“A Car can help you see the world, but its up to you to decide which world”

Correct Seating Posture

You may have the best seats in your vehicle, in terms of brand name, seat design, and choice of material, but you still can get backache. Having the best car seats doesn't mean you will be spared, especially since we spend a substantial amount of time in our vehicles daily. The only way to avoid this torturous pain is to seat correctly while driving.
We relax by slouching in our car seats with our backs curved in a rounded shape. This position results in excruciating pain after some time and causes damage to your disc, vertebrae and back muscles.  This may not happen in the immediate term, but it soon catches up with you as you get older and drive longer. It affects your driving pleasure and performance.
Here are a few tips that are easy on the back and  help improve on your driving performance and

• Sit with your buttocks as close as possible to the backrest. The ideal position is having your leg slightly bent when you press a pedal to the floor.
• Your shoulders should be as close as possible to the backrest. To achieve that, you should adjust the angle of the backrest to the point when you can easily reach the steering wheel with your arms bent.
• Adjust the seat height to the highest comfortable position. And if you have a seat tilt facility in your car, the advice is to choose a tilt angle that allows you to easily press the foot pedals down to the floor. The backrest angle should also be adjusted to complement the tilt angle in getting a good driving position.
• The fore and aft facility also comes into play where thigh, support is concerned. You should adjust the distance in such a way that your thighs are in contact with the seat cushion almost up to the back of your knees. A guide here is that the distance between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees should be about two or three fingers wide.
• The upper edge of the headrest should be aligned with the top of the head since the headrest plays an important part in good driving posture. And if the headrest angle can be adjusted, it should be selected in such a way that there is about three quarters of an inch between your head and the headrest.

Enjoy your driving!

Driving at Night

National Statistics as well as Auto Assured rescue statistics  show that Traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day. Many of us are unaware that night driving has many hazards and  drivers do not know how to deal with them.
Factors that cause night driving hazards.

a) The Dark
Why is night driving  dangerous? Answer : The darkness.  More than Ninety percent of a driver's reactions are dependant on the ability to see and this is hampered by the darkness. Colour recognition , Depth and peripheral vision are compromised in the dark.
The Older you are as a driver the more difficult it becomes to see at night.  A 50-year-old driver may need twice as much light to see as well as a 30-year old. This is of course compounded by the fact that some drivers already have poor vision in broad daylight. 

b) Fatigue. Drowsiness makes driving more difficult by dulling concentration and slowing reaction time.

c) Alcohol This is the  the leading factor in fatal traffic crashes, playing a part in more than half of all motor vehicle-related deaths.

Alcohol consumption also make weekend nights more dangerous. More fatal crashes take place on weekend nights than at any other time in the week. Our Rescue control office is busiest during the end of month weekends and the first weekend of the month. We can confidently say that Kenyans pockets are heavily lined then and making merry in some cases ends up not so merry.
Measures to minimize after-dark dangers :

We recommend these steps:

• Get your eyes checked annually to ensure that you attend to any vision impairments.
• Observe night driving safety as soon as the sun goes down.
• Prepare your car for night driving. Keep headlights, tail lights, signal lights and windows (inside and out) clean.
• Have your headlights properly aimed. Mis-aimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.
• Don't drink and drive. Alcohol severely impairs your driving ability and acts as a depressant. Just one drink can induce fatigue.
• Avoid smoking when you drive. Smoke's nicotine and carbon monoxide hamper night vision.
• If there is any doubt, turn your headlights on. Lights will not help you see better in early twilight, but they'll make it easier for other drivers to see you. Being seen is as important as seeing.
• Reduce your speed and increase your following distances. It is more difficult to judge other vehicle's speeds and distances at night.
• Don't overdrive your headlights. You should be able to stop inside the illuminated area. If you're not, you are creating a blind crash area in front of your vehicle.
• When following another vehicle, keep your headlights on low beams so you don't blind the driver ahead of you.
• If an oncoming vehicle doesn't lower beams from high to low, avoid glare by watching the right edge of the road and using it as a steering guide.
• Make frequent stops for light snacks and exercise. If you're too tired to drive, stop and get rest.
• If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible. Warn approaching traffic at once by setting up reflecting triangles near your vehicle and 300 feet behind it. Turn on flashers and the dome light. Stay off the roadway and get passengers away from the area.

Car Jacking:

How to Avoid Carjacking Situations
The ability to get behind the wheel and to drive to many different locations occupies the dream of many young and old alike. Driving does offer a great number of benefits. It also exposes the driver to certain dangers. One of those dangers is the potential car jacking situation.

Stealing a car by force has captured headlines across the country both in Kenya and around the world. Statistically your chances of being a carjacking victim are very slim, however it COULD HAPPEN TO YOU TODAY!  and prevention actions can reduce the risk even more.

Carjacking - What is it?  
Carjacking is a violent crime which has been on a dramatic increase. It is a crime in which a car is taken from a person by force--at gunpoint or knifepoint, for instance. Carjacking is extremely dangerous for the victim, as carjackers have been known to seriously injure or even kill their victims.

Carjacking may occur for many reasons
No one knows for certain, but some explanations include:

• It's a crime of opportunity - a thief searching for the most vulnerable prey.
• Sometimes it's the first step in another crime.
• For some young people, carjacking may be a rite of passage, a status symbol, or just a thrill - just for kicks..
• Cars, especially luxury ones, provide quick cash for drug users to feed a drug habit and other criminals.
• To flee a crime scene
• More teens and adults commit crimes of violence than ever before. Intense media interest may have created "copycat" carjackers.
• Sophisticated alarms and improved locking devices make it harder for thieves to steal unoccupied cars.

It can happen to you Anywhere and at Any time:
Though car jackings can occur anytime, a sizable number appear to take place during the late night hours. Carjacking isn't just a problem in large cities – it also happens in suburbs, small towns, and rural areas. Carjackers look for opportunity. They don't choose victims by sex, race, or age. Though women and  children are more vulnerable to car jacking as they appear to be easy prey.

What do carjackers look for?

• Junctions/Intersections or roundabouts controlled by stop lights or signs.
• Garages  and parking lots for mass transit, shopping malls, and grocery stores.
• Petrol stations and convenience stores.
• Outside Bars or Resturants
•  City Centre Parking Lots ( especially those that are unmanned at night)
• ATMs (automated teller machines).
• Residential driveways and streets as people get into and out of cars.
• Highway exit and entry ramps, or anyplace else that drivers slow down or stop.

What is the "Bump and Rob"
A car, usually with a driver and at least one passenger and sometimes more , lying low in the vehicles so as not be seen, rear-end or "bumps" you in traffic or on the highway. You quickly get out to check the damage and exchange information. In this instant either the driver or one of the passengers jumps out of the car that bumped you. In most cases they could be brandishing a weapon. They then either bundle you back into the car or abandon you and drive off.

What to do in such a case:
If you're bumped by another car especially at night, drive straight to the nearest police station and Auto Assured members should call the rescue control centre and report the incident. 
If possible memorise the registration of the car, colour or make and model.  In the event of an accident, signal to the other driver to follow you.
Drive to the nearest police station or to a busy, well-lighted area. If you do get out of the car, take your keys (and purse or wallet if you have one) with you and stay alert.

Protect Yourself
The primary means for avoiding a car jacking situation comes from the display of tools that fight car jacking. Purchase a locking device to put on your steering wheel, and after you have that device, be sure to use it. If a potential car jacker sees that taking your car will be very difficult, then that culprit is apt to move on to another vehicle.
If you can afford to spend more money, your ability to avoid a car jacking situation will increase. You might be able to secure a car with an immobilizer mechanism, making it difficult for someone who is unfamiliar with your car to drive it. Alternatively, you might purchase the ability to unlock and lock your car from a distance. This will prevent the danger of standing next to a car while looking for the car keys.

A third tool way to avoid a car jacking situation is to invest in a car alarm and other antitheft devices available in the market. Ask Auto Assured Technical team to advise you based on your requirement and make and model of the car.
While an alarm that goes-off by mistake can be an embarrassment, you will find yourself in a less than desirable situation if your car is stolen. That, too, can be difficult to explain to others. Their surprise at your failure to use a lock or an alarm may prove embarrassing.

Another way to prevent car jacking is to be careful about where you park your car. At nighttime one does not want to park in an area that is not secured and well-lit. Even during the daytime the parking location that you choose can prevent car-jacking from happening to you. You must avoid choosing an isolated location that has no security.
Do not make the mistake of assuming that your car is old and is therefore not ever going to be the desired catch in a car jacking situation. There have been times when individuals have stolen old cars to use for the execution of a criminal activity.

Of course a sure way to prevent car jacking is to limit the people who have access to your car. Sometimes, however, our hearts reach out to others, and we let them have our car keys – at the car wash, the security outside a building or home , your mechanic etc.
Watch your car. As a car owner, you definitely don't want your car to be stolen. Take care

Getting into your car at night :-
Walk with purpose and stay alert.
Approach your car with the key in hand. Look around and inside the car before getting in.
Start your car and drive out of the parking lot as quickly as possible, learn to lock the car turn the headlights, ignition, put on your seatbelt in 10 seconds. 
Be wary of people asking for directions or handing out fliers. Observe any rapid motions from such people. They could mean trouble.
Trust your instincts - if something makes you feel uneasy, get into the car quickly, lock the doors, and drive away.

While Driving
Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up (at least part-way, if it's hot and you don't have air conditioning), no matter how short the distance or how safe the neighborhood.
When you're coming to a stop, leave enough room to maneuver around other cars, especially if you sense trouble and need to get away. Drive in the center lane to make it harder for would-be carjackers to approach the car. Avoid driving alone. Go with someone whenever possible, especially at night.
Don't stop to assist a stranger whose car is broken down. Help instead by driving to the nearest phone and calling police to help.

Getting Out of Your Car
Park in well-lighted areas, near sidewalks or walkways. Avoid parking near dumpsters, trees, large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility. Never leave valuables in plain view, even if the car is locked. Put them in the boot/trunk or out of sight. Try to park in a garage with an attendant. Make sure your car keys don’t have identification Even if you're rushed, look around before you get out and stay alert to the surroundings.

If It Happens to You...
If the carjacker threatens you with a gun or other weapon, give up your car. Don't argue or  make sudden movements like reaching out to pick a bag, reaching under your seat etc. Let him know you are removing your seatbelt. The car jacker will automatically assume that you are reaching out for a weapon or a panic device. Your life is worth more than a car. Get away from the area as quickly as possible. Try to remember what the carjacker looked like - sex, race, age, hair and eye color, special features, clothes. Report the crime immediately to the auto assured who will assist in reporting it to the police.

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How can  Kenyans take action

• If you witness a car jacking taking place, call your local radio station so that they can communicate it to other motorists and police alike.
• Work with the police where possible and continue to inform fellow motorists on car jacking hotspots and other concerned groups to get the word out about carjacking prevention.
• Take up defensive driving techniques.
• Ask your insurance company to put carjacking and other auto theft prevention information in notices and bills.
• Enlist parking lot owners, shopping mall security, and transit authorities to print and distribute educational materials with carjacking prevention tips.  
• Challenge your councilors and members of parliament to place carjacking prevention fliers or brochures in the waiting rooms or dealer service departments, auto repair shops and petrol stations.
• Participate when requested to lobby the government in doing more to prevent car jacking in our towns.
• Email , distribute carjacking and auto theft prevention advice - posters, handouts, etc.- in its offices and distribute prevention tips in all mailings.

MOST IMPORTANT : DON'T ARGUE. YOUR LIFE IS WORTH MORE THAN A CAR.

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Prepare your car for the Rain

Wiper Blades:

When driving in the rain, the most important thing is to have a good set of wiper blades. Windshield wiper blades are not meant to last forever. Most experts believe they should be changed at least twice a year or every 6,000 km. But studies have shown that the average motorist changes his or her wiper blades just once every two or three years. As a result, many drivers are using blades that are cracked or frayed and not able to properly clear rain from the windshield.

The rubber blade portion of the wiper is replaceable -- either as a rubber refill or a complete blade assembly -- and has a limited lifespan of just a few years. Leading wiper blade manufacturers sell a range of blades for different weather conditions. Most consumers can replace the rubber refill or put on a new wiper blade assembly themselves by carefully following the directions on the package.

Tyres:

When looking for rain tyres, there are a couple of important things to consider: wet-traction handling and wet-braking distance. Take time to compare results among the tyre manufacturers to see how they stack up. You can find additional tyre care and consumer safety information by visiting your preferred tyre dealer.

Rain Repellant:

A good rain repellant will help give you a clear view of the road ahead. It is sprayed on your windshield before driving, providing an invisible film to repel rain from your window. Ask at your local car accessory shop for a good brand. These are available from Motor accessory shops that stock international brands.

Weather Flectors
Another rain accessory you might consider buying is Weather Flectors. Made of lightly tinted cast acrylic, the product installs inside the top of the window channel using a precision-machined, micro-thin mounting flange. On rainy days you can partially open your window without getting soaked, allowing an added bit of ventilation to remove stale or smoky air.

Skidding & Hydroplanning in Rainy Conditions

Skidding:

Skidding is losing control of your car on wet road is a frightening experience.

How do you prevent skids:-

• by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves.
  
• Steer and brake with a light touch.
  
• When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels and risk a skid. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.
• If you do find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
• For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes. This procedure, known as "steering into the skid," will bring the back end of your car in line with the front. If your car has ABS, brake firmly as you steer into the skid.

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning happens when the water in front of your tyres builds up faster than your car's weight can push it out of the way. The water pressure causes your car to rise up and slide on a thin layer of water between your tyres and the road. At this point, your car can be completely out of contact with the road, and you are in danger of skidding or drifting out of your lane, or even off the road.

How to avoid hydroplaning

• keep your tyres properly inflated,
• maintain good tread on your tyres and replace them when necessary, slow down when roads are wet, and stay away from puddles.
• Try to drive in the Tyre tracks left by the cars in front of you.

If you hydroplane what should you do ?

• do not brake or turn suddenly. This could throw your car into a skid.
  
• Ease your foot off the gas until the car slows and you can feel the road again.
  
• If you need to brake, do it gently with light pumping actions.
  
• If your car has anti-lock brakes, then brake normally; the car's computer will mimic a pumping action, when necessary.

IMPORTANT:

A defensive driver adjusts his or her speed to the wet road conditions in time to avoid having to use any of these measures.

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BRAKES :

What to do if your brakes fail

• Shift into a lower gear, release the clutch pedal (for manual transmissions) and apply the emergency brake.
  
• If your automobile has an automatic transmission, apply the emergency brake and move the gear lever into the low range position.
• Be Advised: This action can potentially cause damage to the emergency brake and to the transmission, but under the circumstances of brake failure, there is no better choice.
• Call the Rescue Control Room once you have the vehicle under your control.

If your brakes become wet, you can dry them by:

• Drive the vehicle a short distance
  
• Apply light pressure to the brake pedal.
  
• The heat generated by the friction of the brakes against the brake drum will evaporate the water from the brake linings.
• To prevent excessive wear on brakes when moving down a long hill or steep grade, use a lower gear instead of the brake pedal to control speed. Shift to the lower gear at the top of the hill, before you descend.

What to do if your gas pedal sticks

• Tap the gas pedal to try to un stick the throttle linkage.
  
• Hook your toe under the pedal to try and free it.
  
• Shift to neutral and apply firm pressure to the brakes without locking the wheels.
• Find a safe place to move the vehicle completely off the road.
  
• If your automobile has power steering or a locking steering wheel, do not turn off the ignition or you will lose either your power steering, or the ability to steer.
• Call Auto Assured rescue control room immediately
  
• Have your vehicle checked with a mechanic as soon as possible.

Flood Safety

• Flooding occurs as streams and rivers flow over their banks. In Africa most roads have poor drainage especially when there is rainfall with significant duration and intensity.
• Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. They can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall. Be cautious during the rainy seasons, as this is the time that flooding is common in Kenya.

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Tips for Flood Safety:-

• Do not drive unless necessary.
• Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded-out roadway ahead, turn around and find another route to get to your destination.
• If there is no other route, proceed to higher ground and wait for the waters to subside.
• Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to cross a flooded road that you are unfamiliar with. Water can conceal dips, or worse, floodwaters can damage roadways, washing away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground.
• If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
  
• Remember, 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.
• One foot of water will float many vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUV’s and pick-ups.

Severe Thunderstorms and Lightning

• Tune in to your radio to stay informed on weather news.
  
• VTurn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Allow extra distance for braking.
  
• Do not drive unless necessary.
  
• Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
  
• Stay in the car and turn on the emergency filashers until the heavy rains subside.
  
• A Motor vehicle provides better insulation against lightning than being in the open.
  
• Avoid contact with any metal conducting surfaces either inside your car or outside.
  
• Avoid flooded roadways.
  
• Avoid downed power lines.
  
• Check your windshield wipers and tyres regularly to insure that they are ready for severe weather.
• Approach junctions , roundabouts and intersections with caution
  
• Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs.