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Many drivers have collisions during their first week of owning a new car because they do not know where the controls are. Whenever you get into a vehicle that is new to you, take time to find out where the controls are. You must be able to operate the windshield wipers, windshield washers, horn, lights, heater, radio, turn signals and emergency flashers without looking at them. With the vehicle stationary, practise looking at the road ahead while you reach and adjust each control. Read the owner’s manual. New vehicles have new design features that you should be familiar with if you are to drive safely and get maximum enjoyment and efficiency from your vehicle’s equipment.

Before you drive check that:

• Doors are properly closed (if security is an issue, you may want to lock your doors);
• All loose objects are secured;
• Your seat is properly adjusted;
• Head restraints are properly adjusted;
• Mirrors are properly adjusted;
• Air flow regulators are adjusted (vents, heaters, air conditioning);
• Seatbelts are fastened and properly adjusted; and,
• Bulbs in warning lights are working and the lights go out when the engine starts

Design Components for Safety

Vehicle designers must prevent injury and reduce the seriousness of injury in crashes by building safety features into the design of every vehicle. Important safety features include head restraints, seatbelts and air bags.

Head Restraints

In some vehicles, the head restraints are built into the seat, while in others you have to adjust them.

If your vehicle is hit from behind, or if you hit someone in front, you are much less likely to suffer a whiplash injury to your neck if your head restraint is properly adjusted. Adjust the height of the head restraint for each driver or passenger. The protection afforded is well worth the effort. Adjust the pad of the restraint to support the back of your head. The restraint should be situated so the top edge extends 7 cm (2-3 in.) above eye level.

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