 Paper Tape 25mm x 3m

1 Rescue Blanket

1 Plaster Roll 25mm x 3m

1 A4 Bag

Sports First Aid Kit

1 Antiseptic Solution 100ml

2 Plastic Lock-on Splint

2 Splint Wadding 100mm

2 Sterile Gauze 75x75mm 5’s

1 Forceps - Metal

1 Rescue Scissors

2 Safety Pins 10’s

6 Triangular Bandage

3 Conform Bandage 50mm x 4.5m

3 Conform Bandage 75mm x 4.5m

10 Anchor Plaster

10 Plaster - Single

1 Paper Tape 15mm x 3m

2 First Aid Dressing No. 2

2 First Aid Dressing No. 3

2 First Aid Dressing No. 5

3 Gloves per Pair - Large

3 Gloves per Pair - Medium

1 Cervical Collar - Medium

2 CPR Mouthpiece

1 Eye Bath

1 Eye Shield

3 Eye Pad

4 Eno Sachet

3 Crepe Bandage 75mm x 4.5m

3 Crepe Bandage 100mm x 4.5m

3 Elastic Adhesive Bandage 50mm x 4.5m

3 Elastic Adhesive Bandage 75mm x 4.5m

1 Wintergreen Ointment 100ml

2 Disposable Ice Pack

1 Rescue Blanket

2 Burn Dressing 10x10cm

1 Grabber Bag

Should people be interested in purchasing any of the first aid kits, they are more than welcome to email marketing@er24.co.za or contact 0861084124 and speak to Robyn Clarke or Clair Soutter.

Also view:

How to handle an Emergency

CPR and Road Safety – Know more and Save Lives

Accident Scene Safety

Technology is making a significant contribution towards safer roads. Not only are developments in technology maker vehicles safer, but also increases our ability to measure and evaluate driving behaviour. On the Arrive Alive website we have information on vehicle telematics and how it is best used in fleet management and logistics as well as in the scientific measurement of driver risk in the insurance industry. In this section we would like to focus on how dashboard camera recorders can contribute towards safer driving.

What is a Dashboard Camera Recorder?

A dash cam is a video camera mounted inside a vehicle. Most dash cams record both audio and video continuously. These cameras are sometimes called Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) or In Car Cameras.

The dashboard-mounted cameras record the sights and sounds while the car is driven, providing footage to document what happens on the road or in the car. The vast majority of dash cams are actually mounted on the windshield not on the dash. Most of the cameras are forward facing but some dual lens cameras (front and back) are gaining popularity as well

All these cameras work in basically the same way. The camera automatically switches on and begins recording as soon as the car engine starts. Some cameras are capable of recording in High Definition and deliver great video quality. Depending on the camera it either has the GPS module installed in the camera or it has an external Module. The speed, driving route and the video is all stored on a Memory card / Micro disc card which you can simply eject from the dashboard camera and plug into your computer via an adapter ( USB or memory card). You must install the supplied software for the particular camera in order to view the details.

These dashboard cameras record constantly until their limited flash storage is full, then it is erased and recorded again. If nothing goes awry during the drive, you’re not losing anything important when the video is overwritten. If you end up in an accident, the files can be pulled off the device and saved for possible use later.

Dashboard camera recorders can record speed along a specific route and is usually able to plot your exact location via GPS. Some of these dash cams are equipped with infra-red sensors to enable recordings in the dark too.

Many of the dashboard cameras come fitted with shock sensors. In the event of a physical shock from an accident, these cameras sense it and automatically store the video shot instead of deleting it.

Dash Camera Recorders in Russia & Increased Public Interest

There has been a significant increase in the interest amongst road users globally towards installing dash camera recorders in their cars. The horrific truck crash rash in Pinetown, captured with a dashboard camera recorder, has also sparked this interest in South Africa.

But what may be the reason for the sudden interest? It is important to consider the significant contribution by road users in Russia towards awareness and the tendency towards sharing experiences via social media!

According to a report by Al Jazeera, an estimated one million Russian motorists have dashboard video cameras installed in their cars. They have become nearly indispensable for Russian drivers -reasons include:

Driving camera recorders are used to help stamp out police corruption - the Russian Highway Patrol is known for brutality, corruption, extortion and making an income on bribes.
Dash cams are seen as affording some protection from baseless accusations.
Hard winters do serious damage to the roads, leading to tough driving conditions and an increase in road crashes on snow and ice.
Even a minor crash in Russia often results in accusations, accompanied by a demand for immediate payment and a threat to call police.
The cameras can help cut down on scams where other motorists or pedestrians try to stage car crashes.
Ineffective law enforcement has also made is easier for organized crime to make millions from insurance scams. The perpetrators can easily present witnesses that corroborate their version of events.
Russian courts have to sort out the he-said-she-said versions of what happened during traffic crashes. Judges rarely accept verbal evidence in these cases. Dashboard cameras with visual evidence do not lie, so they are important for any hope of winning a case.
Aggressive drivers are abundant on Russian roads – The dashboard camera recorder may help you when ending up on the receiving end of battery, road rage or property destruction.

Social Media

In Russia we find a very flexible/ sloppy online content policy – sensors are not cutting video clips with bad injuries, too much blood or other overly violent content.
Websites in Russia frequently share the uncut, the horrible accidents–trucks flipping over, people being smashed into pieces and sedans flying up in the air and exploding.
They also share footage on reckless driving, near-misses, incidents of road rage etc. and are not censored such as the television stations –making it popular amongst the public!
The videos of uncut crashes from these websites find their way to YouTube and links on Facebook and twitter make them available to us all!

Vehicle Telematics and Road Safety

A wise man once said “Look after the facts and the Law/ Justice will look after itself”. The dashboard camera recorder can play an important role as a vehicle telematics device to collect, record and present the facts about driving behaviour!

What is vehicle telematics?

The technology of sending, receiving and storing information via telecommunication devices in conjunction with effecting control on remote objects.
The integrated use of telecommunications and informatics, for application in vehicles and with control of vehicles on the move.
Telematics includes, but is not limited to Global Positioning System technology integrated with computers and mobile communications technology in automotive navigation systems.

Most narrowly, the term refers to the use of such systems within road vehicles, in which case the term vehicle telematics may be used. This use includes emergency warning system for vehicles, GPS navigation, integrated hands-free cell phones, wireless safety communications and automatic driving assistance systems etc.

The dashboard camera recorder is capable of supplementing information gathered by these other telematics and tracking devices!

Benefits of Dashboard Camera Recorders

There are many reasons why a dashboard camera recorder may be a good idea. Here are just a few:

Clear identification of cause and consequences in a car accident / Evidence in case of an accident / Crash reconstruction

When you get into road crash, a dash cam can be the perfect eyewitness and real proof of what took place! Dash-cam footage is the only real way to substantiate your claims in the court of law. They are excellent in the reconstruction of road crashes and establishing what caused the crash.

People who drive large SUVs and trucks are often blamed unfairly when they are involved in an accident. Many drivers are also accused of lane hogging, tailgating and other driver behaviours that might have caused a crash. Dash cams are popular among these drivers and may offer proof that they are not at fault.

Mechanism to Fight Corruption and Fraud

There are some unscrupulous people who will purposely cause a crash then blame the other party. They may try to extort money from the victim or fake injuries to collect payment from insurance companies. Dash-cam video footage can provide the perfect mechanism to stop these fraudsters in their tracks.

The dash cam can be a very handy device for the driver who may be falsely accused and confronted for the purposes of soliciting a bribe by a traffic official. Not only will he have evidence of his driving prior to being stopped, but also can the subsequent conversation be recorded.

To prevent vehicle abuse and misuse / Driver behaviour measurement

Not only can the company vehicle driver be monitored but everyone else driving your vehicle. You will know exactly how your vehicle was treated by that driver. Dash cams with GPS will even provide the route and speed travelled.

In the fleet management and vehicle logistics industry the dashboard camera recorders can contribute towards better management and efficient fleet maintenance. They can be used alongside vehicle tracking systems for effective supervision of speed, driving route and general driving behaviour. They can reveal unnecessary lance changes, poor following distance and many other dangerous driving activities. This can both reduce crashes and costly expenses for vehicle maintenance caused by excessive wear and tear.

Responsible driving by young drivers and effective parenting

Parents of teens often worry endlessly about letting their children take their cars out. Many parents tell their teens these days that they need to accept driving with the dash cam on if they really want to take the car out. The camera footage can provide evidence as to whether the teens are responsible behind the wheel. This can also be beneficial when checking up on the au pair driving the kids around!

Reporting bad drivers

There are many ways to report bad driving nowadays to both transport authorities and fleet managers! Video evidence from a dash cam can be used to report drunk drivers, distracted drivers, dangerous drivers and road rage incidents. The dash cam video provides real proof of what happened. This will also keep drivers alert and responsible when driving with the knowledge that they may be on camera!

Promoting road safety and educating the public via video footages

Footage from dashboard camera recorders can be an educational tool and used effectively in driver training. Video is an effective way to show not only the don’ts on the road, but also advise and offer education on how to drive safely.

Dashboard cameras are fun!

When driving on a very scenic route it is fun to record magical moments, share with friends and family later at home. You can create an awesome road trip video of your holiday travels.

Assisting Car insurance companies with Insurance Claims

It can be very hard for any insurance company to determine who exactly caused an accident. Footage from dashboard camera recorders could be useful to support an insurance claim and to apportion blame after a collision between vehicles.

Insurance companies could begin to offer discounts to dash cam-equipped cars similar to discounts offered when vehicles have tracking devices installed. We could soon find the development of insurance products linked to having a video camera in your car. In fact, dash cam material can significantly reduce claim-processing time for insurers since claim adjudicators can find out the truth much faster.

Pay-as-you-drive insurance is already being successfully offered by several insurers. Pay-as-you-drive insurance calculates premiums according to an individual’s driving behaviour, rewarding secure driving while tracking and increasing insurance costs on dangerous driving styles. A “black box” device installed in the vehicle tracks key parameters of the journey and transfers the data to the insurer, who then regulates the premium rate. Dash cam is a logical extension of this insurance that can complement it with more data and insight.

Some industry experts refer to this as possible “pay as you tape” insurance products!

Captured with PAPAGO! driving recorder

Privacy Concerns

Should data privacy a concern in this case? This should not be the case when used in your vehicle, as long as the video stays with the car and is not transmitted elsewhere. At the moment most dash cams use a memory card which is constantly being re-written since video is recorded in a loop. This results in only the last few hours or days of the video available (depending on memory card's size).

We are already being monitored by CCTV cameras all around us - if you do nothing wrong - you should have nothing to fear!

Finding a high quality dashboard camera – what do I need to focus on?

The technology running dashboard cameras have become very affordable –one of the reasons for the increase in availability and popularity! Buying a dashboard camera can be a small expense that can conceivably save thousands in the event of a crash.

There are many dash cams on the market right now and we would like to offer advice on what to consider when purchasing such a device:

Video Quality

This is usually the first criteria. When purchasing a dash cam, it is important to get one that shoots in high definition (720p or 1080p).

Discreetness

It is important to having a camera that is “discreet”. This can be defined as being of small size, mountable behind the rear view mirror. Also consider color. Black is the least noticeable color for a dash cam and often blends in with the rear view mirror. Consider the importance of not merely adding another device that may be a driver distraction!

Reliability

Search for references and testimonials from other users. If many users are having serious problems with a dash cam (sensor burning, blurry picture, recording hangs) it is advisable to look elsewhere. Look for cameras that can withstand high temperatures, especially if you will be using the dash cam in parking mode.

Safety Features

The higher end models may include very handy features such as speed camera warnings, lane diversion warnings and warnings on following distance!

Conclusion

With so much lawlessness on our roads we need to do what we can to be safe and to protect ourselves from criminality. These crimes are often not only the reckless driving from those around us, but also the threat of being exploited by fraudsters and corrupt road users and officials. We can expect to see many more drivers using dashboard camera recorders for this additional protection!

Also View:

Introduction to Brakes and road Safety

The ability to brake safely is an important requirement for safe driving. Safe Braking is especially important for the most vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, as crash data shows these categories are all too often the victims of inattention by car, van, truck and bus drivers.

Vehicle manufacturers are continuously striving to develop better braking systems and technology such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) in an effort to increase safety and reduce accidents.

Safe braking however involves more than merely knowing how much pressure to apply to the brakes - safe braking also involves working out the relevant stopping distances etc.

In this section we will provide an overview of the importance of safe braking for road safety.

What is a Brake?

The simplest definition would be that a brake is a mechanical device which inhibits motion. Almost all wheeled vehicles have a brake of some sort. Brakes may be broadly described as using friction, pumping, or electromagnetics.

When the brake pedal of a modern vehicle with hydraulic brakes is pushed, ultimately a piston pushes the brake pad against the brake disc which slows the wheel down. On the brake drum it is similar as the cylinder pushes the brake shoes against the drum which also slows the wheel down.

Brake pads are a part of the disc braking system, which is standard equipment for modern vehicles. In a disc braking system, a calliper is situated around the front wheels of your vehicle (most of a car’s stopping force comes from the front tires). The calliper is fitted with brake pads. When you press the brake pedal, the calliper squeezes the brake pads against the wheel and the resulting friction slows your vehicle to a stop.

It is also important that we are aware of 2 important modern brake systems and their impact on road safety.

ABS [Anti-lock braking system]is an automobile safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up (that is, ceasing rotation) and therefore avoiding skidding.
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) is an autonomous road vehicle safety system which employs sensors to monitor the proximity of vehicles in front and detects situations where the relative speed and distance between the host and target vehicles suggest that a collision is imminent. In such a situation, emergency braking can be automatically applied to avoid the collision or at least to mitigate its effects.

What is the required Following and Stopping Distance?

Stopping distances refer to the distance that it takes for your vehicle to stop. Many vehicle crashes can be prevented if drivers allow themselves enough time and distance from the vehicle in front. This is referred to as a safe following distance.

Drivers are advised to drive at a speed that will allow them to stop safely within the distance available to them. The recommended stopping distance measured in time is at least two seconds. Safe driving involves keeping at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front, and is measured using a fixed point - when the vehicle in front passes a fixed point, it should be at least two seconds before you also pass the same point.

It is also important that the reaction time of the driver remains uninhibited and non-distracted as this could further extend the stopping distance.

Also view: Following Distances and Road Safety

Which Factors are affecting the Braking/Stopping distance?

An effective braking system and driver ability behind the wheel are most important to ensure swift and safe braking. There are however also a few other factors to consider:

Tyres and braking: Tyres are one of the most important elements when stopping a vehicle quickly and efficiently. One of the factors used in calculating braking distance is traction coefficient. The higher the traction coefficient is, the shorter the braking distance will be. Braking distance can change greatly based on the type and condition of the vehicle's tyres. Tyres with little or no tread will be more susceptible to skidding during heavy braking. When the tyres skid (a decrease of the traction coefficient), they lose traction and increase the braking distance. The tyre compound or makeup can also change braking distance. Some high performance tyres offer better adhesion under heavy braking and won't break loose or skid as easily as harder tyres.
Braking and Suspension Systems: If any of these components aren't up to specification or in poor condition, the vehicle's braking distance can change. Worn brake drums, rotors, pads, shoes or leaky brake lines will have an adverse effect on braking. Since weight transfer has so much to do with braking, worn shock absorbers and springs will only add distance during braking. When these components are worn, the weight wants to move to the front of the vehicle when you hit the brakes hard. [See Shock Absorbers and Safe Driving]
Road conditions: The condition of the road and our ability to adapt to these conditions will affect braking distance. Dirt and gravel roads don't offer good traction and increase braking distance. Freshly paved asphalt offers the best adhesion.
Weather Conditions: We always need to consider the weather conditions and how this impacts on the road surface and the vehicle. Wet roads increase braking distance. Snowy and icy roads decrease traction even more.
Driver ability: Driver experience and knowing your vehicle are important for safe and fast braking. Drivers can only benefit from additional driver training and advanced driving courses to enhance their driving skills.
The Braking system: Whether or not the vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) must also be taken into consideration in calculating stopping distances.

Formula to calculate Braking Distance

How do we calculate Braking distance? This distance refers to the distance a vehicle will travel from the point where its brakes are fully applied to when it comes to a complete stop. It is affected by the following:

original speed of the vehicle
the type of brake system in use
the reaction time of the driver/rider and
the coefficient of friction between its tires and the road surface.

The theoretical braking distance can be found by determining the work required to dissipate the vehicle's kinetic energy.

The kinetic energy E is given by the formula:

E = (1/2)mv2,

where m is the vehicle's mass and v is its speed.

The work W done by braking is given by:

W = μmgd,

where μ is the coefficient of friction between the road surface and the tires, g is the gravity of Earth, and d is the distance travelled.

The braking distance (which is commonly measured as the skid length) given an initial driving speed v is then found by putting W = E, from which it follows that

d = v2/(2μg).

The maximum speed given an available braking distance d is given by:

v = √(2μgd).

Note that these theoretical formulas do not take account of the driver's reaction time (an example is the two-second rule).

[Info from Wikipedia]

Also view:

Stopping Distances for Trucks and Road Safety

Stopping Sight and Driver Reaction Time

Collision Investigation and Understanding Brake Failure

Advice and Tips on Braking Safely

We would like to share advice and suggestions with drivers on how to brake safely:

‘Normal’ Braking: Under normal circumstances (on a dry and relatively clear road), you should be able to brake early and apply gentle pressure to the brakes. As you feel the vehicle begin to stop, apply a little more pressure, but ease off as you come to a full stop so that you do not stop too abruptly.
Emergency Braking: If an unexpected situation arises that requires you to stop, you should brake straight away, but try to avoid braking too sharply, as this can cause your wheels to lock up and your vehicle to skid. With ABS, depress the pedal all the way down. Without ABS, brake moderately hard (70%) while taking off a bit of steering. It's always better to brake too much rather than too little. In a real emergency, it's best to simply stamp on the brake pedal and let the car stop.
Braking in Bad Weather: If the road is wet or icy, you will usually need to alter your braking technique. This is particularly the case in icy conditions. It is extremely easy to lose control when taking a bend. The safest way to negotiate it is to brake gently on the straight leading up to a bend, so that you are travelling slowly when you reach the bend. Avoid braking sharply as this can lead to a skid. If you are worried about the grip (or lack of it) on the road, you can test it by braking gently to gauge the effectiveness. Do not leave it until just before a bend to test the brakes, as you will not have enough time to dry them out before you need to break.
Braking after driving through water: If you have to drive through a considerable amount of water, your brakes can lose their effectiveness for a while afterwards. Test the brakes by braking gently to see if they work properly, but make sure that you do this only when it is safe to do so. If you find that they do not work as effectively as normal, apply light pressure to the brakes while you are driving at a fairly slow pace, as this will dry them out.
Braking and Turning /Changing Direction: Avoid braking and turning at the same time where possible. Turning while on the brakes can cause the vehicle to not turn as well or not slow down as much.
Brake-Turning: Turning the wheel into the corner while still lightly on the brakes. This causes the car to lean forward, pressing the front tires to the ground, giving them more grip for steering. This is a basic technique, and no corner should be made without it.
Trail Braking: This is a method of feathering the brakes while turning into the corner and it will provide the best and safest control over the vehicle as it is leaning on the front tyres, allowing for more traction to those tyres.

Drivers are advised in an emergency to focus on where you want to go, and not on what you want to avoid. It's very difficult to steer away from something that you're looking at directly, and many people have a tendency to focus on what they are worried about colliding with. Instead, concentrate on where you want the car to go (to the side of the object) and pay attention to how the car responds.

Inspecting the Brakes

We are all aware of how important it is to brake safely – yet we often fail to pay enough attention to the condition of our brakes! This is an important part of effective vehicle maintenance.

If you do not feel comfortable with your own mechanical skills, it may be best to have a professional to check your brakes and to install new parts. Working on your own brakes is not the time to test your mechanical abilities. If your brakes are installed incorrectly or worn and the condition thereof not assessed correctly they may fail and cause a severe accident.

Brakes are pretty much the most important safety device on your car. Inspecting your brakes at least twice a year for wear and damage can protect you and your passengers while saving you money by catching any damage before it becomes too costly.

You are often able to inspect the brakes without even removing the wheel. If your car has alloy wheels with spaces in the middle, you can get a proper assessment done by just peeping through the hole! Whether you can peep through your wheel or you have to take the wheel off, be sure you have a clear view of the brake pads and the big shiny disc.

You may start by inspecting the disc first. It should be shiny from the inside to the outer edge, and fairly uniform. Do not be too concerned if you can see slight lines in it as this is normal wear. However, if there are any rough spots or pronounced grooves in the disc, you should replace your brake discs. Brake discs should always be replaced in pairs so that your car's driveability and safety are not compromised.

Now take a look at the Brake pads. You'll have to peek up to see them, but if you follow the surface of the disc to the top, you'll see the outside pad touching the disc. Brake pads must be replaced when the thickness of the friction material is at 2mm thick, or when uneven wear is evident on the brake pads.

Finally, take a look at your brake lines. Rubber coated lines should be soft and supple, not cracked and rigid. If you see cracks in flexible brake lines they will need to be replaced. Also be sure to inspect the hard, metal lines.

Brake Pads and Safe Braking

The brake pad is one of the most important components in your braking system; it is the part directly responsible for stopping your car. However, brake pads are not built to last - As you use your brakes in everyday driving, they will slowly wear down, and, eventually, need to replace the brake pads. Therefore, it’s important to understand how brake pads work and when to replace them.

Brake pads are soft (from an industrial standpoint), so that they don’t erode the wheel while they are in use. Instead, the friction wears away at the brake pad, which is an easily replaceable part. Over time, the brake pads erode away with use and must be periodically replaced. There are a number of variables that affect how often you need to replace your brake pads, but they basically boil down to the model of car you drive, your driving behaviour and how often/hard you apply your brakes. Generally, brake pads may need to be replaced every 30,000 kilometres. Best advice is to have them checked regularly.

How do I know the brake pads need to be replaced?

Mechanics will easily assess when the right time would be to replace the brake pads – but there are some other warning signs for the driver as well. A sure alert that you need new brake pads on older

vehicles is squealing.

Brake pads on older vehicles actually have a sort of built-in alarm system to alert you when they need to be replaced. There is a little bit of metal that pokes out of the brake pad. When the pad is worn down enough, this metal comes into contact with your wheel every time the brakes are applied. This creates a squealing or screeching sound every time you apply the brakes.

Take warning though: waiting until you can hear your brakes screeching to replace your brake pads is not the best idea. The bit of metal is not exposed to the wheel until there is very little brake pad left. Once you can hear screeching, it generally means that your brake pads have only three or four weeks left before they are completely worn away. Without the brake pad, you’ll be stopping your car with metal-on-metal friction, which can warp your wheel, damage your brake system, and cause an expensive repair.

Modern cars today come with an electronic sensor on the brake pad. When your brakes have worn down, you will see a warning light on your dashboard. When this dashboard light is illuminated, or when you start hearing a squeak upon brake application, it is time for you to have your brake pads replaced.

[There is much more to a braking system than merely the brake pads. See below as well the guides to changing brake discs, brake drums, brake shoes and brake pads.]

Conclusion

Never overlook the importance of safe braking. We need to focus both on driver and vehicle fitness. If we are not caring for the vehicle components required for safe braking we are not only causing damage to the brake as a whole, but we are taking a big safety risk.

Be sure to use a great deal of care when replacing your brake parts. It is recommended that you have your brakes checked each time your vehicle’s oil is changed – about every 10,000 kilometres. This quick inspection, paired with proper maintenance of your brake pads, will prevent problems down the road, ensuring the safety of you and your family.

What are the correct brakes for your vehicle? View: BrakeBook

Also view:

Also view for Brake Safety the Guide to vehicle provided by AutoZone:

Also view video clips from "The Garage"

Safely navigating the roundabout or “traffic circle” is a challenge for many drivers. It is especially so when the roundabout is a multi-lane roundabout.

Even though much has been written on the Arrive Alive website and road safety blogs on this topic, we believe it may assist drivers to share this from a unique perspective by using the dashboard camera along with a few notes.

Setting the scene:

We decided to use a multi-lane roundabout at Preller Square in Bloemfontein and drive from the same direction, exiting at 5 different exits.

When driving the roundabout we need to consider a few basics:

Which types of crashes occur in the roundabout and what are the causes thereof?

Rear-end collisions: This may occur where you do not give way to a vehicle already inside the roundabout and the vehicle approaches while you are slowly entering the roundabout.
Side-swipe collisions: These are most common and will occur where one vehicle is continuing straight on while the vehicle on the inside of the roundabout exits from the inside lane to the outer lane of the exit.

How can we best prevent these collisions?

Drive at a moderate speed - roundabouts/ traffic circles are designed to enhance traffic flow - there should be no stopping inside the circle or racing around it!
Know where you have to go! Position yourself in the correct lane ahead of the roundabout.
As you arrive at the roundabout, traffic coming from your right has right of way – you must stop until there is a break in traffic.
Use your indicators for lane changes and where you are exiting.
Signal your intent to other drivers when entering, going around and exiting the circle.
Obey all traffic signs and road markings – do not cross the barrier lines – including once you exit the roundabout!
To exit the circle at any exit after the first one, indicate to the left after you pass the road before the one at which you intend to exit the circle.
Once you have indicated to leave the circle, you must leave at the very next exit.
The safest way to avoid a side swipe may always be to ensure that you are in the outer lane before taking your exit – then there will be no vehicle inside you to side-swipe you!
Be alert and avoid any distractions - you need both your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road and observing traffic.
Make no assumptions – do not assume that the other driver to your left is going to exit - or that the driver to your right is going to continue in the inside lane.
If you are in the left or centre lane of the traffic circle, look out for vehicles on your right – next to or ahead of you – that are indicating left, and give way to them where it is safe to do so.
Keep in mind not all drivers use there indicators as the Rules of the Road require.
Keep in mind that buses or large trucks need extra room to make turns and might take up more than one lane in a traffic circle.
Even inside the roundabout /traffic circle do not tailgate – keep a following distance to allow yourself the time and space to react!
Be alert to drivers in your blind spot!
Keep calm - once you miss an exit – avoid swerving at the last minute. Return to the inside of the roundabout and move around once more.
When it is not safe to change lanes – it may be necessary to drive all the way round the island again in order to wait for a gap and thereby maintain a clear space around your vehicle at all times so as to minimise the risk of a collision.

Important note: Use commons sense as well! Do not drive as if everyone knows the rules of the road!

Examples of Driving the Roundabout and Exiting at Various Exits

Driving Several Roundabouts

[Dashboard recordings were made with the Papago Driving Camera Recorder]

Also view:

Driving around the Traffic Circle Roundabout

Traffic Circles and Roundabouts –K53

Dashboard Camera Recorders and Road Safety

Drowning and Safety near Water

The definition of drowning that was accepted by the World Congress on Drowning in 2002 and subsequently by the World Health Organisation in 2005 is the following: "Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid.

Drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide. It does not only occur during times of flooding or rough seas, but in our swimming pools and inside our homes!

Drowning can happen very quickly and in less than 2.5 centimetres of water, so filled bathtubs, swimming pools, hot tubs, and even buckets of water and sinks can be dangerous.

Who is most at Risk?

Research in the U.S. ranked drowning as the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1 to 14. Children less than a year old are most likely to drown in bathtubs, buckets, or toilets. Children ages 1 to 4 are most likely to drown in residential swimming pools. Children need to be monitored at all times no matter the size of the pool or location where they encounter water.

Anyone can have a water-related accident and be at risk of drowning— even children who know how to swim. It is not only small children who are at risk. Males are much more likely to become victims of drowning. Risk-taking, overconfidence in swimming ability and alcohol use may play a significant role in water deaths by drowning.

Your health and the risk of drowning

Similar to road safety where we discuss the importance of driver fitness, it is important to focus on the physical well-being of anyone entering water. Anyone using alcohol or drugs should rather stay away from the water.

The swimmer should be aware of how his body reacts to the temperature of water. When the body gets cold blood shunts to the core, weakening arms and legs, which then lose strength of power.

A swimmer, who feels tired or bloated should rather rest and stay out of the water.

Preventing incidents of drowning at home

Toddlers do not require a swimming pool to be at risk! The water in common household items can be dangerous for young children. A baby can drown in just 2.5 centimetres of water. A curious toddler can fall into a toilet, bucket or fish tank or pond.

Supervision is the very best way to help prevent kids from getting injured. Even the most vigilant parent will however struggle to keep a child 100% safe and away from harm at all times.

It is up to the parents to do everything possible not only to exercise parental supervision and to try and child proof the home! This may be difficult but we would like to offer the following suggestions:

Keep the bathroom door closed.
Shut the doors (and install doorknob covers) to any room a child shouldn't enter.
For sliding doors, doorknob covers and childproof locks are also great for keeping little ones from leaving your home.
Supervise bath time. Never leave a child alone in the bathtub or in the care of another child.
If you must answer the telephone or door, don't rely on an older sibling to watch the baby; wrap your baby in a towel and bring him or her with you.
Drain water from the tub immediately after use.
Shut toilet lids. Install childproof locks on toilet lids.
Store buckets safely and empty buckets and other containers immediately after use.
Don't leave them outside, where they may accumulate water.
If you have a hot tub, keep it drained or securely covered when not in use.

Safe Swimming and the Pool

Most incidents of drowning occur at our residential swimming pools! Too often do we neglect in our supervision and a toddler ends up in the swimming pool. How can we prevent this?

We need to supervise as actively as possible - Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm’s reach to provide active supervision
Parents should avoid distractions when children are near water and give them all of their attention!
Even strong swimmers need adult supervision. Insist on life jackets for children who can't swim.
Parents should not only supervise but also advise on safety in and around the pool.
Running on slippery surfaces is dangerous for everyone around. Someone could fall into the pool, accidentally push a smaller child towards water or hit the slick pool deck causing injury.
Stay away from drains, filters and water intakes. Loose hair or clothing can get tangled in these structures — possibly trapping a child under the water.
Teach children to swim. Most children can learn to swim at about age 5 — but know that swimming lessons won't necessarily prevent a child from drowning.
Remove toys from the pool - don't leave pool toys in the water. A child may fall into the water while trying to retrieve a toy.

Swimming Pool Design and Physical Protection

4 sided fencing around the swimming pool is the best protection possible - rigid, motorized pool covers, pool alarms, and other protective devices, which may offer some protection if used appropriately and consistently, will not be as effective as the correct fencing.
A safe fence will be at least 1.2 meters tall. Make sure slatted fences have no gaps wider than 10 centimetres so kids can't squeeze through.
Make sure the pool fence meets current safety standards — including a child-proof gate that's always closed
Consider installing a pool alarm or cover, but realize these devices are not substitutes for fencing and adult supervision.
Block pool and hot tub access. Use a rigid, motorized safety cover to block access to the pool when it's not in use.
Secure a cover on hot tubs as well.
Empty inflatable pools after each use.
Don't allow water to collect on top of the pool or hot tub cover.
Remove aboveground pool steps or ladders or lock them behind a fence when the pool isn't in use.
Keep a close eye on electricity - Keep electrical appliances — TVs, radios and disc players, for example — a safe distance from the water.
Consider the risks and prepare accordingly to have emergency equipment at hand.
This could include the first-aid kit, a flotation ring to throw to an exhausted swimmer and an extension pole to pull the swimmer to safety.
Keep emergency equipment handy. Store a safety ring with a rope beside the pool. Make sure you always have a phone in the pool area.

Safe Swimming and the Outdoors

Drowning also occurs away from the swimming pool in the wide outdoors. Travellers have always been fascinated by water and a splash into rivers, lakes and dams. Drowning risk increases with changing environmental conditions, hazards concealed in murky water, and inaccessibility of emergency medical services.

It is important to recognize the unique hazards in the outdoors, to be prepared and take precautions when entering water in these areas.

Swimming conditions can be unpredictable with water depth, temperature, currents and weather rapidly changing.
Plan ahead! To be safe, you need to think about the water conditions, your own limits and the use of safety gear like life jackets.
Wear a life jacket when you're boating, tubing or rafting.
Don't swim alone. Never allow children to swim alone or without adult supervision.
Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool.
Boat owners are required by law to carry life jackets in their boats. Wear one even if you can swim.
Be very cautious of kids using personal water crafts such as jet skis! They are intended for adults and require special training.
Wear a life jacket if you are swimming in a lake or river where there are no lifeguards.
Always enter water feet first - the first descent into any body of water should be feet first.
Never dive or jump into unfamiliar or shallow water. Check for submerged objects and make sure the water is at least 3-4 metres deep.
Ask in the area about where people usually swim and whether it is safe.
Consider both safe entry and exit points when swimming in a river, dam or lake.

Safe Swimming at Sea

We find hundreds of thousands of holiday makers flocking to our beautiful South African beaches in summer time. Your focus to Arrive Alive does not stop when the vehicle stops at the holiday destination. Respect the sea, the currents and the need for caution.

Before entering the sea swimmers should take time to watch the waves and should avoid places where there is a strong backwash, obvious rip currents or a danger of being washed onto rocks.
Check the weather and tides before you leave home - if the seas are too rough then you could get swept away.
Only enter where the waves are straight and gentle.
If you experience a strong current get out of the sea, or remain well within your depth.
It is better to swim when the tide is rising as the sea will tend to wash you ashore and the backwash and rip currents are not so strong.
Check with the lifeguard on surf conditions before swimming.
Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
If lifeguards give you directions or instructions from the stand, obey them. Look out for warning signs and flags:
- Red flag means it’s dangerous to swim.
- Red and yellow flag means lifeguards are on patrol and you should swim in the area between flags.
Be considerate of other swimmers especially when surfing.
Never swim while intoxicated. Alcohol impairs judgement, unnecessary risks are taken and a swimmer will tire more easily, increasing the chance of an accident.
Avoid swimming immediately after a big meal, as there is a danger of getting cramps.
Don’t dive into shallow sea – there are many paraplegics who broke their necks diving into shallow pools.
Don’t swim in river mouths, dirty water or when bluebottles are present.
Never swim alone – use the buddy system.
Don’t overestimate your swimming ability, especially early in the summer when the water is cold. Swimming ability is severely decreased in cold water.
If you are confronted by a large wave and there is not enough time to get away from it, try to dive underneath the wave. Keep your body as low as possible until the wave passes over you. Timing is important, dive into the base of the wave just before it breaks. Do not dive if the water is too shallow – instead crouch and keep a low body profile.
If caught in rip currents, relax and swim toward the shore at a 45-degree angle until you are free of the current.
Do not try to swim ashore against the current – it will only tire you.
If the rip currents are strong, swim parallel with the shoreline in the same direction as the littoral current and then swim diagonally toward the shore.
If you are not able to swim out of the currents, call or wave for help.
Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
Swimming aids such as water wings or noodles are fun toys for kids, but they should never be used in place of approved personal flotation devices.
Be alert and steer clear of plant and animal life. Jellyfish, stingrays and other marine animals can cause painful stings or allergic reactions. Brushing up against certain types of seaweed or coral can result in painful scratches and scrapes.

Response to Incidents of Drowning

Incidents of drowning may occur at any time. It is advised to be prepared for any such eventuality and to render assistance. Consider such scenarios and what you might need to ensure effective emergency medical response!

Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit available with emergency instructions inside.
Know the emergency numbers and have a cellular phone [charged] at hand.
Important cellular numbers may include not only that of a doctor but also parents' work and cell phone numbers, neighbour’s or nearby relative's number (if you need someone to watch other children in an emergency)
We should all have learning CPR as a top priority – This is a skill that can be the difference between survival and death.

Conclusion

The best manner to prevent drowning is through effective education and training. Educate your kids about swimming safely. Enrol children in swimming lessons when you feel they are ready. Teach children how to tread water, float and to be safe in different watery locations. Teach children to swim with a partner, every time. From the start, teach children to never go near or in water without an adult present.

Most important is to perceive and avoid the risk – when in doubt whether it is safe to enter water – Don’t!!

[Photos by Denese Lups and Emergency Medical Services]

Also view:

Escape from a vehicle submerged under water

CPR and Road Safety

The Emergency Medical Kit and Safety on the Road

Crash avoidance and bringing the vehicle to a sudden stop requires not only effective brakes, but also the ability to react swiftly and apply adequate pressure to the brake pedal. Despite this awareness few drivers pay enough attention to the footwear that would best enable them to control their vehicles safely! In a recent survey many female drivers confessed that their choice of what to wear is based on what goes best with their outfit rather than what is the safest footwear to drive.

In this section we would like to focus on the risks presented by wearing inappropriate footwear and offer some suggestions towards safer driving.

What do the Rules of the Road require?

Very few countries have legislation stipulating any requirements as to appropriate footwear for driving. Most road safety legislation requires from drivers to ensure that "clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner".

South African law also does not say anything about the footwear drivers should be wearing. It is not illegal to drive barefoot, with flip flops or high heels. It is up to us to create awareness of why inappropriate footwear can be extremely dangerous!

Your footwear and ability to drive safely

The choices we make on the road have an impact on more than ourselves – it places our passengers and other road users at risk every time we get in the car.

The choice of footwear for safe driving must allow the foot to feel the pressure needed by the pedals to achieve the desired braking or acceleration. Our footwear should never obstruct the feeling required by the feet to operate the pedals properly. It should allow us to judge accurately how much pressure we needs to apply to the clutch, accelerator and brake pedals.

The correct footwear will prevent us from pressing two pedals at the same time – a dangerous manoeuvre that could be costly! It could even enable us to avoid abrupt and jerky movements ,thereby reducing unnecessary wear and tear on the vehicle.

Driving long distances can be very demanding on our feet and ankles. By wearing the right shoes and leaving the feet feel relaxed, we can enhance the control we have over the vehicle and react faster to changes in traffic or road conditions!

Driving Barefoot

If there is a choice between driving in high heels, flip flops or bare feet, by far the safest option is bare feet. Some drivers find it easier to drive bare foot as it allows them to gain a better 'feel' for the car, in particular the clutch bite point. As a result, driving bare foot helps some from stalling the vehicle.

There is however risks associated with driving barefoot:

The clutch mayrequire heavy pressure to be applied.
It is a relatively small pedal exerting a lot of pressure on the ball of the foot, whereas, the sole of a shoe distributes that pressure more evenly.
Repeated use of the clutch could end up being painful, causing cramp or other spasms in the foot and reducing the ability of the driver towards effective control of the vehicle.
Operating the pedals with bare wet feet may become slippery as the feet become damp with perspiration.
Nylon socks or tights can reduce traction between your foot and the pedals and don't allow the foot to grip pedals.
Your foot could slip off the pedal easily because you don’t have the same grip as shoes give you.
In the unfortunate event of an accident, appropriate driving shoes are likely to offer a reduction in foot injury.
In cases of traffic crashes with nothing to protect the feet, you may tread on broken glass and debris and sustain major injuries.

Driving with Flip Flops

Many South African drivers have experienced the dangers of driving with flip-flops. With our warm climate and clear skies many drive with flip flops for far more than a drive to the beach!

A 2005 survey by an insurance company in the United Kingdom revealed that flip-flops are the most dangerous type of shoe to drive in – even more dangerous than the more often discussed and criticized high heel driving!

Why is driving with flip-flops so dangerous?

Flip-flops do not have adequate ankle support, resulting in the foot slipping off the pedal or missing the pedal altogether.
They come off too easily and get easily jammed / trapped under a pedal.
Pedals getting caught between the sole of your foot and the flip-flop leads to a reduction of control to the vehicle.
Flip –flops make it more difficult to brake effectively as it increases the amount of time it takes to brake.
They make it difficult for drivers applying full braking or releasing the clutch brake or accelerator.
Flip flops slipping off the feet of the driver distracts the driver trying to locate the flip flop and putting it back on his foot.
Similar to driving barefoot, the flip-flops leave the feet mostly exposed in the event of a frontal crash.
While footwear is unlikely to prevent these injuries, a decent pair of shoes may assist in reducing injuries in less serious crashes.
If a suitable pair of shoes is not available, it will be safer to remove the flip flops and drive bare foot.

Driving with High Heels and Platform shoes

Female drivers are often warned of the risks of driving with high heels! But why is this so dangerous?

For safe driving the heel of your foot needs to be on the floor to apply the correct pressure on the pedals.
Both accelerator and brake pedals are worked with the heel on the floor.
Having the heel of your foot resting on the car floor allows a driver to move from the accelerator to the brake faster and easier and to apply pressure on the pedals.
High heels elevate it and distort the ability to measure how much pressure needs to be applied.
High heels offer reduced grip from an uncomfortable driving position
High heels also have the added danger of the heel getting caught in the floor mat.
Getting stuck under the pedal or on the carpet/ floor mat is a major risk – you may not be able to react swiftly when having to brake or accelerate quickly.
The only thing worse than high heels is platform wedges – a double whammy of high heels and thick soles.
Ladies who like to wear the high heels or platform shoes should rather change into these before going out of the vehicle.

Other footwear

There is some other footwear that might also present some risks to safe driving. Boots may be restrictive of ankle movement, and knee-length styles can catch against the seat.

Even though light trainer shoes are just about perfect, remember that some running shoes may not be the best shoes to drive in because some soles are thick and padded.

Advice on footwear for safe driving

We have discussed many of the risks – but what do we recommend? Even though some of the sportswear manufacturersoffer specific footwear for motorsportprofessionals , we would like to offer guidance to the everyday driver:

Your footwear/ shoes must be comfortable enough for long driving.
The most important consideration is to focus on the sole of the shoe.
The sole should neither be too thick or too thin.
It should not be too soft or too flexible and it should have enough grip on the pedal to avoid slipping.
It should be lightweight to enable easy movement – it is important not to hinder ankle movement in working various pedals.
Ensure that the sole is not so wide that it might cause you to step on two pedals at the same time.
The sole of the shoe should be no thicker than 2.5 cm, but something along the lines of 4mm is even better.
The basic trainer shoes&plain flat walking shoes are best suited for driving - The typical leather shoe worn by business people is a good choice for driving.
It fits well without being uncomfortable, and is bulky enough to offer some foot protection in crashes.
In the event of vehicle breakdown or a flat tyre you might be better off with comfortable shoes than being barefoot or in high heels next to the road.

Additional recommendations

Apart from the appropriate footwear when driving, there are some additional suggestions to consider:

Female drivers are often more cautious and follow the advice to keep a spare pair of shoes in the vehicle for days when they are wearing heels but have to drive.
When you do have an extra pair of shoes, do not leave them behind your feet where they could slide forward and obstruct the brake or clutch.
Be extra careful in wet weather. Slippery soles make it easier for your foot to slip off the pedals.
Keep a small towel in the vehicle to dry the soles of your shoes if you have to walk through water to get to the vehicle.

Whether you drive to a gala dinner or the beach, it does not matter what you wear if you do not arrive safely! May we all remain focused on effective control of our vehicle as we head to our destinations!

Also view:

Brakes, Braking and Road Safety

Avoiding Distractions while Driving

Intersections have been described as one of the most complex traffic situations that motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users encounter daily! Intersection crashes are one of the most common types of crashes – and also a crash type with severe consequences. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that 43% of motor vehicle crashes occur at intersections or are "intersection-related”.

Knowing the major risks of an intersection collision and how to avoid them can help to minimize your chance of a crash. In this section we would like to assess these risks and provide advice for safer driving at intersections.

What is an intersection?

Intersections are locations where two or more roads meet, cross or converge and traffic moving in different directions all comes together. They come in many different designs, configurations, and sizes. In traffic design, intersections can contain as many as six streets converging. For example, a six-way intersection can involve the crossing of two perpendicular streets, with yet another street crossing them diagonally.

The crossing and turning manoeuvres that occur at intersections create opportunities for vehicle-vehicle, vehicle-pedestrian, and vehicle-bicycle conflicts, which may result in traffic crashes. The definition in itself emphasizes the inherent danger of an intersection, describing an area where vehicles may come into “conflict.”

Types of intersection crashes

We have all experienced the sounds of screeching of tyres followed shortly thereafter by the brutal sound of metal hitting metal, typical of a crash at an intersection. A number of different intersection crash types occur, including:

Collisions between oncoming vehicles, particularly when one is turning across traffic
Rear-end crashes – often occurring because a following driver is distracted and does not realize the lead driver has stopped.
Side impact collisions or “T-bones”. These types of accidents typically involve a driver on one side running a red light, be it intentionally or while trying to make it through an intersection before a yellow light turns red.
Side-swipe collisions where one or more vehicles are turning.
Collisions into vulnerable road user such as pedestrians and cyclists while turning.
Crashes at Level Crossings/ Rail Crossings

Causes of Crashes at Intersections

We need to ask “Why are there so many collisions taking place at intersections?”

Studies show that two of the most common reasons for intersection collisions are driver negligence and recklessness.
Running a red light together with ignoring the yield and stop signs are the most common causes of crashes in city traffic.
Inattention and inadequate sight distance to incoming traffic when turning left or right.
Lack of intersection visibility (road users are not aware of the intersection)
Driver inattentiveness includes not observing other traffic at an intersection while being distracted by cellular phones, car radios etc.
Tailgating which includes an attempt to forestall a red light by speeding up and bumping on another vehicle.
High approach speeds to the intersection.
Crashing into the sides of long vehicles that are often not visible to approaching drivers. [This may be due to burned-out lamps, missing reflectors or the lack of conspicuity striping.]
Collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles not visible to approaching trucks or failing to adhere to traffic control devices.
Poor visibility in dense fog, smoke or mist.
Lack of following distances
Complex intersection layout
Poor road surface condition or faulty intersections / traffic lights and signals.

Video of Horrific Pinetown Intersection Truck Crash

Why are Intersections so dangerous?

Too many road users are killed and left with debilitating injuries from preventable crashes at intersections. Road users must accept that every intersection is dangerous due to the constant flow of traffic- day and night!

But why are these crashes so dangerous?

Road users come into contact with drivers who are, in a hurry, or plain clumsy, aggressive, careless, inpatient, distracted, sleepy or drowsy, driving under the influence, and some of them have suicidal driving tendencies.
Intersection collisions often result in side-impact / T-bone collisions.
Side impacts have higher rates of deaths and serious injuries because there is little vehicle protective structure to safeguard occupants in the struck vehicle.
In sideswipe/ broadside collision vehicles are often knocked off course and into a second collision into oncoming traffic.
With the broadsiding vehicle putting its full force straight into the relatively unprotected side of the other vehicle, T-bone accidents are even more likely to cause serious injuries than sideswipe accidents.
Once a vehicle is off its intended course, the occupants face the risk of further collisions and traumas, crashing into guardrails, telephone poles, and other vehicles.
If the force of the collision is strong enough, the broadsided vehicle may roll over completely, especially if it is knocked onto a sloping road shoulder.
The chances of avoiding serious injury or death reduce dramatically above 50 km/h for side impacts for the most modern types of cars, and is far less than this for older vehicles, and particularly for vulnerable road users.
Intersection accidents can become deadly if one or both vehicles were moving at high speed when the collision happened.
Common injuries that victims may suffer include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injury, limb amputation, severe burns and bone fractures
Older pedestrians are particularly at risk for injury or death when crossing intersections.

Reducing crashes at Intersections

Human error is the biggest contributing factor to road crashes. There are however, aside from addressing driver behaviour, road engineering and design measures that could assist towards safer intersections. We would like to share some of these:

Roundabouts are an effective way of reducing the speed of traffic at intersections reducing the likelihood of high speed right-angle collisions.
Far fewer crashes, and less serious, occur at intersections with roundabouts than at intersections with signals or stop signs.
Clear road markings and signing are low cost methods of improving safety at intersections.
Red light violations can be enforced and offenders penalized via red light cameras or the "photo radar".
Any vehicle crossing the sensors on red light triggers the camera and a photo is produced showing the car, license plate, together with the date and time of the violation.
Improving traffic signal timing which can reduce rear-ending and brief red-in-all directions signals could prevent certain cross-traffic collisions.
Improving lighting at intersections reduces collisions at night – and also reduces criminal activity at intersections.
Improving the signal visibility such as by making them larger, brighter, or by installing an additional signal head.
Pedestrians can be given time to start across intersections before the turning vehicles are allowed there.
At dangerous locations the conversion of two-way, with four-way stop signs may reduce crashes.
Innovative use of "traffic calming" measures such as speed bumps, rumble strips and street narrowing.
Adjusting the speed limits to be appropriate for a given street.
Implementing scholar patrol in front of schools where children cross intersections.

Video of Reckless Driver Skipping Traffic Light

Safe Driving at Intersections

Being aware of the laws and taking precautions behind the wheel are important and useful steps to avoid a crash in an intersection. Plan your trip to avoid rushing to make an appointment. Plan ahead, anticipate potential traffic delays, and leave early for your destinations.

We would like to offer some suggestions for safe driving at intersections:

Approaching the Intersection

Drive defensively, anticipating problems and situations with heightened caution and attention during congested traffic times such as rush hour.
Be patient - Impatience increases emotions and decreases attention.
Think about what other drivers might do as you approach intersections, particularly when you are altering your path approaching an intersection.
Avoid all driver distractions - all your focus is required when approaching an intersection.
Always, always wear your seatbelt and insist that everyone in your vehicle wears theirs.
A passenger not buckled in will become a projectile threatening the safety of other passengers in a collision.
Do not speed at intersections - a driver driving too fast when approaching a crossing, may not be able to completely stop when necessary.

Considerations at Intersections with Traffic Lights

Know the rules of the road at intersections and specifically at traffic lights.
Emergency vehicles always have the first right-of-way. Remain stopped and still until the emergency vehicle has completely cleared the area of the intersection.
Before you move, check to be sure other emergency vehicles are not following the first one.
A green light means proceed with responsible caution; yellow signals to prepare for a change at the intersection, followed by a red light; a red light means stop.
Yellow lights do not provide a signal to motorists to go faster through the intersection.
Good judgment must be used to avoid violating the subsequent red light, at the same time avoiding stopping in the middle of the intersection.
Blinking amber lights alert the driver to be cautious in approaching and proceeding through an intersection.
Blinking red lights require that motorists stop at the intersection before proceeding through.
Look at you left and right and pay attention to other drivers who are trying to beat the signal change.
Be extra cautious in rain and icy cold weather where roads may be slippery.
Always assume when approaching an intersection that cross traffic or pedestrians may not obey traffic control devices or yield right-of-way.
If you are the first vehicle at the light, stop at the painted stop line, before crosswalks or, if neither are present, at the intersection itself without entering the crossing traffic lane.
Come to a full stop and leave enough space between you and the vehicle stopped ahead of you so that you can steer around it if it were to become disabled.
When the light turns green, scan the intersection before you move forward - Take your time to ensure that the intersection is all yours.
With delayed green, some drivers believe they are entitled to those few extra seconds and speed up rather than slow down
Beware of those accelerating over the red light and the driver eagerly anticipating the green light.
Do not follow other vehicles very closely (tailgate). They might stop suddenly.
Always watch out for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
Pedestrians always have the right-of-way. If a pedestrian is crossing illegally (jaywalking), you must still yield the right-of-way.
Use your turn signals appropriately. Without the proper signals, another driver may not be aware that you are turning and may pull out in front of you or hit you.
Give a turning signal before you turn or change lanes and be sure that you are in the right lane before you signal your intention to turn.
Maintain your vehicle. Malfunctioning warning lights (turn signals, brakes, headlights) make it difficult for other motorists to predict your actions on the roadway.
Obey all traffic signals and never assume it is safe to turn!
Avoid entering an intersection when traffic is backed up on the other side, you may be unable to leave the intersection before the light change and might be stuck in the middle.

Video Of Lane Splitting Crash

Unregulated intersections

Unmarked intersections that have no controlling lights or signage should be treated as full stops in all directions before proceeding.
Where traffic lights are out of order it becomes a four-way stop.
At an intersection regulated only by a stop sign at one of the cross streets, the unregulated flow of traffic has the right-of-way.
The vehicle reaching the intersection and stopping first always has the right-of-way.
If vehicles arrive at the intersection at around the same instant, you should yield to the vehicle on your right. Vehicles turning left should always yield to vehicles proceeding straight.

There is a need for special caution when large trucks and farming equipment approach intersections.

Beware of tractors pulling trailers. Collisions involving trailers often cause extensive damages to vehicles and other properties.
Truck drivers crossing an uncontrolled intersection, must allow enough time to clear the entire intersection with the rear of vehicle without interfering with cross traffic. They may not be visible to oncoming traffic, and oncoming drivers may be inattentive or impaired.
Be especially aware of uncontrolled intersections at dawn, dusk and during night time hours where you may not see a long trailer following a truck.
Be alert to trucks and trailers where the sides might not be clean or the reflective devices and other measures to ensure increased visibility are not operational.
Truck drivers need to ensure side lamps and reflective devices are operational after a flatbed trailer has been unloaded as they can be more difficult to see when empty.

Conclusion

Driver etiquette is the first measure toward improving intersection safety. The intersection is no place for selfishness. Be prepared to be the safer driver by showing courtesy towards other drivers!

Also view:

Safe Driving at the Roundabout / Traffic Circle

Load Shedding and Road Safety

Scholar Patrol and Road Safety

Level Crossings and Road Safety

Dashboard Camera Recorders and Road Safety

Various factors determine the economic welfare of a country’s citizens. These factors include for example equal distribution of income, full employment etc. They are measurable factors and analyzing them usually lead to improved decision making regarding them, always focusing on improving economic welfare for all citizens.

It becomes difficult though to determine the psychological welfare of a country’s citizens. One could most probably make deductions from statistics such as crime rate, socio political unrest incidents, road accidents etc.

One of the behavioural areas in S.A which is of concern is the area of road use, and especially misuse. The statistic of concern being the total amount of fatal crashes as well as the cost to the economy, the latter directly influencing the economic welfare of citizens as expressed as implicit job losses – the IJL factor in the table below is 14 million for 2013 (although the reasoning by the writer here is purely analytical and mathematical, sensitivity is maintained regarding the personal agony over loved ones lost in a car crash): (*Some quantums were extrapolated)

YEAR	TOTAL COST OF FATAL CRASHES (ZAR Millions)	GDP (Constant prices ZAR Millions)	PERCENTAGE OF GDP	ANNUAL AVERAGE INTER SECTORAL MINIMUM WAGE P.A (ZAR real) (Extrapolated annually by 8% from 2001 – 2010 – unrefined measure)	*IMPLICIT NUMBER OF JOB LOSSES P.A - IJL* (Column2/Column5)**
2013	309000	1988373	15	20674	14946309

One could further extrapolate the IJL factor by statistically introducing a multiplier effect on the economy i.e. 1 job loss of R 20674 multiplied by the effect of that decrease in spending on the demand and supply side of the economy i.e. the resultant further loss of job creation due to the multiplied decrease in consumer demand.

"Fatal road crashes cost S.Africa 10th of GDP (AFP) – Jan 11, 2013

JOHANNESBURG — Fatal road crashes cost South Africa's economy 309 billion rand ($35.0 billion) each year or the equivalent of 10 percent of gross domestic product, the Transport Minister has revealed. Accidents blamed mainly on drunk driving and excessive speeding, claimed nearly 1,500 lives in the five weeks from the start of December, according to South African police.

"Road traffic fatalities are amongst the main causes of death in South Africa," Transport Minister Ben Martins said in a report on festive season road accidents he unveiled on Thursday. The economic ramifications include the increase in the social development and health budgets spent. At least 306 billion rand ($36 million; 27 million euro) is lost to the economy due to road fatalities each year."

About 40 percent of the 1,462 road accident deaths recorded by the police in December and the first week of January, involved pedestrians most of whom jay-walked on the roads while drunk. On average there are 11,000 deaths on the road each year."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h5M3BYIaWpVIC3OmcowQZItA0SFg?docId=CNG.996647bdcb8a4a12e2d497190ea6014

There exists no data regarding the psychological/behavioural profile of road users in S.A. One must remember that road use is an outcome of complex interactions within the human psyche for example cognitive competency regarding information processing, planning, etc. and emotional factors such as anger, stress, prejudice, etc. to name but one dimension.

It therefore stands to reason that most of the causes of fatal crashes mostly reside in the psyche/behaviour of human beings: ” More than 95% of all road accidents happen as a direct result of a traffic offence. Most accidents can be attributed to 2 or more simultaneous traffic offences. Generally human factors, such as non-adherence to traffic rules and legislation and aggressive, reckless, negligent and inconsiderate driving behaviour, failing to stop at traffic signals, unsafe and illegal overtaking, as well as inappropriate speed for circumstances and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs are major contributory factors, totalling to about 70% to 80%. Vehicle fitness aspects such as smooth tyres, poor brakes, defective lights, steering and suspension of the vehicle contribute to between 10% and 15%, while road and environmental factors such as poor road conditions and signposting, poor fencing, allowing stray animals on the road, poor visibility, etc contribute to between 5% and 10%.” (http://www.arrivealive.co.za/)

Even though human psychological/behavioural factors are the main causes of road accidents, and in particular fatal crashes in S.A., there are however no psychological/behavioural intervention programmes in S.A. during phases such as driver training, public awareness, serious transgressor remediation, etc.

The Road Behaviour Profiler was developed by psychologists to specifically assess various road behaviours in order to increase self-awareness, with the view that people will reflect on and change their possible problem causing road behaviours. Visit http://www.assessmentworld.com/aw_public to take your road behaviour test. This will allow us to gather data on the typical SA road user’s behaviour and conclude research and develop intervention/educational programmes. All information gathered on the site is extremely confidential and only dealt with by registered psychologists who are governed by the strictest ethical laws. The site provides details as to how to register and obtain a full report narrating your road behaviours in the following areas, for example:

Also View:

Road Rage

Avoiding Aggressive Driving

10 Point Plan To Avoid "Road Rage"

Road Rage in South Africa

South African Research on Road Rage

A Vehicle’s Brake Pedal Assembly Requires Regular Checking

A vehicle’s brake pedal assembly, applied many times during any one trip, is one of the most neglected areas of the brake system.

Checking or servicing of the brake pedal assembly is not often done. When wear in this area occurs, it is gradual, so the driver is not aware of the slow degradation of the system and the associated dangers.

Because the average age of the passenger vehicle on our roads is approaching 12 years, it is easy to imagine what the guide pins and clevis pins look like after all this time.

If the clevis pin wears through and snaps, there will be no connection between the brake pedal and booster and this will cause brake failure.

Not only can the clevis pin be worn through, but the clevis itself could have elongated holes which will result in excessive pedal travel, giving the driver a longer reaction time.

The purpose therefore of servicing the brake pedal assembly is to give the driver a shorter pedal travel, reducing the driver reaction time.

A third area to be checked is the brake pedal rubber. This rubber ensures that the driver’s foot does not slip off the brake pedal when the brakes are applied, especially when wet.

Brake Booster – Giving Drivers Better Braking Control

The function of the brake booster is to give the driver control of the braking system under light pedal effort.

Because the booster needs a vacuum to operate, the vacuum is created from the intake manifold on petrol engines. For diesel engines this is supplied by a vacuum pump situated on the back of the alternator. On some modern diesel vehicles there is an electric vacuum pump mounted on the inside of the engine compartment.

To determine if your booster is working, switch the engine off. Pump the brake pedal to eliminate any vacuum. Apply the brake pedal and start the car. The brake pedal will start going down a little as soon as the vacuum builds up.

To check if your booster retains vacuum over night, park your vehicle and leave it over night. In the morning before you start the engine apply the brake pedal. You should hear a pressure release. This will be the vacuum that was stored in the booster escaping.

If the brake pedal is hard, then the vacuum escaped over night and an investigation into the cause must be done. The booster diaphragm may be faulty or the non-return valve situated on the booster pipe may not be functioning properly.

Different size boosters have different boost ratios. Let’s say a booster has a boost ratio of 3,5 to 1. This means that if a driver applies the brake pedal with 10 kg of pressure, the booster will multiply that pressure by 3,5. The result being 35kg of pressure being applied to the master cylinder.

If at any time the booster fails or you lose vacuum to the booster, the brake pedal will go hard and the sensation will be of having no brakes. Do not panic. Just apply the pedal with more force. You will still have brakes, but without booster assistance. Bring the vehicle to a stop and call for assistance.

Brake Master Cylinders

The function of the brake master cylinder is to transfer the applied pressure from the brake pedal and booster to the calipers and wheel cylinders using the brake fluid.

When master cylinder seals are worn, the brake pedal will lose pressure under foot. This loss of pressure is the brake fluid escaping back past the seals as a result of them being worn.

When replacing new and complete master cylinders, measure the depth of the primary piston on the old master cylinder and ensure that the depth of the primary piston of the new master cylinder is the same depth. If the depth varies, this may affect the operation of the braking system.

If too deep, the driver will experience long pedal travel, and the technicians trying to bleed the brakes may experience difficulty in bleeding the hydraulic system. If too shallow, the booster pin will push the piston in the master cylinder and this will cause the seals to block the compensating or recuperation port. Technicians will also experience difficulty in bleeding the hydraulic system.

If this port is blocked, the expanding brake fluid (as a result of heat build up at the calipers and wheel cylinders) will not be able to return to the brake fluid reservoir, resulting in a pressure build-up in the hydraulic system. This in turn will cause the brake pads to drag on the brake disc and will ultimately result in the brakes binding and the vehicle coming to a stop.

Once the brake fluid cools down, the vehicle can be driven again. But this problem will continue until the “toe board” clearance is corrected. On some boosters, this clearance cannot be adjusted, which means the master cylinder will have to be replaced with the correct one.

If reconditioning of the old master cylinder is done, the length of the primary piston must be measured and recorded for the re-assembly. The incorrect length of the primary piston will cause the secondary piston to be in the incorrect position, resulting in either a long pedal, or a binding of the brakes, on the affected circuit.

On a cross-split braking system, this may affect one front wheel and the opposite rear wheel. The tamper-proof screw in the primary piston is what adjusts the length of the primary piston and is secured with loctite.

About Control Instruments

The Control Instruments group is primarily focused on the automotive after-market in sub-Saharan Africa through its subsidiary, CI-Automotive. The company was originally established in 1948 and today manufactures and distributes premium-branded automotive parts and associated products to the sub-Saharan Africa automotive after-market.

Brand names owned or exclusively represented by CI-Automotive in sub-Saharan Africa include Gabriel, VDO, Echlin, Autocom, Acsa-Mag, Mag Brakes, Warn, Hi-Lift, Textar, Eurocable, Contitech and Truck-Lite.

CI-Automotive comprises its trading division in Johannesburg and Gabriel manufacturing facility in Cape Town.

Special recognition to:

Fabio Dinino

Issued by:
Sha-Izwe/CharlesSmithAssoc

ON BEHALF OF:
Control Instruments Automotive

Further Information:
Charles Smith

TEL: (011) 781-6190
FAX: (011) 326-4760
Email: charles@csa.co.za
web: www.csa.co.za

AT:
Control Instruments Automotive
TEL: +27 (0) 11 627-2500
FAX: +27 (0) 86 682 8498
Email : info@ci-automotive.com
Web : www.ci-automotive.com

Also View:

Brakes/Braking and Road Safety

The Arrive Alive website would like to wish all road users a safe travel to their destinations this Festive Season. Most fatal road crashes are caused by driver error and we would like to plead with drivers to remain alert and avoid any distractions behind the steering wheel.

The RTMC Festive Season Road Safety Report for December 1, 2011 to 10 January 10 last year showed the most common causes of crashes as being:

Speeds too high for conditions, especially, during bad weather and at night.
Dangerous, reckless or inconsiderate driving, particularly barrier line infringements.
Alcohol abuse by drivers and pedestrians.
Fatigue, especially among public passenger drivers.
Vehicle fitness, particularly tyre failure and defective brakes.
Pedestrian negligence (jay walking, walking on freeways, not visible at night and walking on roads while intoxicated).
These sobering statistics should serve as a wake-up call. We need to reflect on our behaviour as responsible citizens; it is time to stop the carnage that claims countless lives.

Although the government is committed to ending the carnage, road safety is everybody’s responsibility. Too often road fatalities are caused by reckless driver behaviour, or unroadworthy vehicles. It is you, the road user, who can spearhead a change in behaviour by doing the right thing: make sure that your vehicle is roadworthy, buckle up, take regular breaks and do not drive when drunk.

The National Roads Agency has provided an update on Road Works and Road Conditions for December 2013-January 2014.

We would like to urge the public to assist in providing feedback on road conditions by submitting reports on the following page

Report Bad Road Conditions

On the Arrive Alive website we have a page of content on Mountain Bike Safety with advice and recommendations for safe cycling/ biking. The sport of mountain biking is a fast growing sport and with sports tourism such an important part of tourism in South Africa we decided to approach one of the top mountain bike event planners with a few questions on the importance of safety in the planning process:

Questions:

Can you provide a brief overview of mountain bike events that you have / are planning?

Dryland Event Management (Dryland) owns and operates various mountain biking and trail running events within the Southern, Eastern Cape and Western Cape. The aim is to provide world class events that covers all sectors of mountain biking and accommodates athletes from the novice to the seasoned professional. This objective is reached by supplying product (events) that cater for all levels of participation, not always within one event, but often single events aimed at certain groups – hence our diverse event base from 7-day stage races to family orientated one-day fun rides. These include:

Fairview Attakwas Extreme
Du Toit Tankwa Trek
36ONE MTB Challenge
Red Stone MTB and Trail run
Hessequa mountain bike challenge
36ONE Storms River Traverse
Ladismith Cheese 7Weeks poort MTB
Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek

We are constantly planning and looking at new ideas and events, often ideas get ditched quickly to later re-emerge as a successful event. At Dryland we will never run out of new plans. Currently we have a major undertaking planned for 2015; we should launch this by mid-2014. Let me not convey too much, but I will tell you that it involves the two oceans hugging this vast continent of Africa…enough said, just watch this space!

Are there any specific regulations / laws / parameters that you have to operate within when planning an event?

Definitely, we are governed by rules as stipulated by CSA and UCI, the local and international cycling bodies respectively that provide the cycling specific regulations for cycling events. The more general safety rules that apply to all events are governed under law by The Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act 2/2010. This act covers a wide range of stipulations that organisers have to adhere to and strictly follow. This includes a comprehensive safety and security plan that has to be presented for each event and covers issues like communication, evacuation planning, risk categorization and event medical planning.

How important is the focus on safety when planning an event?

Riders trust you with their lives when they embark on a race through a remote and desolate area, therefore we rank safety as our highest priority.

What do you do on the route planning side to optimize the safety of riders?

Route planning involves primarily providing riders with a great riding experience within certain safety parameters. Factors we consider to ensure safety en-route are challenges involving patient evacuation, distance and terrain and availability of radio and other means of communication.

Not all races/ events are the same – can you provide insight on how they differ in terms of safety and the requirements - i.e. long endurance races versus shorter races?

The length of a race certainly determines a different approach to the safety aspect, but the terrain coupled with distance and weather conditions is what we look at. On a longer race dehydration and rider fatigue are contributing factors to incidents. Riders often do not drink enough fluids, become dehydrated with all the accompanying side effects that make for a dangerous situation. Rider fatigue on longer events also creates a challenge where a lack of concentration leads to mistakes and eventual crashes.

What are the biggest safety concerns for the planners of a mountain bike race?

A lack of response time is our biggest concern. Response time in my opinion is where it is at. With all major incidents, if a quick response and evacuation of a patient is possible, then the outcome is usually always positive. The involvement of a motor vehicle in a bicycle accident is also a major concern, the outcome is seldom positive for a rider.

What are the most common mistakes riders make which adds to the safety concerns of the event planner and emergency response guys?

Rider error is a huge contributing factor to major crashes or incidents. Riders often overcook a sharp turn or attempt a descent down a technical section way to fast and then a serious crash can occur.

Do you meet with a medical services provider in the planning phase and discuss the response to any medical emergencies?

We certainly do. During planning we discuss general safety issues and as the event draws closer, we get into more detail. The days pre-race we get into the last detail with regards to weather conditions, rider numbers and possible fire or flooding risks.

What are the most important aspects to discuss in such as brief?

Possible areas of risk and medical response to these situations are discussed – the quickest and safest evacuation routes and means of evacuation (by air or land) are among these.

Do you communicate any safety messages or provide participants with information on safety prior to a race?

We do, the official race briefing on the start line will point out any hazards, explain the route markings and also inform riders of changes on the route and update weather forecasts for the day ahead. From 2014 onwards, starting with the Fairview Attakwas Extreme, we will conduct the race briefing via video to the mobile and web based platform. We have found that on the bigger races the riders are so excited on the start line that they do not pay attention to the briefings, hence this innovation.

Under which circumstances would you have to cancel an event due to safety concerns?

To cancel an event will only happen in really extreme conditions, on all our events part of the contingency plan includes an alternative route for the day and usually this will be sufficient in case of flooding or fire. Fire danger remains the single biggest challenge due to the unpredictability of this hazard. We will cancel a race when the safety of our riders or crew is in jeopardy en where we do not have access to alternative routes. A wild fire in the direct area of the route that is raging out of control will definitely lead to a race being cancelled.

Do you analyse safety matters after the event or request feedback from racers on safety matters?

We do a detailed de-brief post event to discuss issues that arose and to find avenues of improving the service. Riders actually feel safe if the route markings are clear and informative and they frequently observe a medical official en-route. In my opinion riders only assess safety once they are in a situation where medical back-up is required – in these situations we do ask for their feedback.

What is the best advice you can offer to riders on safety when participating in an event?

Hydrate efficiently, not too much and not too little either, descent within your capabilities and concentrate.

Are there any specific aspects not covered in these questions/ answers that you believe needs to be shared?

The events industry is fast growing and more and more service providers are entering the market – it is therefore very important that this industry is strictly regulated in terms of rider safety. Many event organisers are operating without the necessary safety, medical and communication measures in place, in other words the operations are conducted outside of the parameters of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act. Safety of participants or non-negotiable and this issue needs to be addressed.

Questions kindly answered by Henco Rademeyer

Dryland Event Management

Tel: +27 44 279 2423

Fax: +27 44 279 1096

Also View:

Mountain bike safety and riding on the trail

Introduction / Background to the Arrive Alive Website

During the past year we experienced the drive and passion of those committed to saving lives and preventing injuries on our roads! There is a clear understanding in the traffic environment that the road carnage cannot continue and that more needs to be done towards ensuring the safety of all road users!

This cannot be done merely by Government and traffic officials but will require cooperation with the private sector, NGO’s, community activists and private citizens. We are pleased that during the past year many more made the commitment towards road safety via the iPledge Campaign and through their commitment towards Road Safety NGO’s.

The Arrive Alive online initiative is only one such initiative, based on a passionate personal commitment towards road safety, which strives to create more awareness on road safety. It is important to recognize that together we can do so much more!

Highlights

Positioning of the Arrive Alive Online Initiative

The 2013 road fatality statistics supports the belief that it is indeed time for desperate measures!

We need to focus on the 5 E’s required for road safety - Engineering; Education; Encouragement; Enforcement; Evaluation.

There is a wide variety of road safety initiatives both locally and internationally dedicated to road safety under a wide variety of tag lines.

We need to encourage, promote one another and work together in preventing road injuries and fatalities where the end goal is far more important than personal successes.

The Arrive Alive online initiative is merely one such initiative focusing specifically on raising road safety awareness online.

Our vision has always been to create an information portal focused on raising awareness of road safety, thereby enhancing Education with regards to road safety.

The Arrive Alive website was an important portal to initiate discussion about road safety in 2013.

Through close cooperation and a committed effort to assist the printed and other media life - saving information were shared across a variety of platforms.

Online Review of ArriveAlive.co.za

At the start of the year we need to reflect on our online road safety initiatives during 2013.

This is done not only with the aim of providing feedback to our road safety partners, but also towards improving and defining strategies for 2014. The Arrive Alive website was launched on the 13th of March 2003 with the objective to provide the best possible information portal for Road Safety in South Africa. As new technology has become available, so have our efforts increased to use these technological advances in creating awareness of road safety and facilitating greater interaction between the public and road safety experts, groups and authorities.

Objectives with this Report

The Arrive Alive Website and related Road Safety Initiatives Overview 2012 will provide a detailed overview of:

the progress made in 2013
initiatives undertaken to improve road safety awareness
mediums used to share information
target audience and wider audience reached
public interaction facilitated
making this possible
how to get involved

Road Safety News Stories shared in 2013:

Road Safety has been an important topic in the news in 2013. Stories included horrific crashes such as the truck crash in Pinetown as well as the responses to crashes, activities in enforcement and the addresses and messages from leaders in Government and the road safety environment. We shared a large number of these stories in the following categories:

New content pages developed and added during 2013 included:

Mountain Bike Events / Planning and the Safety of Bikers

Road Conditions Report December 2013-January 2014

Safe Braking and Understanding the Brake Components

Road Behaviour Profiler and Psychological Welfare of Drivers

Intersections and Safe Driving

Feet, Footwear and Safe Driving

Swimming Safely and Advice to Prevent Drowning

Driving the Roundabout / Traffic Circle safely with the dashboard camera

Dashboard Camera Recorders and Road Safety

The Emergency Medical Kit and Safety on the Road

Safe Driving when Hearing the Emergency Siren

Collision Investigation and Understanding Brake Failure

Motorcycle Safety and Riding in Bad Weather

Mountain bike safety and riding on the trail

Imperial I-Pledge Scholar Patrol Rollout 215 Schools

Renewal or Replacement of RSA Credit Card Format Driving Licence

Cruise Control and Safe Driving

Advanced Driving Instructors and Safety Advice for the Road

Changing the Tyre Safely next to the Road

Professionalism and ethics in reporting from the scene of a road crash

The U-Turn as a Threat to Road Safety

Motorcycle Safety and the Elderly Rider

Motorbike Safety through the Eyes of the Instructor

Safe Driving with ABS (Anti-Lock Brake Systems)

Road Transport Management System [RTMS] and Road Safety

Blood Pressure, Driver Fitness and Safe Driving

Windscreen Diagnostics

South African Law on Wearing of Seatbelts

Positioning of the GPS device and safe driving

Emergency Services Communications

Insurance Telematics and Driver Behaviour Measurement with Ctrack

Wheel Well and Road Safety

Assistance of the Drone in Accident Investigation and Road Safety

Unusual road signs in Northern India

Cracked Windshield, Safe Driving and the Law

Digital Mapping and Road Safety

Motion Induced Blindness and Road Safety

Motorcycle Accident Scene Investigations and Road Safety

Herewith find an overview of the website and road safety exposure provided: Google Analytics

The best tool to analyse traffic flow and visitor numbers is the technology offered through Google Analytics. We would like to share the website traffic as measured by Google Analytics from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2013.

Social Media and Campaigns

To reach a much wider audience for road safety it is important to reach those who are active in the social media environment. Not only is this important to share sections of content and road safety links, but also to share info about the road safety initiatives by our road safety partners.

The ArriveAlive.co.za website is active on our own platforms on both Facebook and Twitter

There has been a strong growth in the interactions via Twitter and we were able to grow a strong following, enabling us to share news and important updates on this medium.

As on 1 January 2014:

We are also administrators on 2 larger platforms, allowing us to share news content and media releases with a much wider audience:

Proudly South Africa: Facebook Fans 53,231

Rugby15: Facebook Fans 34,741 Twitter Followers: 43,080

Some of our Social Media Campaigns

Safety Talks and Public Engagement

We made a few public addresses during the past year:

Transport Forum SIG 9 May 2013 will be hosted by University of Johannesburg's Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies

MBA North Regional Construction Health and Safety Competition Awards Ceremony

Eskom December Vehicle Safety Campaign Technology 3 December

Safety video by Imperial i-Pledge at Car Seats for Kids Campaign

Arrive Alive.co.za and Additional Media Exposure

It is important that we reach a far wider audience than those with access to the internet. The Arrive Alive online road safety initiatives are also aimed at journalists, reporters, researchers and teachers who are able to gather the road safety information and distribute to a wider audience.

We would like to focus on some of these other media that distributed the road safety information from the Arrive Alive website and recognized this. We have assisted these platforms in providing info, answering requests for information etc.

Interaction with the Public

To be not only an effective information portal, but also a mechanism for greater public involvement, we have developed sections to enhance greater public interaction. An often overlooked, yet very important objective is to assist the public in gaining clarity on road safety matters and provide responses to queries raised via the Arrive Alive website.

It is also of extreme importance to assist private companies with advice and information to be used in their own on-site road safety campaigns

Herewith find a detailed summary of how public interaction was facilitated during 2013:

"Contact Us” on ArriveAlive.co.za

- Thousands of e-mails have been received via the “Contact Us” section - these have been responded to and forwarded to the Department of Transport, Road Traffic Management Corporation and various road safety experts for further comment.

These emails are kept in various email folders for later reference.

Emails received and responded to from the Arrive Alive.co.za website:

Arrive Alive email 2013 Folder: 6750 emails

Blog Comments on the Road Safety & Arrive Alive Blog

- Visitors to the Road Safety & Arrive Alive Blog as well as Accidents Blog are able to comment on blog posts and also request clarification or answers to specific questions.

- These questions have been answered on the Blog and where appropriate a Blog post has been added to provide additional details to these responses and enable other visitors to benefit from these responses.

Enquiries & Ask the Experts

- We enable the public to “Ask the Experts” These experts provide specialised knowledge to members of the public on technical questions.

- Questions are referred to experts in the fields of licensing, testing, enforcement, road freight, legislation, safe driving etc and the answers are added to the website

The requests that could benefit many other visitors as well are also shared on the Blogs in a “Did you Know?” format.

Reports made via the Arrive Alive website to the National Traffic Call Centre at the RTMC:

2334 Reports of Bad Driving & Road Condition Reports

Partnerships and Collaboration

It has become more important to cooperate and collaborate in other initiatives as well. In a tough financial environment where NGO’s and small business struggle it has become vital for the survival of this road safety initiative to develop new platforms and to assist others with expertise and consulting services.

The hours of hard work and dedication that goes into these efforts are most often not fully understood and appreciated, and we would like to provide an overview to summarize the effort which has gone into these collaborations during 2013.

Road Safety Blogs

Insurance Blogs

Partnering with Miningsafety.co.za

We also partner in the development of an online initiative to create awareness of safety in the mining industry. This was inspired by past cooperation with and assistance to mining companies in their own road safety campaigns.

It was our vision that the Arrive Alive website can make a significant contribution to not only safety on our roads -but also to the safety in the Mining Industry!

We are pleased that we were able to launch the website at www.miningsafety.co.za on the 1st of February 2011

Today we can reflect on both hard work and many successes in this partnership.

Road Safety Partners:

To create road safety awareness via the Arrive Alive website and other media we approached companies to partner in these efforts. From our side we provide exposure and recognition to these partners and their road safety involvement on the website and blogs. Our road safety partners as we enter 2013 are:

Arrive Alive:

Imperial –I-Pledge / Toyota South Africa/ OUTsurance / ER24/ TomTom/ Ctrack / Mix Telematics / PG Glass – Shatterprufe/ Gabriel/Eskom/TracN4 /AutoZone / RoadCover/ PSA/ Breathalayzers.co.za/ SMAC/ InterCape

Insurance Blogs:

OUTsurance / MiWay/ Virseker

Mining Safety:

HSE/ Ctrack

Gratitude

We would also like to recognize individuals and groups that made important contributions:

Chillies and Nelio for allowing us to operate from the Chillies offices in Bloemfontein.

Charl Wilson for website development

Pierre Steenkamp for graphics and multimedia

Internext for webhosting

All the experts – with a special word of appreciation to Howard Dembovsky, Clancinah Baloyi, David Frost, Rob Askew, , Alta Swanepoel,Corne van de Venter, Isaiah Mamabolo, Rob Handfield -Jones and Gavin Hoole for the numerous times they have assisted the public.

Those individuals from the Department of Transport and the RTMC who were willing to answer many questions and providing feedback to the public

Journalists, reporters, media editors, webmasters and everyone who assisted in the wider distribution of road safety information from the Website and Blogs

Individuals from SANRAL and the RAF for feedback provided to questions from the Public.

Family, friends and everyone who have been positive and provided words of inspiration.

What you might not know about ArriveAlive.co.za:

It is now 10 years since we started working on the Arrive Alive website – and on the 13th of March 2013 we celebrated 10 years since the launch of the Arrive Alive website.

The website is a personal commitment towards creating road safety awareness in memory of my mom who died in a road traffic crash on the 3rd of December 1972.

Arrive Alive is a road safety strategy started by the Department of Transport in the late 1990’s.

The Website received a Letter of Endorsement from The Department of Transport in 2007

The development team consists of 1 full time and 2 “part time” developers.

The Arrive Alive website and online initiatives are not funded by the Department of Transport or the Road Traffic Management Corporation

NO Funding was received in 2013 from the Department of Transport or the RTMC

There is no marketing budget for these online road safety initiatives and it is funded through cooperation with the private sector.

How can I get involved?

We will continue to commit ourselves to these road safety efforts. There is so much more we can achieve with the participation of both corporate South Africa and individuals. We recognize that there are much expertise and knowledge to be gathered in strengthening these efforts.

We would like to invite others to become part of the road safety initiatives. This could include:

- Becoming an Arrive Alive Website partner

We will discuss with such partner how such partnering contribution can be used to develop new sections of content. The partner will be provided with exposure of such a partnership by way of:

Exposure to logos
Sections of Content
Horizontal and other banners/ graphics
Blog Posts and media exposure on the road safety initiatives and corporate social corporate responsibility initiatives of the Partner

- Advisor and Consulting Services

Every person can contribute to road safety irrespective of age, gender or financial status. We would like to invite the public to contribute by sending advice and recommendations on how to achieve greater road safety in South Africa.

We welcome any suggestions on new content or additional means of creating awareness that should be pursued.

We would like to invite visitors to contact us with suggestions at

Contact details:

Adv Johan Jonck

Cell: +27 (82) 370 0991

Email: jonckie@arrivealive.co.za

Click to view the PDF version

On the Arrive Alive website we share crash reports received from various medical emergency response services across South Africa. During the past Festive season we received several reports stating that there was a vehicle “rollover” or that the vehicle “overturned”.

Vehicle rollovers are generally divided into two categories: tripped and untripped. Tripped rollovers are caused by forces from an external object, such as a curb or a collision with another vehicle. Untripped crashes are the result of steering input, speed, and friction with the ground.

We decided to raise a few questions on rollover crashes on the roads of South Africa with Forensic Collision Reconstructionist Stan Bezuidenhout. We would like to find more information on why these crashes occur and what drivers can do to prevent these rollover crashes.

What are the percentages of crashes that you investigate that you would regard as rollover crashes?

Since I now investigate and reconstruct largely Commercial (Truck) crashes, a large percentage.

But one must understand that there are a variety of "simplifications" relating to roll-overs.

A single vehicle rolling over (on the road) due to a tyre failure is not TECHNICALLY a "roll-over" because the collision is actually a mechanical failure, resulting in a roll-over.

Equally, a vehicle rolling over because it went around a bend to quickly rolls over because of driver error. Here, failing to operate the vehicle at a safe speed is the true "cause."

Trying to define "roll-over" as a cause (or primary factor) would be like asking a doctor in how many illness cases death was a factor. Death would be the result of a particular set of influences, certainly not a case.

But - to answer in short - in a large percentage of cases I attend, roll-overs have occurred. But not all for the same reasons.

We often say that crashes are caused by 85% human error 10% vehicle factors and 5 % environmental factors...would you agree that these same factors are most often the cause of rollover crashes?

Yes, and no. I believe human error (intentional human action) is actually a larger percentage as a contributory element than most people realize.

A driver DECIDES to overtake in the face of on-coming traffic, not to indicate, not to stop, not to slow down, etc.

But poor maintenance (mechanic not doing his job) invariably result in what is termed a "mechanical failure" but it is in essence also then an element of "human failure" or "human error."

But again - to answer in short and to reiterate - roll-overs are seldom a factor or cause, but rather a result of another (more relevant) factor or cause.

Which are the most important human factors or driver error leading to rollover crashes?

Failure to operate vehicle with due regard to prevailing conditions.
Failing to operate vehicle at a safe speed.
Failing to keep a proper look-out and;
Failure to operate vehicle with due consideration for safety of self and others.

Which vehicle factors are most likely to reduce vehicle stability and contribute to rollover crashes? Which vehicle components are most important to consider?

Speeding (operating in excess of speed required for vehicle/load/design combination).
Overloading (especially on buses and trucks).
Driver training (a lack thereof, relating to both the management of momentary instability and the prevention thereof).

Vehicle components that lead to- influence- or cause roll-overs, are typically:

Tyres (under-inflated or tyre failure causing a loss of control).
Shocks (poor shocks lead to inherent instability).
Wheel alignment (causing side-bias instability - vehicle is less stable turning to one side than to the other).
Vehicle design (some vehicle are inherently more top-heavy and/or unstable than others).

Which environmental factors could increase the risk of rollover crashes?

These would include:

Rain, snow and ice (reduced road surface friction).
Wind (Affecting the stability of higher or lighter vehicles).
Fog/mist/fire/smoke - can reduce visibility and affect reaction/perception times.
Low light or bright sun (glare) - can affect a person's ability to detect and react to an emergency, obstruction or road element (bend, corner, etc) timeously.
Traffic Friction - where there are many vehicles operating at differing speeds and/or affecting others (causing sudden braking, etc).
Improper Law Enforcement - like road blocks that are not properly erected (no speed reduction, warning or management).

Does the type of vehicle play an important role in increasing the risk of rollover –i.e passenger car compared to SUV, minibus taxi or truck?

Yes. Vehicles are influenced (become more unstable) by:

Height/design.
Suspension Design (some suspensions are softer or travel further, i.e. the wheels move up and down over greater distances, like SUV's.
Wheels/tyres - Poor tyre choice (normal tyres on commercial vehicles) can result in premature failure.
Mass/weight/load - heavier vehicles or even lighter ones (depending on dynamics) can be more unstable.

What are the most important aspects you would as an investigator be looking at at the vehicle rollover crash scene to establish the cause of the crash?

The TRUE CAUSE of the loss of control leading UP TO the roll-over, which would include:

The tyre marks (from where they FIRST start to where the vehicle ended up).
The loading/load on/of the vehicle.
The tyres and wheels - whether they have failed, etc. Note: ALL wheels/tyres MUST be considered, examined and photographed.
The vehicle steering system, suspension and shocks/components.

What are the most important recommendations you would offer to drivers and fleet owners to reduce rollover crashes?

Speed, speed and speed. Vehicle CANNOT (typically) roll over while they are stationery.
PREDICT danger. LOOK for sharp bends, etc. ANTICIPATE danger. ASSUME there will be "an emergency" at any time.
Loading - ENSURE proper, safe, secure and legal loading of ALL Vehicle types.
Tyres, Wheels, Suspension, Brakes and Steering system. These MUST be 100% operational, mechanically sound and fault-free at ALL times.

[We would like to extend a word of appreciation to Stan Bezuidenhout for the assistance provided]

Forensic Collision Homicide Reconstructionist

Managing Director

IBF Investigations – All the evidence since 2000

c. +27 (0) 79 663-8664

f. 086 610-4148

e. stansb@ibfsa.com

w. www.ibfsa.com

Also view:

Shock Absorbers and Road Safety

Brakes, Braking and Road Safety

Vehicle Maintenance and Road Safety

4x4 Training in South Africa / Types & Levels of Training Explained

There have been significant changes in the “Driver Training Industry” in South Africa in recent years. Not only has many vehicle manufacturers managed their own driving academies and training centres but many private training facilities have become operational.

Driver training is not only important and recommended for the drivers of passenger vehicles but also for drivers in the fast growing 4x4 vehicle industry! The beautiful, yet often challenging terrain of the South African outdoors present some unique challenges to drivers.

Unfortunately not only the highly professional 4x4 driver trainers have seen a gap in the market but also some fly by night operators with very dodgy credentials. In an effort to formalize the industry the 4x4 community has decided to put up their hands to actively promote proper self -regulation and qualification/training.

With many different academies, training centres and specialized or outsourced services available we decided to approach Andre Botha from Just 4x4 Adventures and gain more clarity on the types and levels of 4x4 training in South Africa.

Types of 4x4 Training

There are only two main distinctive types of training taking place.

Accredited training (standardized & formal) and Certified training (non- standardized and informal).

To the contrary of the perception that 4WD training is only for users taking their vehicles off-road, accredited 4WD training was developed for all 4WD users On-Road (gravel and tar) and off-Road (tracks & trails).

Certified Training

Before the registration of the Unit Standards for 4WD training the 4x4 industry had to make use of certified 4WD training.

This training was provided by self-acclaimed experts in the 4WD industry whom took advantage of the demand for 4WD training and started their own training operations.

No standard existed so everybody presented their own product under no supervision nor regulation.

On completion of such certified training all learners received a certificate of attendance.

With this in mind I am not saying that the products presented was of substandard, to the contrary. I attended a number of the more prominent programs in my investigations and found some very well presented programs; however I must admit they were in the minority.

A vast variety of different programs saw the light, such as Introduction to 4x4, Level 1-5, Advanced 4x4 and possibly a couple more.

The bottom line is that none of them was standardized nor approved by the industry or from a set curriculum to which can be referred to.

Accredited Training

Accredited Training is a step in the right direction. From certified training we moved forward to accredited training were training is formal & standardized. This training is presented by accredited training providers who manage their instructors, assessors and moderators to provide the highest levels of accredited training.

Accredited providers

Accredited providers undergo a strict qualification process to be able to be accredited against the unit standards to be presented.

These providers have to be registered tax payers, as well as have sound policies and procedures in place to name a few requirements before being considered for accreditation.

Regulated

Accredited providers are regulated by the SETA and its ETQA dept (Education Training Quality Assuror)

Qualified Instructors & Assessors

Accredited providers have to make use of qualified facilitators (instructors), assessors and moderators to present accredited unit standard training.

A qualified instructor is competent by one level higher than the unit standard presented, competent on the unit standard presented as well as us 117871 Facilitation of learning.

A qualified assessor is competent by one level higher than the unit standard presented, competent on the unit standard presented as well as us 115753 conduct outcomes based assessments.

Assessors have to be registered to assess the relevant unit standard by the SETA. At African Off-Road Academy it is policy that the facilitator and assessor not be the same person, this ensures quality training and high levels of customer satisfaction.

Formalized certification

Accredited providers present learners with unit standard related skills & knowledge and confirm Learner’s competence with a certificate of competence.

Competent learners receive credits at the specified level on the National Learner Record Database.

Learners can accumulate credits on various levels to achieve national certificates, diplomas and degrees.

Standardized

All accredited training provided must be related to the relevant Unit Standard presented.

Industry approved

Before a Unit Standard can be approved, it has to undergo certain steps for approval of which one is "public comment" this is where the public or industry can scrutinize the unit standard and raise their comments which is then addressed before approval and registration.

Credits and Levels

All unit standards is allocated credits and a level. The levels are grouped in bands, general education, further education and higher education from level 1 to 8 and recently 11.

The credits allocated refer to the amount of notional learning hours a learner has to complete to qualify for competence.

Unit Standards

4x4 Driving Standards

US 254135 Apply the techniques for operating four wheel drive (4WD) vehicles, in on-road and off-road conditions. Level 3 Credits 4

US 254154 Apply the advanced techniques for operating four wheel drive (4WD) vehicles, in on-road and off-road conditions. Level 3 Credits 8

Defensive Driving Standards

US115311 Apply advanced driving skills / techniques in defensive and offensive situations Level 5 Credits 9

US 377201 Apply advanced driving skills: defensive driving Level 5 Credits 6

US 377220 Apply advanced driving skills: offensive driving Level 5 Credits 5

US 242656 Apply technical knowledge and skill in order to manage risk in motor vehicle losses due to theft and hijacking. Level 4 Credits 3

US 117871 Facilitation of learning Level 5 Credits 10

US 115753 Conduct outcomes based assessments Level 5 Credits 15

What are the benefits of such training?

The benefits are twofold, depending on the needs of the learner. We as accredited providers aim to provide the learner with skills and knowledge which can be applied to ensure optimal, safe and environmentally application of his 4WD vehicle on and off-road.

Acquire skills and knowledge

We would like to present the learner with knowledge and skills and confirming it with a certificate of competence.

As opposed to the recent skippers and arms licenses were learners required the qualification rather than the knowledge and skill to go with it.

I sure hope that this would not become the case when the environmental sensitive areas gets proclaimed and formal training becomes the key to access. There is so much to gain out of skills and knowledge as opposed to a qualification.

Money back

Training can be funded by skills development.

Insurance companies offer rebates on premiums on presentation of accredited certificates.

Competence on these unit standards will defiantly ensure a candidate applying for related employment such as a motor vehicle salesman, tourist guide, game ranger, geologist etc. with better employment possibilities and better earning power.

SANOTA

The South African National Trainers Association strives to bring all parties involved together to formulate standardized programs throughout the industry certified and accredited.

SANOTA also acts as the speaker for trainers on the NOW whom represents the industry to the department of environmental affairs and the government.

Besides the obvious needs (safety/competency/environmental/etc) to learn these specific skill sets, is there any current legal requirement? If not, is there any future proposed legal requirement?

Currently there are no legal requirements enforcing accredited 4WD training. However there are reports of National parks and reserves were these have been requested as well as the industrial sector rather opting for accredited than certified training options.

I think, one thing that we've got to realize is, if we want a sustainable industry of which we enjoy the benefits of my provider business and Jan Alleman the 4x4 owner. We have to take responsibility and move forward in a positive direction before government intervenes and enforce legislation upon us as is on its way.

Can a 4x4 driver who is very experienced avoid having to go through basic training all over again?

Yes surely we accommodate the "very experienced" drivers.

However allegedly experienced, experienced by what standards, measured against what curriculum?

I agree! I rated myself as "very experienced" in the art of 4x4 diving specially after completing 15 odd different certified training courses presented by similar "very experienced" instructors.

After training 57 "very experienced" subject matter experts as instructors and assessors I realize today that after being privileged to learn from each one of them I am possibly the most "very experienced" person in 4x4 today.

This means nothing - what counts is I am competent against US254135 US254154 and that is measurable, acceptable by the industry no matter what I think or anybody says. I have my "Matric in 4x4" and nobody can dispute that or take it away from my.

Drivers who still feel they have the skills and knowledge to be found competent can apply for a formal assessment not RPL and be formally assessed against the unit standards. Just remember in the past not much attention was given to the environmental aspects.

At African Off-Road Academy we have a challenge. Anybody gaining 95% or more in a formal assessment gets his accreditation free. MAKES YOU THINK?!

Where can the 4x4 driver get trained?

Firstly decide between certified and accredited. If your choice is accredited, then your options are limited to a few accredited providers and TETA will be able to provide details of accredited providers.

African Off-Road Academy is a national provider with 57 qualified Instructor- assessors nationwide that can provide standardized training in all provinces of Southern Africa.

A learner can attend facilitation in George while on vacation and be assessed in Pietersburg where he lives a month later if required or do both one day after another at the same location. Learners can submit a training application on our website www.africanoffroad.co.za and will automatically be directed to the instructor assessor tem in his area

Is there a fixed fee for this training, or can the trainer charge what he likes?

There is no fixed rate for accredited training. Taking in consideration that learning and assessment material gets provided, there are venue, trail, meals and refreshment costs involved as well as an instructor and assessor fee. Comparing with other accredited programs which runs in the order of between 3 and 4 thousand rand per unit standard I think the current R1250.00 and R2500.00 we are charging is not out of reach.

How does a trainer become an accredited trainer?

This all depends if the instructor wants to operate under an accredited provider or wants to accredit by himself.

If he chooses to operate under a provider which is the obvious thing to do is to apply to a provider such as African Off- Road Academy to be trained.

The first step is to qualify on the unit standards you want to facilitate.

Step two is not compulsory but recommended. To qualify against US117871 Facilitation of learning.

Step three is to qualify against US 115753 conduct outcomes based assessments.

The provider will register the instructor with the SETA and you are ready to train. The provider will provide you with the relevant systems paperwork etc to provide accredited training.

If the choice is to accredit by himself, well good luck!!!

Content with recognition to:

Andre Botha (4x4 Overland Tour Guide GP3431 & 4x4 Assessor)

Just 4x4 Adventures

Approved Member of African Off-Road Academy

Tel: 0825766058

Fax: 0866121810

www.just4x4adventures.co.za

andre@just4x4adventures.co.za

Also view:

4x4 Off-road Vehicle Safety and Driving Techniques

How do Seatbelts Save Lives? The Mechanics of a Seatbelt Explained

When you use the word seatbelt, people often think only of the "webbing." The black (or other color) strap you pull across your lap and chest.

But there is more to this amazing invention than a mere belt to hold you back. So - let's look at the components of the seatbelt first, shall we:

The webbing

The webbing - the thing you see most of - is not just any material. In order for it to be effective, it needs to be able to restrain you, it needs to be able to withstand enormous forces but it must also not be SO rigid that it can injure you. To this effect, the seatbelt webbing is slightly dynamic; it stretches a little under force.

The fibers are finely woven in a way that allows for them to move a bit. This makes the material soft (so as not to be uncomfortable), yet very strong.

It must also be long-alsting and it must withstand sweat (acids) and exposure over a reasonably long period - typically longer than the life of the vehicle.

The Anchor Points

The anchor points of the seatbelt system form a vital part of the system safety. Under the kinds of forces experienced in full-frontal collision, these need to be and stay secure.

When we examine a vehicle for seatbelt use or when we do a Technical Fleet Audit, we check that all the anchor points are secure, free of damage or wear and properly tied down.

These are the points where the greatest forces are exerted and the best seatbelt system in the world will not function effectively if it is not properly secured and maintained.

The Buckle

The seatbelt buckle has gone through a variety of evolutions. First, it was very much simply a latch system.

But - after people got stuck in cars and burned to death, after elbows knocked the buckles, resulting in release and after people failed to be able to exit while hanging upside down because to great a force was needed to release it (among other things), seatbelts pretty much evolved to where they are today.

The buckle release catch is now recessed (preventing elbows from releasing it), the release mechanism is designed better and the unit is designed to work even if the plastic melts in a fire.

The Lock and Pawl system

The lock and Pawl system is actually rather complex, as this image clearly shows:

But - in layman's terms, this is how it works:

Essentially, the seatbelt is wound around a geared spindle. If you pull it gently, the gears will not engage and the seatbelt comes out.

If you pull it hard, the gears will engage and the seatbelt will be held in place (and you know how irritating it is when you want to put on your seatbelt quickly, but it keeps "getting stuck," right?).

Now - if there is a lateral or longitudinal force on the vehicle, this causes a little weight to shift and to engage the gears as well. Then the seatbelt will also lock in place.

This is to allow you to be able to use it but for a roll-over or collision to result in restraint from the angular forces or from the rapid deployment of the seatbelt.

Modern vehicles also have shackle sensors that allow the airbag deployment unit to determine if a seatbelt is worn. If not - the airbag will not deploy, since the occupant would not be restrained and will thus crash into the airbag.

Pyrotechnic pre-tensioner

While some are very complex, this is basically a unit that will automatically "tighten" the seatbelt on impact.

There are a variety of designs - some use a controlled "explosion" like an airbag while others use spring tension.

This system is designed to ensure that the seatbelt is firmly and securely fastened around the occupant when a collision or roll-over occurs.

It has been found that even in rear-end collisions, where this kind of system is not installed, occupants COULD be ejected out of the vehicle, towards the rear from underneath the seatbelt webbing - especially if their particular seatbelt design results in a slack belt system (too loose around the body).

Finally, we can now get to the seatbelt (as a whole) and whether it saves lives, or not.

Speed

Firstly, we need to understand that seatbelts are not "miracles." They have operational limitations.

At higher speeds (say, beyond 80 Km/h), if you collide with a fixed object, the system could become part of the fatality mechanism.

This is because the system is designed to reduce the RISK of injury of death, not PREVENT death in all its forms.

In order to understand this statement, we need to look at the dynamics associated with (say) a frontal collision and the sequence of (relevant) events (wish some assumptions):

The driver brakes. This causes the Lock-and-Pawl and associated systems to activate, locking the webbing in place.
The occupants start to lean forward, and they are partially restrained by the seatbelts.
The vehicle collides with an object. At the very first moment of impact, the front impact sensors engage and send a signal to the Airbag Controller Unit.
The Airbag controller unit - now aware that a collision is happening, checks to see if the vehicle actually in motion. This is taken from inertial sensors elsewhere in the vehicle.
The unit then checks to see if there are occupants in the front seats (there are occupant sensors in modern vehicles and this is why small children should not sit there, since this could result in the system concluding there is no one there. It is also the reason why you need to disengage the Airbag in some vehicles when there is a baby seat there, since the system might detect it as the presence of an occupant and deploy the airbag.
Then the unit checks to see if the seatbelt shackles are engaged
- if the occupant even has a seatbelt on (in some vehicles).
If all these conditions (this is a simplified explanation, so there could be many other considerations), the ACU deploys the seatbelt pre-tensioner and the airbag.
Now the vehicle decelerates (rapidly, of course) but the occupant is still moving forward.
Before the occupants reach the dash-board (if they were wearing no seatbelts) and collides with it, they "collide" with the seatbelt, which decelerates them (so, later than the actual collision, so the occupants' deceleration is now less, since they "lots their speed" over a longer time, already).
But, the organs of the occupants are still in forward motion (most are largely liquid and thus deform, stretch and wobble inside the occupant) and reaches the front of the chest, where they "collide as well."

In all this, if the collision was not too severe - the occupant/s will essentially have decelerated slower than the vehicle (which is metal) and if all goes well, they will survive with nothing more than a sore
chest...

But what if the forces are extreme? What if this was a collision with a solid wall, at 100 Km/h (or more)?

Now the deceleration is STILL too extreme for the human body to tolerate. The internal organs are fragile and the (eventual) deceleration on them are so severe that internal injuries can prove
fatal.

You can read about this - which happens in about 18% of automobile collisions - on Wikipedia at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traumatic_aortic_rupture

Types Of Collisions

Now that you understand the concept of delayed (or reduced) deceleration being the key to seatbelt design and its influence on survival rates, there is another issue to consider: The type of collision.

In a side impact collision, the distance between the occupant and the vehicle (door/frame) could be as little as centimetres.

Ignoring side impact airbags for the moment, you will immediately see that - when a vehicle is struck from the side) the nearest occupant will take the full brunt of the collision almost directly.

In these cases, the seatbelt will be ineffective, since it is designed to keep the occupant "in the seat," but the seat is right next to the door.

So - for the purpose of survivability, seatbelts can have little positive effect in side impact collisions, unless the collision is from the far side and the forces are (again) not too great.

In roll-over collisions, seatbelts help only by keeping the occupant in the seat (this is what the lap belt is for).

But if the roof caves in, the seatbelt will not protect the head of the occupant.

Equally - if a collision occurs where a vehicle (like a truck) penetrates into the cab of a lighter vehicle, the driver or occupants could be killed where they sit.

In such cases, seatbelts are all but ineffective.

But - fortunately, most vehicles are moving forward when collisions occurs, so seatbelts STILL SAVE LIVES - but only if they are worn!

[We would like to extend a word of appreciation to Stan Bezuidenhout for the assistance provided]

Forensic Collision Homicide Reconstructionist

Managing Director

IBF Investigations – All the evidence since 2000

c. +27 (0) 79 663-8664

f. 086 610-4148

e. stansb@ibfsa.com

w. www.ibfsa.com

Also View:

Safe Driving in Bad Weather Conditions

Mountain bike safety and riding on the trail

Motorcycle Safety and Riding in Bad Weather

Collision Investigation and Understanding Brake Failure

Alleged Brake Failure Crash in Pinetown

Safe Driving when Hearing the Emergency Siren

The Emergency Medical Kit and Safety on the Road

Dashboard Camera Recorders and Road Safety

Captured with PAPAGO! driving recorder

Brakes/Braking and Road Safety

Driving the Roundabout / Traffic Circle safely with the dashboard camera

Examples of Driving the Roundabout and Exiting at Various Exits

Driving Several Roundabouts

Swimming Safely and Advice to Prevent Drowning

Feet, Footwear and Safe Driving

Intersections and Safe Driving

Video of Horrific Pinetown Intersection Truck Crash

Video of Reckless Driver Skipping Traffic Light

Video Of Lane Splitting Crash

Road Behaviour Profiler and Psychological Welfare of Drivers

Safe Braking and Understanding the Brake Components

Road Conditions Report December 2013-January 2014

Mountain Bike Events / Planning and the Safety of Bikers

ArriveAlive.co.za Online Report 2013

Rollover Crashes, Crash Reconstruction and Safer Driving

4x4 Training in South Africa

How do Seatbelts Save Lives?