Twisted Thread

Posts Tagged ‘Safety’

I recall that during my teenage years, it was my phantasy to own a bike. Eventually I achieved an old bike from a far relative and showed off on the streets. This has stopped one day, when a reckless car driver, crashed my bike, while it was parking along the pavement. This was my first total loss…

Now days, while I am a father of a teen-ager, I face a different phantasy. Well, not my own phantasy. My son has decided that he needs a motorcycle, not a bike. This vehicle is way dangerous than bikes. I do recognize that people, grownups as well as teen agers, all over the world are using motorcycles, and are proud of that. Not once have I watched those riders cruise the roads and the highways all over Europe and USA, while I was driving securely in my air-conditioned business rented car.

Yet, I cannot forget one real scene I have witnessed long ago, while I was at about the age of 20 year old.

I was crossing a very busy crossroad, positioning myself at a place to catch a lift to my destination. No more than 2 minutes had passed, and a horror scene took place in front of my eyes. Two young boys were riding their motorcycle, and a hasty car crashed into them. From my position I have witnessed two bodies flying high above the other cars, like two rocks, and launching heavily on the hard road, about 20 meters away. Yelling and shouting started immediately. A first aide ambulance appeared from nowhere and the two guys were taken from there to the hospital, along with me, while I was stretching one of the guys’ leg in order to keep his knee from total cracking ( as I was instructed by a the therapist). The ride to the hospital lasted for ages, although it was only 3 Km away.  Read more... (541 words, estimated 2:10 mins reading time)

Motorcycle enthusiasts enjoy the thrill of the road, wind, and open air. They often enjoy the freedom and speed motorcycles provide. In recent years, many steps have been made to educate motorcyclists on the importance of safety. Unlike cars, motorcycles provide little protection in the case of collisions or other accidents while on the road. While clothing such as protective jackets, leggings, and boots help protect riders from injury, nothing provides more protection against serious injury than the motorcycle helmet.

It is important for anyone riding a motorcycle to choose a proper helmet, and it is important for manufacturers and vendors to provide the highest-quality products, free of defects. Studies show that helmets greatly help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths in motorcycle accidents. That said, not all helmets are “created equal” and there are specific qualities that should be taken into consideration when choosing one for your protection.

Motorcycle Helmet Tips:

When choosing a motorcycle helmet, it is wise to test several different types and brands before purchase.

The discerning rider should look for:

? Adequate weight/feel of the helmet. Helmets weighing less than one pound typically do not provide enough material for adequate protection. Look for a helmet with more significant weight, but do not choose one that severely limits your range of motion.

? Inner liner of at least one-inch thickness. Federal safety standards require at least an inch thickness of polystyrene foam. Helmets with soft foam or little padding will not provide enough protection in the event of a crash or collision.  Read more... (423 words, estimated 1:42 mins reading time)

Classic car insurance is a necessary ‘evil’. What great delight to be able to drive the car of your dreams, that means a lot for your heart…; but, you should protect your investment properly otherwise you risk to cope with severe monetary issues with regards to maintenance. To be able to maintain clouds aside from your ride, you should search for a great traditional car insurance policy.

Prior to looking for a quote, it’s recommended to check whether your vehicle corresponds to the insurer’s meaning of ‘classic’. This idea of ‘classic’ differs a great deal, and also you certainly need to keep things clear and comprehend all issues involved. Normally, costs are referred to as competitive for the common type of classic car insurance, due to the lower utilization rate that reduces the probability of claims. Nonetheless, till you compare quotes, it is difficult to tell which insurance business has more to offer.

There are methods to cut back class car insurance premiums by the selection of a custom-made mileage strategy, by settling on the agreed value and through all sorts of other flexible options. To a large level, classic car insurance is all about customization, and also you need to make use of this in to your favor to obtain the maximum of coverage a comfortable amount. As soon as you get a general concept about your options, you should meet with the insurance provider face-to-face to talk about discounts, policy customization along with other details.  Read more... (444 words, estimated 1:47 mins reading time)

An improperly or poorly installed windshield or other vehicle glass is not a bargain, regardless of the cost. Your vehicle’s windshield is a key component in accident safety. When it needs to be replaced, be aware that an improperly installed replacement can contribute to passenger airbag failure, and increases the chance of roof collapse in a roll-over.

A professionally installed modern windshield protects occupants in more ways than many people realize, it is MUCH more than a barrier against the weather. These days, a windshield is a key component in the structural integrity and safety of the passenger compartment, not just a wind screen. An unsafe windshield, one that is not installed properly or has been damaged by debris, can certainly cause unnecessary personal injury or even death. If the windshield separates from the vehicle in an accident, the lives of those inside are immediately at far greater risk of injury.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports over 40,000 Americans are killed and over 5 million injured every year in highway accidents. Over 30 percent of the fatalities occur when vehicle occupants are either ejected from the vehicle, or injured during rollovers. Windshields are intended to keep occupants inside the vehicle. The windshield also supports the roof thereby preserving the structural integrity of the passenger compartment and keeping it from collapsing and crushing driver and passengers.  Read more... (394 words, estimated 1:35 mins reading time)

Automotive lifts save time when you need to do repair jobs, by making the lower part of the car accessible. They are an essential item of garage equipment supply. When draining oil, you can easily remove the drain plug, which is located on the bottom of the vehicle. Without a car lift, you would need to use a hydraulic jack to raise the front end of the car and place two jack stands under it. These would need to be in place before you could drain the oil. Before you use a car lift, you should know the basic safety rules. That way you’ll avoid accidents. Failure to follow safety rules can lead to injury and even death.

Below are some “dos and don’ts” for to keep in mind when using automotive lifts.

Automotive Lift Do’s:

? Be sure to have proper training on the basic operations of the lift. Improper use can result in someone getting hurt.

? Make a thorough inspection of the car lift before using it every day.

Each component must be in working order and properly lubricated.

? The locking devices must engage tightly. If one is loose, fix it.

? Always wear safety goggles when working under the car. This will prevent dirt from getting in your eyes.

? The vehicle should be balanced on the auto lift before you raise it up. You don’t want it to topple over.  Read more... (431 words, estimated 1:43 mins reading time)