08 January 2019| 01 Jumadul Ulaa 1440
Pre-trip Inspections, Posture and Blind-spots
1. Get into the habit of conducting a quick pre-trip inspection both for the exterior n interior looking for critical issues such as loose body panels, oil leaks, tyre pressure and if you’re driving company fleet vehicles license discs and the condition of the spare with its jack and spanners.
2. Check to see that all electrical components eg. lights, indicators, wipers, hooter etc. are in working condition. Internally check that all interior warning lights go out when the vehicle is started and that there is sufficient fuel. No loose items must be lying in the foot-well near the pedals. Ensure that you and all your passengers are securely buckled up.
3. Whilst in the vehicle ensure that your posture is correct. No leaning far back where you are barely able to see the drivers head. Leaning too far forward is equally bad. What you need to do is adjust your seat so that your eye-line is above the halfway mark of your windscreen. Your arms should have a slight ‘V’ and the position on the wheel should be ten-to-two. Your feet should form an “A” at your knees allowing for sufficient foot travel when breaking hard or clutching.
4. Finally, let’s talk about the blind spots, yes those areas at least one metre away from the rear sides of a vehicle that are not covered by the interior or exterior rear-view mirrors making for many potential misses especially with regards to motorcyclists.
5. Make a physical head check in the direction that you are going to turn. In other words, if you are turning right, check your interior review mirror, you right exterior review mirror and make a quick physical head check over your right shoulder before signaling to the right.
By following these safety tips we can add greater consideration to our road journeys and help to ensure the safety of ourselves, our families and other road users as well.
