Automotive Safety

Since the beginning of motoring, cars have crashed, injuring and killing people. Whilst the skill (or lack of it) of the driver or drivers, has caused most accidents, the severity of the outcome is governed by a number of factors. These include the state of the road, the structure of the vehicles, the driving conditions and the preparedness of the drivers to control the crash.

 Automotive manufacturers have taken many steps to minimize the effect of crashes. Since the early crude structures that allowed vehicles to virtually self-destruct along with the occupants, to the modern designs with crash zones to protect the driver, these improvements are continually being worked on. Together with air bags of all description, ABS braking and electronic controls and indicators, these factors are making crash victims more likely to survive. Volvo has introduced Citysafe technology that automatically avoids accidents but humans can still over ride. Radar technology is available that focuses on white lines painted on each side of the road and causes the steering wheel to vibrate if moving out of the lane. In summary cars are being designed and manufactured that can look after you. But how do we react in the event of an accident? We should learn the elements of how to crash a car and survive. Chris suggested these points are vital.

First get fit. You are more likely to walk away. Second, learn to drive defensively. Watch out for what others drivers are doing that might affect you. Thirdly, be prepared to crash: make the best choice. Look for soft options. As you travel along you should always look out for these, (hedges and paddocks not trees and telegraph poles). Time slows down when drama happens, so that if you are prepared, you will factor in these possibilities. Fourth, never give up until the noise stops, always continue to control and try to balance the force on all 4 wheels. Fifth, pick the right accident as the crash happens and don’t forget to use the interior of the car as well as you can.

In an ideal world you would not crash BUT there is no such thing as an accident. It is a crash which you should have prevented or at least minimised when it began.

That assumes you are in control, of course. And staying in control is one of the secrets, not that there is much you can do from the passenger’s seat, however.

Driving is a bit like genetics actually – pick your parents. And your accidents should always be chosen with great care. Survival is picking your accidents – some will hurt, some will not and make sure you pick the ones that do not hurt if you can.