Waiting for summer
With the onset of the warmer months, the intensity of traffic increases significantly, and the number and duration of trips increase. Accordingly, the risk of an accident increases. Izvestia, together with the State Traffic Inspectorate and experts, found out how to protect themselves from accidents on the road in the summer.
There are more car accidents in summer
The warm season is the most accident—prone period, which is confirmed by accident statistics. So, if in April last year, according to the State Traffic Inspectorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, 991 people died on the country's roads, then in May their number increased to 1086 people. The increase continued in June (1,281 deaths) and July (1,471 people) and peaked in August (1,508 deaths in road accidents). Since the beginning of autumn, this indicator has been decreasing: in September, 1,475 people died in car accidents, and 1,437 in October.
The State Traffic Inspectorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia notes that, according to long-term observations, the increase in accidents begins annually in May. At the same time, the highest values of the number of road accidents, as well as the number of people killed and injured in them, are recorded in the period from July to October, the department emphasizes.
The summer surge in accidents is explained by the fact that with the onset of the warmer season, the intensity of traffic increases sharply, the number of trips and their duration increase, said Igor Morzharetto, a member of the presidium of the public Council under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
— The holiday season opens, many people just go out by car to relax in the countryside, the period of vacations and road trips begins. The number of vehicles on the roads is increasing, and accordingly, the risk of getting into an accident is increasing," the expert emphasizes.
You give training sessions
Igor Morzharetto advises motorists who put the "iron horse" on a temporary joke before the opening of the season to refresh their driving skills on a closed site. He recommends that they perform several simple exercises: slow down at different speeds in front of a wall of cones to feel the braking distance of the car, perform a "snake", enter the "gate".
If for motorists a small training session on a closed site is more like advice and recommendation, then for motorcyclists it is a vital necessity, says motorcycle expert Roman Sitnikov.
— Over the winter, motorcycle driving skills are lost. It takes some time to restore them and get a feel for how the equipment behaves in different modes. Only then can we get on the roads," he is convinced.
Moreover, he advises novice motorcyclists not just to ride a two-wheeled vehicle on a motorcycle track, but to take several classes from a motorcycle instructor. This will allow you to restore skills faster and better, practice behavior in potentially dangerous situations — and don't forget about a motorcycle helmet and protective equipment, Roman Sitnikov notes.
There's no need to rush
According to the State Traffic Inspectorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, the discrepancy between speed and traffic conditions is one of the main causes of accidents. Because of this, drivers of vehicles fly off the road, unable to stop in time, collide with other cars and obstacles, and knock down people.
— When choosing a safe speed mode, it is necessary to be guided not only by road signs that limit speed, but also to take into account other factors: weather conditions, condition of the roadway, visibility, and your well-being. By itself, meeting the requirements of road signs that limit the speed limit on a particular section of the road cannot guarantee 100 percent safety," said Police Colonel Anton Belan, Deputy head of the propaganda department of the State Traffic Inspectorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
The most common summer mistake of drivers is the wrong choice of speed, says Oleg Shatov, an instructor of emergency driving. Because of this, motorists lose control of the car, which causes accidents, he noted.
— After the winter, many people want to step on the gas more sharply, "cut through" on a straight road, "squeak" with tires, going into a turn more abruptly. Like, it's not snow under the wheels, I'll have time to slow down. This is a very dangerous misconception. After all, the braking distance increases proportionally to the square of the speed: when the speed doubles, the braking distance becomes four times longer," he told Izvestia.
As a result, the braking distance when driving on dry asphalt at high speed will be significantly longer than when driving at low speed on snowy or icy roads, Oleg Shatov noted.
If you're tired, get some rest!
Along with the wrong choice of speed, banal driver fatigue often leads to accidents, according to the Russian State Traffic Inspectorate. Monotonous traffic dulls the vigilance of a motorist, reduces his attention and concentration at the wheel, the department emphasizes. As a result, he does not have time to react in time to the changed situation, makes rash and dangerous maneuvers, leading to tragedies on the road.
"When going on a long trip, it is necessary to plan the route in advance so that every 3-4 hours there is an opportunity to stop in a safe place for 30-40 minutes to recuperate," Anton Belan emphasized.
The greatest danger is the final part of the journey, when it would seem that the finish line is just around the corner, Igor Morzharetto notes. Realizing that there is very little left until the end of the trip, the driver subconsciously tries to arrive at his destination as quickly as possible. Hence speeding, neglect of road signs and markings, and risky overtaking.
— Coupled with accumulated fatigue, this behavior of the driver is three times dangerous. If a person realizes that he is tired, then even if there are only a few kilometers left before the end of the trip, he must definitely stop in a safe place and even just sit in the car with his eyes closed, take a nap. This will allow you to regain your strength, regain your attention and concentration, which will eventually allow you to safely reach your destination," the expert recommends.
Be careful, children!
When traveling with children, their safety should be put at the forefront, the State Traffic Inspectorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia emphasizes. According to the traffic regulations, when transporting passengers under 12 years of age, it is necessary to use child car seats, taking into account the height and weight of the child. If a young passenger is under the age of seven, then a child restraint is required. No options. Children aged 7-12 years are allowed to be transported in the back seat with a seat belt fastened. At the same time, it is necessary to fasten the child correctly: the diagonal strap of the belt should pass over the chest, not over the neck. If this belt position cannot be achieved, then a booster is needed — one of the varieties of a child restraint device.
— In addition to mandatory compliance with all the rules for transporting children, the driver who carries young passengers needs to triple the attention and concentration behind the wheel. You should choose a driving mode to avoid overtaking, and in no case be distracted from driving and controlling the traffic situation. And remember, a child car seat won't save you if you intentionally violate traffic regulations," Anton Belan emphasized.
Pay attention
The onset of the warmer months requires changing winter tires to summer tires. At the same time, the car should be re-shod only after the average daily temperature exceeds +7 degrees, Maxim Kadakov, editor-in-chief of Za Rulem magazine, reminds.
— It must be remembered that, according to the traffic regulations, the minimum tread depth for summer tires of a passenger car must be at least 1.6 mm. A more worn tread will not be able to handle the discharge of water from the contact spot, and there is a risk of aquaplaning. Such tires need to be replaced," Maxim Kadakov noted.
Also, special attention should be paid to the condition of the car's braking and steering systems before the summer season, the expert notes. In addition to replacing brake discs, pads, and worn steering gear parts, if necessary, it is worth checking the condition of the brake fluid.
— Brake fluid is hygroscopic, it absorbs moisture from the air, which dramatically impairs its performance. Under normal braking conditions, this is unnoticeable. But if you have to brake urgently, due to the strong heating of the braking mechanisms, the water in the brake fluid may boil, steam will appear in the system and it will suffocate. This can be a very unpleasant surprise for the driver: the brake pedal will fail, the deceleration efficiency will drop sharply," said Maxim Kadakov.
To avoid this, the brake fluid should be changed every 2-3 years, he advises.
Security in the complex
In order not to overshadow the upcoming warm season, upcoming trips and road trips with road accidents, safety must be approached comprehensively, the State Traffic Inspectorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia emphasizes. It is necessary to strictly observe traffic regulations, to approach speed limits and maneuvers wisely.
During long trips, routes should be carefully considered, making sure to plan the time and place for the driver to rest, and carefully check the condition of the car. It is then that trips by vehicle will be as safe as possible and will bring only pleasure, according to the traffic police.
The material was created as part of the implementation of the federal project "Road Safety" of the national project "Infrastructure for Life".
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