Summer Driving Tips for Staten Islander's
As we approach the height of the summer driving season on Staten Island, many may not be aware of the dangers that could be lurking in our cars, SUV's and mini vans. Everyday items that you keep loose inside the cabin of your car, such as portable DVD players, suitcases and even an empty child booster seat, may become missiles when you are involved in a serious car accident. A 20-pound object hits with over 1,000 pounds of force in a 55 miles per hour car accident. That is enough force to break off the arm of a crash test dummy. The injuries that a passenger could sustain would be deadly. Even simple things like an empty child booster seat have the potential to cause serious injuries if you are involved in a car accident. In one car accident, a booster seat flew forward and hit a front seat passenger in the face, causing multiple facial fractures. The same problem happens when your rear seat passengers are unbelted; in an accident, they can be thrown about the car, causing you serious injury.
As you head out on your summer drive, make sure you follow some simple rules. Always make sure that everyone in your car buckles up. If you are traveling with an unoccupied child safety seat, either buckle it in or put it in the trunk. Be careful how much weight that you decide to lash to the roof of the car. Heavy weights on the roof of your car or SUV can change the center of gravity, making the vehicle more susceptible to rollover. Those anchors and tethers in the back of your SUV are there to help secure your suitcases, coolers, beach chairs, etc. Even your cell phone or sunglasses should be kept close at hand but put away in the front console or glove box. Left out, the cell phone may slide down into the driver's foot well, interfering with the operation of the brake or gas pedal.
It is also a good idea to check your tires before heading out for a long drive. Make sure the tires are at the correct pressure as listed on the sticker on the sill of the driver's door. The sill sticker is the only location where the correct tire pressure is located. The owner's manual contains only general instructions as to tire pressures, not the specific pressures as to the style and size of tire on your vehicle. Also make sure that you have sufficient tire tread depth a few days before you plan to leave on your trip. You can check the depth by placing a quarter into the tread, as recommended by the Tire Rack.
Summer is wonderful family time and creates wonderful memories of time spent together on vacation. Please make sure that your car is safe, loaded properly and you are not distracted while you are driving.
