KENTRIKI ODOS

Check the working condition of your car (oil, brakes, radiator fluid, wipers, etc), paying particular attention to the tires (tread quality and pressure as specified by the manufacturer).

Make sure you are equipped with a safety triangle, a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit, as well as reflective vests, which are essential in the event that you need to get out of your vehicle for any reason.

Find out information about the route you will be following.

Make sure you are well rested, especially if you are planning on taking a long trip.

Never consume alcohol before driving.

• Always wear seatbelts in the rear seats as well, even for short trips.
• Ensure that children under 12 are seated in proper child car seats, depending on their age, and always wear a seatbelt.
• Both motorcycle drivers and passengers should always wear a helmet.
• Adhere to the speed limits, as indicated on the speed limit signs.
• Always drive on the right lane and use the left one only when overtaking.
• Maintain a safe distance from preceding vehicles.
• In case of backed up traffic, use your hazard flashers to warn vehicles behind you.
• Ensure that any loads are properly secured and fall within the permissible limits of weight, height and width.
• Avoid using mobile phones while driving. In case of a dire emergency, you may use the hands-free Bluetooth device or the speakerphone (car kit) that might be fitted to your car. Always remember, though, that even these devices carry a real risk.
• It is very important to avoid being on the blind spot of a car while moving at equal speeds with the car ahead. In this case, the driver may attempt to change lanes, after only checking the mirror, resulting in collision.
• Use the indicator not only when you wish to turn but also when changing lanes. Bear in mind that the indicator simply gives a warning; it is not an obligation.
• Adjust the seat so that your wrists touch the steering wheel when you stretch your arms. Adjust the seat cushion to fully cover the back of your head.
• When driving at night, do not focus on the lights of oncoming cars and do not use your high beams when there is oncoming traffic.
• If you feel sleepy, you must not continue to drive. You should park at the first safe spot (parking or MSS), stop, throw some water on your face and rest for a few minutes.

What should you be careful of when driving on snow-covered road?

• Turn on the car’s fog lamps to ensure good visibility and to allow others see you.
• Reduce speed and significantly increase the distance that you usually maintain from vehicles in front of you. Remember that driving on snow means reduced grip.
• Do not apply the brakes suddenly, do not accelerate suddenly and do not turn suddenly. You should be making slow and gentle manoeuvres.
• If you need to slow down, try doing so gradually by changing down through the gears (from 4th to 3rd to 2nd etc.).
• If you feel your vehicle starting to skid, release the accelerator and the brakes and put the car into neutral
• If the front wheels are skidding, avoid turning the steering wheel until the vehicle speed has reduced sufficiently and the vehicle has re-acquired traction on the ground.
• If the rear wheels are skidding, turn the steering wheel gently in the direction you want to go.
• Do not attempt to overtake in icy or snowy roads, unless if the front car is completely immobilized.

• The chains are placed on the drive wheels.
• Your speed should not exceed 30 km/h.
• The chains have been properly placed when they look and are stretched.

• Check the mirrors frequently and always use the car indicators when changing course route or stopping.
• During daytime, turn on your low beams so other drivers can see you in case of poor visibility conditions.
• Avoid fast and rough maneuvers as this may lead to understeer or oversteer depending on the situation.
• Avoid following large cars, trucks, buses etc, since the water thrown by their tires may obstruct your visibility.

By following these suggestions, you will certainly avoid many unpleasant situations, such as the phenomenon of aquaplaning or hydroplaning. This is the phenomenon whereby the tires of your car lose contact with the ground and a layer of water is inserted between them.

This is likely to happen when moving at high speeds, while the sense you get is that the wheel of your car does not follow your commands and the back part of the car seems to be floating. If you find yourselves in this difficult situation, the main thing to do is to remain calm. Try to keep the car in the dead-ahead position, avoid turning the steering wheel and gradually slow down, without pressing the brake or the accelerator abruptly, until you manage to get out of this situation safely.