With the Ramadan Holiday lasting 9 days this year, many people have either gone on holiday or are preparing to do so. Road and traffic safety consultant Lecturer Özgür Şener, who warned citizens traveling by their own vehicles for the holiday about driving safety, said, “The first thing to do is to have your vehicle maintained.”
Lecturer Özgür Şener, also pointing out the necessity of taking 15-minute breaks every 2 hours, said, “Plan your rest stops and identify points you will visit for emergencies.”
Lecturer at Üsküdar Üniversitesi, Department of Occupational Health and Safety, and Road and Traffic Safety Consultant Özgür Şener, offered suggestions and warnings about driving safety to those hitting the road for the Ramadan Holiday.
Driving safety during the 9-day holiday...
With the Ramadan Holiday lasting 9 days this year, many people have either gone on holiday or are preparing to do so.
Road and traffic safety consultant Şener, warning citizens traveling by their own vehicles for the holiday about driving safety, said, “To ensure your holiday isn't disrupted and to avoid more tragic incidents, make sure your vehicle's periodic maintenance is complete before you set off. The first thing to do is to have your vehicle maintained.”
“Plan your rest stops”
Lecturer Özgür Şener, noting the necessity of resting for at least 8 hours before traveling, stated, “Traveling with a rested body is crucial for your driving pleasure and safety. Also, before your trip, check the traffic, weather conditions, and roadwork in the region you're heading to. Plan your rest stops and identify points you will visit for emergencies.”
“Ensure all passengers in the vehicle wear seat belts”
Lecturer Özgür Şener also noted that functions such as the vehicle's tires, lighting, load safety, and fuel should be checked before traveling, and warned, “Make sure deficiencies like windshield wiper fluid are replenished. Keep your vehicle's documents, such as registration and driver's license, ready. It takes 1 second to fasten a seat belt, but if it's not worn, the pain can be unforgettable for a lifetime. Ensure all passengers in the vehicle wear seat belts. For infants and children, make sure you use an appropriate car seat and that both the car seat is securely fastened to the vehicle and the child is securely fastened in the car seat.”
Sunlight makes it difficult to see surrounding vehicles
Lecturer Özgür Şener stated that the sun can challenge drivers and negatively affect safe driving, emphasizing that if the sun is behind during driving, extra caution is needed as other vehicles in mirrors may be difficult or impossible to see, and the brake lights of vehicles in front may also be hard to spot.
Lecturer Özgür Şener also stressed that there are points to consider when the sun is ahead during driving, saying, “Sunlight creates a bright surface, making it difficult to see. Vehicles around, even if they are within the field of vision, may not be noticed. A dirty windshield severely negatively impacts the driver's visibility.”
Tips for ensuring driving safety in sunny weather
Lecturer Özgür Şener emphasized the importance of using sunglasses to ensure optimal visibility throughout the drive, and stressed that mirrors should be checked more frequently, knowing that other drivers might also be negatively affected by the sun.
Şener advised, “Do not look directly at oncoming vehicles; sun glare can blind your eyes and cause temporary blindness,” adding that speed should be reduced if the road ahead is not clearly visible.
As speed increases, so does the danger...
Lecturer Özgür Şener also pointed to the importance of obeying traffic rules, reminding that all research and accident analyses prove that danger increases with speed, a 20-kilometer speed increase over a 500-kilometer road saves a maximum of 40 minutes, but increases the risk of death in a possible accident by 6 times.
Lecturer Özgür Şener also pointed to the necessity of taking 15-minute breaks every 2 hours, stating that every year holiday news merges with accident news, but this holiday, it is possible to have a safe and happy holiday by obeying the rules.