AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Continental Automotive Systems
today offered motorists reminders for safer and more enjoyable driving during
the heavily traveled summer months, with safety belt use number one on the
list.
Speaking on behalf of the company's Drive Safer America! educational
campaign, Product Line Director, Occupant Safety and Driver Assistance
Systems, Dean McConnell said, "Unfortunately, urging safety belt use has
become so routine that some don't hear the message much less heed it. But the
fact remains, failure to use seat belts is the leading reason why people are
injured or killed in car crashes."
He explained that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) and other safety-minded groups last week kicked off the annual "Click
it or Ticket" national safety belt enforcement mobilization. The effort
encourages motorists to buckle up and local police to enforce state belt laws.
"After a quarter century of emphasis on belt use, and laws requiring use
in 49 states, it should be an ingrained habit to protect yourself and your
passengers, and it's so easy to do," McConnell said. "But about 20 percent of
motorists still don't buckle up and police will be on the lookout for them
with ticket books in hand."
McConnell's advice was echoed by Philip W. Haseltine, Executive Director
of the Air Bag and Seat Belt Safety Campaign. He pointed out that seat belts
are 45 percent effective in preventing fatalities in passenger cars and 60
percent in light trucks. "Most people want those odds working in their
favor."
Because many summer activities involve alcohol, another safety reminder is
that alcohol and driving don't mix. Motorists making plans that involve
alcohol should either stay the night at their destination, or have a
designated driver to get everyone home safely rather than put themselves and
others at-risk.
As an automotive safety system supplier, McConnell explained that
Continental bears a responsibility to work proactively to help build greater
public awareness of all aspects of safer driving.
"Safety involves the combination of knowing about and using the safety
equipment built into today's passenger vehicles, and more broadly about
driving responsibly. That's what Drive Safer America! is committed to," he
said.
Not only do many people ignore seat belt and alcohol reminders, they also
tend to forget about maintenance fundamentals that should be performed before
every trip. Lack of preventive maintenance has ruined many vacations.
Drive Safer America! offered these inspection and maintenance tips to make
summer vehicle travel 2005 safer and hassle-free:
Fluids, hoses and belts
-- Make sure oil level is full. Replace oil and filter regularly, as
directed by the vehicle manufacturer's recommended service intervals.
-- Check transmission fluid. It should be pink/red and not smell burned.
Follow manufacturer's service schedule for cleaning the filter and replacing
the fluid.
-- Inspect coolant level. Flush radiator and replace coolant according to
manufacturer's recommendation.
-- Carefully inspect radiator hoses for leaks, brittleness or cracks
caused by aged rubber. Replace if even questionable.
-- Check drive belts for cracks and wear. Replace if even questionable.
-- Top off windshield washer fluid.
Tires and Brakes
-- Check the air pressure in the tires (refer to placard on driver's door
or owner's manual for recommended pressure). Proper air pressure will result
in better driving performance and improved fuel economy. Don't forget to
check the spare.
-- Rotate tires at the intervals specified by the vehicle manufacturer, or
at least every 9,000 miles in order to promote even wear and extended life.
-- Inspect tread depth and look for uneven wear. Place a penny (Lincoln's
head down) into the tread grooves. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head,
replace the tires. If you notice uneven wear, consult your tire dealer about
having the wheels balanced or a front-end alignment.
-- Check brake fluid level and replace worn or marginal brake pads before
braking capacity is lost and more extensive damage is done to the system.
Brake pads are inexpensive; a brake "job" is not.
-- If your vehicle has antilock brakes (likely if relatively new) be sure
you understand how to use them -- in emergency braking situations stomp on the
brakes and continue to steer. Do not pump the brake pedal. Hint: Practice
this technique in a vacant parking lot or quiet street.
-- Many tire and brake stores will perform free inspections. Take
advantage to have all your running gear (and belts and hoses) checked out by
pros.
Motorcycles
-- Motorcycles begin appearing with the warm weather and because of their
narrow profile are harder to see than other vehicles. Keep a sharp lookout
for motorcycles -- most motorcycle crashes involve a driver who did not see
the motorcycle.
-- Get trained before you ride. Ninety-one percent of motorcycle
accidents involve self-taught riders. All states offer rider education
courses.
-- Ride defensively and within your ability level.
-- Avoid alcohol when riding.
-- Wear a DOT-approved helmet and other protective gear -- preferably
leather chaps, jacket, gloves, and boots.
-- Inspecting tires, maintaining proper pressure, checking brakes and
other maintenance items is even more important on a motorcycle. Adjust and
replace as necessary.
Continental Automotive Systems North America is a leading supplier of
automotive brake, chassis and vehicle stability technology to the world's
automakers. The company's Drive Safer America! educational campaign has for
many years been a source of information for consumers who want to learn more
about safe driving and auto safety technology. For more information, visit
http://www.drivesaferamerica.org .
SOURCE Continental Automotive Systems
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Related links:
http://www.conti-online.com
http://www.contitevesna.com
http://www.drivesaferamerica.org
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/437525.html
CONTACT:
Jim Gill, M.S., APR of Continental Automotive
Systems, +1-248-393-5210, +1-248-882-6309 (cell),
jim.gill@usa.contiteves.com
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