“My Safe Tips”: practical advice to prevent road risks

Capsule “Driving rested and fit”

More tips for more safety. Welcome to your series “My Safety, My SafeTips”.

In this episode, we’ll focus on the importance of driving while rested and fit.

SafeTip n°1: Preparing for departure

It's late and I'm tired. I've got a long drive ahead of me the next day, and I’m going to wait a little longer before going to bed. I’m putting myself in danger before I even get behind the wheel. Sleeping less than 5 hours before departure increases the risk of an accident by 3! So, I get enough sleep the night before: between 7 and 8 hours a night.

SafeTip n°2: Fatigue at the wheel, it's an accident

I've been driving for almost 2 hours. A break would be good for me, but I decide to keep going to arrive on time. I close my eyes for a few seconds without realizing it, and it's an accident. At 60 km/h, a vehicle covers 50 meters in 3 seconds. The absence of regular breaks can be coupled with other sources of fatigue:

• Meal too rich (sweet or fatty)
• Medication with side effects
• Alcohol or narcotics, even in moderation
• Smoking cigarettes which reduces oxygen in the cabin

Avoiding these behaviors is already reducing the risks.

SafeTip n°3: It’s time to take a break

My neck is stiff, my eyes are tingling, my eyelids are heavy and I feel the need to change position often.

These are the first signs of fatigue. So I take a break. But be careful: a “real” break. What’s a real break?

• 15 to 20 minutes every 2 hours
• I get out of the car and get some fresh air,
• I walk and stretch,
• If necessary, I take a short nap.

In other words, I don't fight fatigue at the wheel, and I make sure I drive while rested and fit.

See you soon for more tips with MySafety, MySafeTips!

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Capsule “To see and be seen”

More tips for more safety. Welcome to your series “My Safety, My SafeTips”.

Today, 3 tips to adopt to see, be seen and control blind spots.

SafeTip n°1: I control my field of vision.

On the road, my field of vision can be disrupted in many situations. Bad weather, like here for example, reduces my field of vision and limits my perception of danger. Seeing my surroundings correctly is not optional. It is vital. That’s why:

I regularly clean my windscreen, windows and rearview mirrors, and maintain the windscreen and dashboard clear of any objects that might obstruct my vision.

I adapt my headlights to different situations, especially using full beam when overtaking a vehicle.

Finally, I adapt my speed, because the faster I drive, the more my peripheral vision is reduced.

SafeTip n°2: make yourself visible.

If you’re not sufficiently visible on the road, other road users may not notice you. This increases the risk of collision. To reduce this risk:

I always use my turn signal to indicate my maneuvers in good time.

I keep a safe distance to make myself visible.

And if the weather is bad or the sunrays are low, I double my vigilance and only overtake if I'm sure I can see and be seen.

And as soon as visibility decreases, I turn on my headlights.

In other words, I make sure I'm seen!

SafeTip n°3: I control my blind spots.

Controlling my blind spots not only keeps me safe, but also protects other road users, especially the most vulnerable. Here, this two-wheeler is approaching a blind spot. No way I could see it in my rearview mirror!
It is therefore invisible to my eyes, unless I turn my head to check its presence before overtaking.

So, on the road, I constantly check my rearview mirrors, and I systematically carry out an additional visual check of my blind spot before overtaking.

I adapt my driving to that of other road users and overtake as far as possible from the other road user to reduce the blind spot.

And of course, I adjust my mirrors before setting off.

Conclusion:

You've got it: seeing, being seen and controlling your blind spots are the keys to safe, serene driving.
Have a good trip and see you soon for more tips, in MySafety, MySafeTips.

[TotalEnergies logo]

Capsule “Foot over the brake”

More tips for more safety. Welcome to your series "My Safety, My SafeTips".

Today, a good practice for hazardous conditions: always keep the foot over the brake!

SafeTip number 1: I observe.

On the road, dangers can come from anywhere, at any time. Like here, here, and even here. So I stay focused on the road, and I pay attention to other road users and the driving conditions.

SafeTip number 2: I anticipate.

In situations where I might need to brake, the key word is ANTICIPATE. The right reaction at the right time is crucial and makes all the difference! In this situation, I anticipate and prepare to brake: I release the accelerator and put my foot over the brake.

SafeTip number 3: I React.

With my foot over the brake, I can react fast if I need to. This good practice reduces the reaction time to start braking by half a second. At 50 kilometers per hour, 0.5 second is a reduction in braking distance of 7 meters: 7 meters separating me from the accident. And the reduction increases with vehicle speed: 12 meters reduction at 80 kilometers per hour, and 18 meters reduction at 130 kilometers per hour! In a situation where braking may be needed, I have the right reaction: I put my foot over the brake!

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Capsule “Settle into our driver’s seat”

More tips for better Safety. Welcome to your series “My Safety, My Safe Tips”.

In this episode, let’s take the time to settle into our driver’s seat.

SafeTip n°1: I adjust my seat correctly 

Before I even get moving, I start by adjusting my position as best I can. Here, I’m in the wrong position. I’m susceptible to ache some pains, imprecise movements, or even reacting too late in the event of danger. Poor posture at the wheel is a risk I must avoid. So, I take the time to settle in properly. I adjust the seat distance. My legs should be slightly bent when I press the pedals all the way down. I adjust seat back, so that my back is straight with both hands resting naturally on the steering wheel. I make sure I can see the speedometer without having to bend over. And don’t forget the headrest, it has to be at the right height to protect my neck in the event of an impact. Be well settled means more than comfort, it means being ready to react effectively if necessary.

SafeTip n°2: I adjust my rear-view and wing mirrors 

Misadjusted mirrors are like driving with blinkers on. I lose an essential part of the information around me, and on the road. As here, what I can’t see might put me in danger. Here are some good habits to adopt:

• First, I adjust the rear-view mirror so that I have a well centered view of the rear window.  
• Then the wing mirrors. I should barely be able to see the side of my vehicle. The rest should show the side lane.
• And, I check that the mirrors are clean without smudges and fogging.  

Adjusting my rear-view correctly means reducing my blind spots to improve my vision of my surroundings and anticipate better.

SafeTip n°3: I fasten my seatbelt… and check everyone else’s! 

We’re all familiar with this simple gesture. Fastening your seatbelt is vital. We sometimes forget that a seatbelt that’s fastened properly but not positioned correctly is less effective protection. So, I make sure that my seatbelt is fastened, and fastened correctly. It fits over the shoulder without rubbing the neck and over the pelvis, not the belly. It’s tight with no twists. All passengers are fastened in front and rear. If I’m carrying children, they are seated in a seat adapted to their age and size. It’s a vital reflex. In the event of an accident, a properly fastened seatbelt makes all the difference.

Conclusion:

On the road, everything starts, with adequate preparation. Taking the time to settle in ensures more comfort, more control and therefore more safety, not only for you but also for your passengers and other road users.

See you soon for more tips with My Safety, My Safe Tips.

[#SafeDriver – let’s share these best practices]

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Capsule “Check your vehicle before setting off”

More tips for better Safety. Welcome to your series “My Safety, My Safe Tips”.

Safe Tips of the day: why and how to check your vehicle before setting off?

SafeTip n°1: Before setting off, I take a look around my vehicle

I'm driving peacefully when suddenly my steering wheel pulls violently to one side and I narrowly avoid a collision. The cause? My tyre burst. I hadn't realized it was damaged...

To prepare for each departure, I make sure that:

• My tyres are properly inflated and in good condition.
• That all my lights and mirrors are clean and undamaged (indicators, headlights, brake lights).
• There are no fluid leaks from underneath my vehicle (oil or water stains).
• There's nothing unusual around my vehicle to prevent me from reversing or moving forward.
• That the load is well distributed and secured so as not to interfere with my driving.
• After starting the engine, I check the indicator lights on my dashboard to make sure no faults are displayed.

This checkpoint is my first line of defence against accidents.

A simple glance at the dashboard and under the hood means extra safety on the road.

SafeTip n°2: I regularly check or have checked the vital parts of the vehicle

I'm on a climb. I see the engine temperature suddenly rise and then smoke. I hadn't checked my coolant for a while.

This is the breakdown, but it could have caused a traffic accident.

I check regularly and before every long journey:

• Engine oil and coolant levels, to prevent breakdowns or overheating.
• Brake fluid, vital for stopping properly.
• Windshield washer fluid, essential for good visibility.
• Wiper blade condition.
• Lights in good working order (indicators, headlights, brake lights, reversing light).
• Condition, wear and pressure of tyres, including spare.

I also have my brakes, steering and suspension, as well as the condition of the battery checked regularly by a service interval and technical control.

Checking your vehicle is an additional safety measure.

SafeTip n°3: I make sure I have safety equipment on board

I break down on the emergency lane. It's dark. I get out of the car without a reflective vest... and cars pass me by without seeing me.

Without the right equipment, I put myself in serious danger... and others too.

I regularly check that my vehicle contains:

• A safety vest, easily accessible from the driver's seat.
• A warning triangle to alert other road users.
• A spare wheel or puncture-repair kit.
• First-aid kit and fire extinguisher, depending on vehicle type

Conclusion

Before every trip, I take the time to look around my vehicle.

I carry out regular, more thorough checks on my vehicle before every long journey.

These simple gestures can help me avoid a breakdown and/or an accident

To stay safe on the road, find out more in My Safety, My Safe Tips!

[#SafeDriver – let’s share these best practices]

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Capsule “Preparing for your departure”

More tips for better Safety. Welcome to your series “My Safety, My Safe Tips”.

Capsule “The risks associated with parking”

More tips for better Safety. Welcome to your series “My Safety, My Safe Tips”.

Today, I make sure I manage the risks associated with parking.

SafeTip n°1: What to do when stopping or parking the truck?

Stopping is a deliberate interruption of your drive: the driver remains near the vehicle and is ready to drive off again quickly.

Parking refers to a prolonged immobilization of the vehicle, with no immediate need related to the journey

I always ask myself these three questions:

1. Is my vehicle obstructing traffic?

2. Is my vehicle obstructing visibility for other drivers?

3. Am I parking in a restricted area?

If the answer is YES, I look for another location.

Once you have stopped or parked, remember to turn the wheels straight and apply the parking brake. If the vehicle is obstructing the road, you must indicate this (hazard lights, warning triangle, etc.).

SafeTip n°2: Stopping and parking on highways and motorways

Stopping or parking on the emergency lane on highways and motorways is only permitted in the event of a breakdown or medical emergency.

• Turn on your hazard lights.
• Pull over as far as possible onto the emergency lane.
• Always exit the vehicle on the side of no traffic, ensure any passengers do the same.
• Put on a fluorescent vest.
• Wait on the other side of the safety barrier a safe distance from the vehicle.

On the emergency lane, placing a warning triangle is not required and is strongly discouraged.

On busy roads, safety rules exist and are vital.

SafeTip n°3: Parking in reverse for safety reasons

I always reverse park when possible because:

• I am aware of my surroundings and can maneuver while limiting risks.
• I can check that other road users have seen me.
• I have better visibility when moving off and can more easily detect the risk of collisions.
• I can leave the location more quickly in an emergency.

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