An extra long weekend is approaching, and the province’s routes will have more traffic flow than usual. Preventive driving and carrying chains in snowy areas are the key to avoiding serious situations.
The Executive Road Safety Unit (UESV) continues working on prevention and awareness in the prevention of road accidents.
Without a doubt, one of the responsible behaviors that is most appealed to is the designated driver figure in case of having consumed more alcohol than permitted. It is important that those who are responsible for driving a vehicle, whatever its type, take into account that the effects of alcohol cause: slower movements, blurred vision, reduced coordination.
It is also an objective to discourage the use of cell phones while driving, since this is a very serious offense in the new Road Safety Law in force in Mendoza and fines for this reason are among the most frequent. A nationwide study shows that 16.8% of the drivers observed presented at least one distraction factor, with cell phone use being the main factor.
Keys on mountain routes
- Those heading to areas where there is snow are advised, in addition to carrying chains, to find out about the weather before embarking on the trip and to drive at low speeds to avoid destabilization.
- Both on the way out and on the way back, it is advisable not to lose patience if the route is congested. Maintain your location in the lane, do not overtake and do not use the shoulder as a traffic route.
- Once on the road, if there is any damage, stop as far from the route as possible (if feasible, in places designated for stopping) and place the markers 75 meters from the vehicle in each direction of the route. If it is a highway, place the first beacon 75 meters from the vehicle and the second beacon 150 meters away.
- Wear loose clothing that is comfortable to handle. As for footwear, it should also be comfortable. Closed or lace-up shoes such as sneakers are recommended.
Travel in safe places
It has been proven that suffering an accident while traveling in the cargo box of a truck poses an enormous risk, since there is no form of attachment to the vehicle.
In this sense, the Road Safety Law is clear: the number of occupants of a motor vehicle cannot exceed the seating capacity for which it was built. Both the driver and passengers must wear the regulatory and mandatory seat belt properly.
What the Law requires
- All people in a vehicle must wear a seat belt, both in the front and rear seats.
- Children under 12 years of age must travel in the back seats with a seat belt fastened.
- Children under 4 years of age must be in approved seats (child restraint systems).
- Pets in the vehicle must be placed in the rear seats and properly restrained.
Child restraint systems
Children under 12 years of age must travel in the back seats with a seat belt fastened or in busters. Children under 4 years of age must be in approved seats (child restraint systems), with weight being the reference factor for selecting seats.
When selecting a child restraint system, you must know that they are classified according to the child’s body measurements, with weight being the fundamental factor:
- Group 0 covers babies from birth to 10 kg.
- Group 0+ is for children weighing less than 13 kg.
- Group I is for children between 9 and 18 kg.
- Group II for children between 15 and 25 kg.
- And finally group III for children weighing between 22 and 36 kg. Here you can use busters or seats adaptable in height and weight.
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