Loath them or hate them, the story is that the mobile speed camera units are here to stay. Here in allparts.ie we welcome the idea they represent, we are all for road safety and we support the http://www.makeroadssafe.org/ campaign run by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). Even though we can understand that the safety of the operator in the van is paramount, and the van is not meant to cause a hindrance to traffic, what we don't understand why they always park on the widest and straightest part of the roads, which are the safest!!
The fact is that speed cameras do save lives! Since their introduction in November 2010; figures show that up to March 2011, up to 26,000 motorists have been issued with a fixed penalty fine of €80, up from 9,500 the previous year. Although 61 people have been killed to date on out roads, up 5 on this time this year.
At time of writing, the sun is splitting the stones outside, we're in the lead up to 2 long weekend in a row, it is inevitable that there will be accidents!
What can we do to avoid accidents? Its often said the all accidents can be avoided, well in reality they can't but we can take our fair share of responsibility to make sure we are always best prepared!!
We can look at the obvious factors- driving under the influence, driving while tired, we could look at these till were blue in the face and people will never learn so well leave that up to the ads on tv.
Instead we will have a quick look at how car maintenance will insure your in the safest possible position in case of accident.
- Tyres!! Your point of contact with the road! Match your tires with what your car Manufacture recommended for you vehicle. I'm not a fan of cheap tires but they are no harm if your doing low mileage. If your tires are worn, you will not have good grip under load, aka braking and cornering! There are tire wear indicators on each and every tyre that anyone can check to see how worn your tires are. Also, keep a check on your tire pressures, an under or over inflated tyre could lead to a blow out!
- Brakes! Brakes can be visually inspected by any mechanic for wear and tear. Any steel brake pipes on older cars and vans should be visually inspected for signs of pitting and weeping! Buy your brakes from reputable dealers, cheap pads you buy on eBay could be made of dust and give up when you really really require them.
- Suspension!! Suspension component failure disrupts the handling of your car. Get what ever knocks and funny feelings you have with your motors handling checked out by some reputable as soon as your can!
- Engine!! Regular servicing will lead to better reliability that will help prevent you breaking down on a dangerous stretch of the road at night time.
- Pedisterains! Oh man I don't like these guys either! I can't understand why they must walk at dusk, along the main road with no hi-vis vest on!! Especially where we are based in the west as we are beside a lovely and scenic 8km of fabulous beach in Enniscrone, as well as the castle and river walk in Easkey! But we must share our roads with them, especially in this weather so keep an eye out for them.
- Bikers!! Always keep a good look out for bikers when pulling out of a junction! A bike has a small profile and can be hard to spot! Bikes should travel with headlamps on at all times to aid visibility as well as following all the same rule for maintenance as every other road user!
- Cyclists! Obey the rules of the road! Red lights means stop!!!!! Cyclists should also wear hi-vis clothing and make sure their lights are working in the evening time.
- Agricultural! Its getting into silly season again where tractors and large machinery will be on the roads 24/7. Have patience when stuck behind a tractor, most contractors and lads that do a lot of work will pull in when they have chance! They have a job to do as well so they will not appreciate some one in his Range Rover refusing to pull in in case it gets dirty and then annoyingly lying on the horn as they pass! All Agricultural vehicles should follow the same points as above and make sure their trailer implement lights are also working!
The speed cameras, as well as the GardaTtraffic Corps are there for your safety, and you generally wont attract their attention unless you deserve to do so!
Remember, keep the race in its place!! I'll never be known as a slow driver but I'm not crazy!! For serious racing there are plenty of karting facilities around that will keep the speed out of your system for a while at least!
You can look up the Safety Camea locations at http://www.garda.ie/GoSafe.htm
For some sat navs you can download warnings that will let you know when approaching a safety camera zone, look up the website revelant to your unit for more information!
Take it easy, but keep her lit!!!
gary
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