The safety car is not the case of Automobile Manufacturers. Drivers also have to meet certain regulatory requirements. Some safety features are also required by the rules of the road. But other elements, plus optional safety vest, can be very useful in case of breakdown or accident.
In recent years, car safety has improved considerably. Manufacturers have worked hard to make vehicles safer. They include enhanced passive safety elements: shock-absorbing body, improved handling, airbags … In fact, most security devices are supplied with the car (seat belts, spare wheel …). But this does not relieve the driver to obtain additional elements, some of which are even required.
The pre-warning triangle
Mandatory since 2008 in all vehicles, the emergency warning triangle is intended to make it more visible a stopped car, complementing the hazard lights. It is placed at least thirty meters before the location of the breakdown or accident, and must be visible at a hundred meters. This prevents other road users to avoid an accident. To be prescribed, the triangle must contain the words “E 27R”.
The reflective vest
Just as pre-warning triangle, reflective vest is mandatory since 2008. He is a fluorescent color vest (usually yellow or orange), equipped with reflective strips. It is very useful, especially at night, to signal the presence of a pedestrian to other motorists. It is visible at 300 meters.
The hands free
If you want to call while driving, you should equip yourself with a hands free kit. This is an atria system connected to the mobile phone, which, as the name suggests, to keep hands free. The hands free are not mandatory, but remember that it is forbidden to call driving without being equipped.
The baby seat
Again, all vehicles do not need to be provided with a baby seat, but you cannot carry a child less than 10 years without this equipment. Whatever the model, it should display the ECE R44 / 04. There are different types, depending on the age and weight of the child. From birth and up to 13 kilos, children travel rearward facing, in a semi-reclining position. From 9 kilos, or when they stand seated, they can travel forward facing, sitting. Child seat models are adapting to these specificities.
Other safety equipment
Apart from these regulatory facilities, there are number of more or less indispensable tools. One can find them easily in automotive specialist’s shelves. They are also sometimes presented as security suitcases, troubleshooting, emergency … in particular are advised to invest in a fire extinguisher (some countries have made it mandatory), type multipurpose powders to combat all types of lights. You can also opt for a box of bulbs to immediately repair a faulty fire. Some countries recommend other hand a first aid kit in case of accident (consisting of bandages, gauze, saline, antiseptic, flashlight or blanket). Finally, a puncture bomb can be very useful. In case of puncture, it is sufficient to inject the rubber foam by the valve of the inner tube. No need to change the flat tire at the time, which can be very useful if you are on a place of dangerous parking (including highway).
Did you know?
After making it compulsory for the vest and emergency warning triangle in 2008, the Committee for Road Safety has launched a major advertising campaign to educate French drivers. She staged the chic designer Karl Lagerfeld, who said, not without humor, the reflective vest “it’s yellow, it’s ugly, it’s not going with anything, but it can save your life.” Funny, and awfully good!