Car safety is always important, but once you become a dad, it becomes even more paramount. Having little ones in the backseat means car safety should be top of mind every time you drive. Here are 5 things all dads should know about car safety.
Do everything you can to avoid accidents
Always make sure you are alert when you are driving. Never drive if you are feeling sleepy or light-headed, as taking your eyes off the road even for a few seconds can be dangerous. Switch off your mobile phone when you drive and plan your journey so that you know where you’re going and you won’t be in a rush. Speeding and tailgating are risky and can increase your chances of having an accident, so avoid engaging in these kinds of driving behaviours.
Learn how to drive in poor conditions
If the weather is particularly bad, try to postpone your journey or cancel your plans. If you must drive in bad weather, leave a bigger gap between your car and the car in front, and avoid sudden braking so your car doesn’t skid. Be extra careful when taking corners, and make sure your tyres are in good condition. Before you drive, check that your headlights are working, as other cars will need help seeing your vehicle if visibility is low.
Seat belts and car seats
Always wear a seat belt when you drive and make sure any passengers are buckled in. Babies should be in rear-facing car seats until they are about 2 years old, as this will give them the best protection for the head, neck and spine. Toddlers can be seated in a forward-facing car seat in the backseat. Always follow the car seat manufacturer’s instructions when you install or adjust the seat, and check the label to make sure the car seat is suitable for your child’s age, height and weight. Once your child has outgrown the car seat’s height and weight limits, you can switch them to a booster seat.
Know your safety features
Understanding what the different kinds of car safety features do will help you choose the right vehicle when you’re shopping for a new or used car. Air bags can help prevent passengers from hitting the dashboard in the event of an accident, but they should never be used if you have a child under 12 sitting in the front seat. Antilock brake systems (ABS) will stop your wheels from locking during “panic” braking so that you can maintain steering control. Traction control is a feature that improves the stability of your car by controlling the amount the wheels slip if you apply too much power during acceleration.
Maintain your car
Doing some simple regular maintenance will help prevent breakdowns and ensure your car is safe to drive. Change the oil as needed and check your tyre pressure often to avoid punctures. Keep an eye on your car’s dashboard to make sure your gauges are all fine, and check your vehicle’s fluids regularly. Make sure your car is insured and have it serviced regularly. You should also clean the car regularly, as a dirty windscreen can reduce your visibility while driving. Get any chips or cracks in your windscreen fixed before they grow and become irreparable.
Windscreen Replacement Perth is a family-run business that offers high quality windscreen repairs in Perth as well as windscreen replacement services. To get a free quote for your windscreen repair, contact Autoscreens now.
Jason Squire started Autoscreens in 2010. With over 35 years of experience gained in both the UK and Australia, the company is well established as a leading provider of windscreen replacement and autoglass repairs in Perth.
His journey to becoming a certified repairer license holder status with DMIRS (and business repair license MRB3703) began many years ago. He was born and brought up in the UK – the country where his long career in the automotive industry began. In common with many of the world’s best tradespeople it all started with an apprenticeship. For Jason, this was in vehicle bodybuilding and a specialisation in vehicle conversions.
He followed that up with several additional professional qualifications, including a Grade A Vehicle Body Building Certificate from the Road Transport Industry, a GQA level 2 in NVQ Automotive Glazing and a Level 2 qualification in Joining Materials by Welding from the UK Engineer Training Authority.
During his studies, Jason was also a part-time volunteer in the Royals signals with the Reserve Territorial Army. Between 1991 and 1995, Jason completed his Phase One Signallers Course with the Royal Armoured Corps and was awarded a Certificate of Trade Proficiency as a Territorial Army Driver Electrician Class 3. Training exercises took him all over Europe. He also represented the Signals in Rugby.
From there, he joined the armed forces on a full-time basis with the Queens Royal Lancers and continued to impress with his leadership skills and willingness to broaden his skillset, during which he lived in Germany. In 1996, he graduated from the Queens Royal Lancer Leadership Academy where he was named best recruit. His time with the Queens Royal Lancers he qualified as Tank Driver, Crew Medic and Gunner.
In 1999, Jason left the armed forces to join RAC Auto Windscreens. His skillset enabled him to fast-track his career to base supervisor and lead technician working with premiere dealerships in Crewe, Cheshire.
He also continued to volunteer in a number of different areas, including as a first responder with the West Midlands Ambulance Service and a scout leader with the Scout Association.
He relocated to Australia in 2008 with his young family and spent his first two years down under as a head technician for a national windscreen company.
However, with all his experience, extensive qualifications and his abiding passion for the automotive industry, it was inevitable that he would start his own company and make his mark as an industry leader.
He started Autoscreens in 2010 and has grown the business into the leading windscreen repair and replacement company in Perth, servicing both domestic and commercial customers. Autoscreens has a certified Motor Vehicle Repairers Licence MRB3703 issued by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.