Safety with 'Emirates 24|7': How to avoid accidents

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has published on its website a car safety guide, comprising number of regulations drivers should follow to avoid having accidents.

The simple measures mentioned in ‘Edmunds’ (car safety guide) if applied ensures safety of not only drivers but also of other road users.

Following tips can help reduce accidents…

Keep your car in good condition

Especially tyres should be well maintained. This will ensure you are safe. Don’t believe in the saying ‘use old tyres to the maximum’.

Check break limits

The driver should know how long it takes to stop when you apply maximum pressure? How much grip do your tyres have? Also be aware of the space you should maintain from the vehicle in front of you.

Avoid driving in fast lane

Driving in the middle or the right lane allows you to change lanes or to pull onto the shoulder easily when a problem occurs. Most of the highway accidents happen on the left lane.

Keep your eyes scanning the area ahead

Drivers should not only watch cars in front of them, but all the surrounding areas as well, to detect problems. This will give drivers enough time to react incase anything untoward were to happen or the car in front stops suddenly.

Beware of blind spots

Don’t depend completely on the side mirrors, you should turn to check the side lanes are empty before changing the lane, and that should be quick.

Drive with your hands in the 9 and 3 o'clock position

This recommended position facilitates maximum vehicle control when you're forced into quick maneuvering to avoid accidents.

Get optimal driver control of the wheel

To get better control and grip of the steering wheel, drivers should get the seat closer to the steering wheel, which will help keep hands in a relaxed position.

Judge drivers by how they drive

If the vehicle is damaged or is drifting from one lane to another, it may be because the driver is tried or drunk or simply careless.

Avoid night-time driving

Vision is usually not clear during night. So drivers are recommended to avoid late-night drive.