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Special Traffic Issue 2015Promoting Family Safety
Panorama
OffRoading Going off the beaten track
TopDownSafety
Cruising with convertibles
MoneyforMotors
Buyer’s Guide ABCs
SpeedBumps oftheDesert Car vs. Camel
Inside thisissueS p e c I a l T r a f f I c I S S u e 2 0 1 5
If you have any articles you would like to submit, or any suggestions, please e-mail themto [email protected]
Panorama (Issn 1319-2027) is published quarterly by Saudi Aramco’s Loss Prevention Department and is distributed free of charge to company employees and other readers with an interest in safety. Articles may be reprinted without permission provided Panorama and Saudi aramco loss prevention are credited.
Altraiki P. Company - Fax: 8471412Cover and photos by Ali MubarakPhotos page 12 by L.BardOther photos copyright Shutterstock
Loss Prevention, Room A-117 Building 3150, LIP
Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia
© Copyright 2015, Saudi Aramco. All rights reserved.
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More than half a million camels graze freely in Saudi Arabia. In their search for food, camels travel long distances and cross rural highways. Every year, camel collisions are the cause of hundreds of car accidents.
Like the name suggests, convertibles are vehicles that can “convert” from being closed in (the roof is up) to open air (the roof is down). Part of the appeal of a convertible is being able to drive “open air” and the exhilarating feeling that it brings.
SpeedBumpsoftheDesert
ConvertiblesRollwiththePunches
Special Traffic Issue 2015
Promoting Family Safety
Panorama
ي 2015لـــــمــرور لـــدول �لس التعاون اخلليج
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Though many cars still rely on brake patents from the early 1900s, artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a standard part of today’s braking systems.
Some of us love cars while others see them as just transport. If you’re a car pro, you know your catalytic converter from your cabriolet and your turbocharger from your torque.
OurCarsAreBecomingRobots
WhattoLookforWhenBuyingaCar10
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15 OffRoadinSaudiIf you’re going desert driving, you need 4-wheel drive and the tougher the better! In Saudi Arabia you want a vehicle with good clearance, tires that can provide good traction in the sand, and a vehicle that doesn’t weigh too much — the weight of the vehicle may mean the difference between getting bogged down or not.
OntheCoverThe lights come on as sunset descends on downtown Khobar.
SpeedBumps of the Desert
TellUsWhatYouThinkWe’ve been busy improving the look of
Panorama and want to know what you
think. There will be additional changes in
the coming months — but our mission
to serve our audience and promote safe
habits continues. We’d love to hear your
thoughts on the magazine.
email us [email protected]
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If you see a camel crossing sign, be extra alert and slow down. Camels cross roads for many reasons and at different times of the year. “
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More than half a million camels graze freely in Saudi
arabia. In their search for food, camels travel long distances
and cross rural highways. every year, camel collisions are
the cause of hundreds of car accidents. colliding with these
animals will cause significant damage to your vehicle, to
the animals and potentially kill everyone in the vehicle. If
you want to avoid a camel collision, you have to be alert
and know what to do.
NoticewarningsignsHighways and roads may not seem like prime camel areas but camel owners often prefer to settle and house their camels near highways to easily transport them. This increases the likelihood of these animals wandering onto the highway.
If you see a camel crossing sign, be extra alert and slow down. Camels cross roads for many reasons and at different times of the year. Often they want to get to another part of their territory.
DrivedefensivelyatasafespeedDo not speed when you are driving through a camel’s territory. You’ll still arrive if you go more slowly and you’ll have more time to avoid an animal if you spot it. Be prepared to take evasive action, which includes being able to quickly slow down, brake suddenly or turn down headlights.
You should be able to stop within the space of your headlights. Practice this in a safe area if you don’t know how fast this is for your vehicle. Make sure your seat belt is on and check that all passengers are wearing theirs as well. A sudden stop or swerve could throw people from the car.
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Thingsthathappenwhenyoudrivetoofast:• You can’t stop quickly enough to avoid
a collision.
• The impact of a vehicle is far greater the faster you travel.
• Your ability to take evasive action is massively reduced.
• You’re more likely to swerve instead of braking and gently responding.
Use your high beams where possible and when there are no oncoming cars. They will illuminate more of the area that you are traveling through.“
BeespeciallyalertatsunsetandsunriseCamels seem to move most in the hours around sunset to midnight and again around dawn. These are also the hardest times for our eyes to adjust to the light. It’s neither completely dark nor properly light, so we find it more difficult to see well. If you don’t feel alert or can’t see properly at these times, save your trip for another time.
DrivecarefullyatnightUse your high beams where possible and when there are no oncoming cars. They will illuminate more of the area that you are traveling through. This is important since camels’ eyes are not reflective, unlike some other animals. You don’t want to first spot an animal when it is directly in your path.
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Otherprecautionstotakewhenyou’redrivinginthedark:
• Move into the center lane if you are travelling on a three-lane road, or center the car as much as possible if it is a two-lane road.
• Make sure your windshield is clear and is not reflecting grime, which prevents you from seeing clearly.
• Drive below the speed limit.
KnowwhennottoswerveIf you suddenly have a camel in front of your car, brake firmly. Do not swerve or leave your lane. Many accidents are not due to colliding with the camel but are the result of colliding with another car or truck while trying to avoid the animal. The best thing to do is drive defensively in the first place and go slowly enough that you avoid the camel and stop in time.
Be on the lookout — if you see one camel, there are likely to be more camels nearby, even if you don’t see them.
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Convertibles
like the name suggests, convertibles are vehicles that can
“convert” from being closed in (the roof is up) or open
air (the roof is down). part of the appeal of a convertible
is being able to drive “open air” and the exhilarating
feeling that brings. The different structure of a convertible
does, however, bring some safety concerns — rollover
protection being one.
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Roll with the Punches
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Most car manufacturers now use advanced technology in their convertible models to make them safer in rollover incidents. “
Rollovers can happen when turning a corner too quickly, swerving sharply or hitting an external object such as a curb or another vehicle. Such internal or external forces throw the center of the vehicle off balance, causing it to roll either onto its side or to completely tip it over. With extreme impact, a vehicle will roll several times.
All vehicles are susceptible to rollovers. Standard vehicles have a stronger, fixed framework. They offer more protection because of the added rigidity, meaning impact is taken more by the car and less by the occupants.
Convertibles have much less structural and torsional rigidity than regular vehicles. A retractable roof means that the base framework of the vehicle is not fixed, so it cannot have the same rigidity as a regular vehicle.
Weight considerations from either having no roof or a soft-top roof (fabric-like material, not metal) can also negatively impact the car’s handling if not balanced, potentially making it “easier” for the car to roll. This
Whatistorsionalrigidity?Torsional rigidity is the level of a vehicle’s
resistance to twisting forces.
Torsion simply means twisting. If a vehicle
were held at the hood and the trunk,
and twisted in opposite directions, this
would show its torsional rigidity. a vehicle
with high torsional rigidity resists these
“twisting” forces better than one with low
torsional rigidity.
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AskOurExpertsHave a safety question and need an answer? Ask our experts.
Send your questions to [email protected]
Subject: Question
exposes the driver and passengers to risk if an incident occurs while driving a convertible.
Most car manufacturers now use advanced technology in their convertible models to make them safer in rollover incidents. Convertibles generally have some kind of fixed or pop-up roll bar to protect occupants. Side air bags can deploy from the seats and many extend upward to protect the head.
Active rollover protection is present in many convertibles. Sensors trigger automatic responses in the vehicle such as electronic stability control (ESC) to help the driver. Hidden rollover bars can activate in less than a second if a rollover is detected. These types of improvements help both the vehicle and its occupants stay on track.
TheRightTirefortheJobPoor choice in replacement tires will haunt you every time you get behind the wheel.Thewrongtirescanhurtyourneck,whineandhandleworsethana1930spickuptruck.Today’s cars weigh a lot and have more horsepower than cars in the past. This affectsstoppingpowerandcornering.
If you like the way your car performs, buy the exact same set of tires next time. The car manufacturer chose them for a good reason.
Replace all four tires at once for the best handling and safety. Keep the best old tire as a spare.
All-season tires are more durable. They’ll safely carry you farther than soft compound tires.
New tires need time to break in. Allow for longer stopping times in the first 800 km.
Bigger wheels mean bumpy rides and poor handling.
Over- and underinflation wears out tires faster and reduces their tread grip. Keep tires at their correct pressure for safe handling.
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Belt Up
Wearing a seat belt reduces risk:
Passenger vehicle restraintsystems are effective at saving lives, but only when used. Seat belts are easy to use and provide the greatest protection for all passengers.
45% reduced risk of fatality for front seat passengers
Up to 75% reduced risk of
fatality for back seat
passengers
50% reduced risk of serious injury
30 Times
more likely to be ejected if not wearing a seat belt
3 out of 4 people who are ejected in a car accident
die from their injuries
1.24 million
road traffic deaths occur globally every year
#Traffic accidents
cause of death among those aged
15 29 years1
OurCars Are Becoming Robots
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The use of radar and cameras now allow a vehicle’s computer to override a driver’s control. Several car makers are offering vehicles that brake automatically if it is about to collide with a pedestrian or bicyclist.
A high-resolution camera makes it possible to see moving patterns of pedestrians and cyclists. If a collision is about to occur, the vehicle warns the driver. If the driver takes no action, full braking power is applied. This system can also detect and auto brake for approaching vehicles.
Driverless car technology is already changing the automotive industry. Equipped without steering wheels or pedals, these vehicles steer using GPS, radar and other sophisticated equipment. “Smart cars” do more than just keep the car from drifting out of lanes and hitting objects — they allow drivers to sit back, relax and become a passenger.
Chris Urmson, director of Google’s Self-Driving Car Project said, “What looks chaotic and random on a city street to the human eye is actually fairly predictable to a computer… they have sensors that remove blind spots, and they can detect objects out to a distance of more than two football fields in all directions.”
This new technology, however, still needs to be tested for safety. In fact, many consumers are not ready to trust their lives to a machine — especially when there are so many issues with software malfunctions and virus attacks these days.
Though many cars still rely on brake patents from the early
1900s, artificial intelligence (aI) is quickly becoming a standard
part of today’s braking systems.
PanoramaPollThe seat belt is the most effective safety feature in a car. Which invention do you think is the second most effective safety feature?
Safety glass
air bags
aBS brakes
crumple zones
computer-guided breaking
Video-guided reverse
Other
let us know at [email protected]
Subject: poll
Please include your name
Driverless car technology is already changing the automotive industry. Equipped without steering wheels or pedals, these vehicles steer using GPS, radar and other sophisticated equipment.
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In2012,theDepartmentofMotorVehiclesinNevada,US,issuedthefirstlicensetoGoogle’sself-drivingcar.
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The Akram family
WhattoLookfor WhenBuyingaCar
Someofuslovecarswhileothersseethemjustastransport.
If you’re a car pro, you know your catalytic converter from your cabriolet and your turbocharger from your torque. If you’re a car newbie, you know that cars have four wheels and that’s about it. When it comes to buying a car we all have different needs from our vehicle but there are basic guides to follow.
Setyourbudget
Know what you can afford and stick to it. Cars are not cheap and setting a limit for what you can afford will also help determine your make and model without bankrupting you.
Decideonavehiclesize
Who do you need to transport? Do you have a large family, young children or just friends? Choose a size to fit everyone safely.
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Modern cars feature safety systems. Structural features help road handling. Sensors detect potential handling problems and assist in parking and reversing.“
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Assessyourcarneeds
What does your car need to do — get you to work, do the school run, visit family out of town, pick up the weekly shopping? Short stops around town or long distances on open highways or off road? This helps filter the right car type for you.
Knowwhat’sunderthehood
Check engine size (measured in cc or liters) and engine power (measured in horsepower or BHP). The higher the BHP, the faster you can accelerate. How powerful does your car really need to be for your road use? Also note fuel consumption and fuel type.
Thinkaboutservicingandrepairs
New cars are usually protected by a warranty. This is supplied by the manufacturer and typically covers three years or a specified mileage after the date of manufacture. If you have any car problems in that time, the manufacturer may replace or repair the vehicle at no cost to you. Make sure spare parts are easily available to order.
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Lookcloselyatsafetyfeatures
Modern cars feature safety systems. Structural features help road handling. Sensors detect potential handling problems and assist in parking and reversing. Built-in safety devices, such as air bags, anti-lock brakes and assisted lane steering are common. Safety features can be similar but there are differences. For example, not all cars have front, side and head-protecting air bags. Compare safety features between models.
Chooseaccessories
You can “furnish” your car for preference. DVD screens can help entertain children on journeys. Built-in sat-nav, climate control, interior finishing and USB connections are all pretty standard to modern cars. Check what’s available and make it fit for you, your road use and the occupants you have. Avoid too many distractions in the car.
Car buying can feel daunting. Look for models that fit your criteria and budget. Don’t be overwhelmed by dealer sales talk. If you are unsure, find a friend who knows about cars and talk to them first.
BeaSafetyStarPanorama is seeking models for upcoming issues. We need you and your family’s smiles to join our team!
please contact us at [email protected]
Subject: Safety Stars
75% Effective at
preventing serious head injuries.
13
Age children
should be before
sitting in the fro
nt
s
eat.
548 Average number of people saved by air bags each year in the US.
66% Effective at preventing
serious chest injuries.
25 Centimeters the driver should sit back from the steering wheel.
Reduction in
deaths for drivers
wearing their
safety belts.
26%
AirBagNumbersAren’tInflated
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OffRoadin Saudi
If you’re going desert driving, you
need four-wheel drive and the
tougher the better! In Saudi arabia
you want a vehicle with good
clearance, tires that can provide
good traction in the sand, and a
vehicle that doesn’t weigh too
much — the weight of the vehicle
may mean the difference between
getting bogged down or not.
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Many people think that all deserts look alike, but those who have gone off-road in Saudi know that there are many different types of desert and they change with each season. From the Wahab crater to the big, soft sands of Dahna, volcanoes, caves, dunes and of course the sabkha, a thin surface of sand on a salt pan. Each offers different challenges, in particular the sabkah where the car sinks straight down.
ReadthesandLearn to distinguish between different types of surfaces in the desert. You only have to look at a large expanse of desert to notice different shapes of dunes, different colors and textures of the sand and the presence or absence of vegetation. Each aspect of the ground has a message for the skilled driver.
GearupMany four-wheel drive vehicles have both a low and a high range transmission. Changing from high to low requires knowledge of the landscape. The constant use of low range causes vehicles to overheat and use excessive fuel. Low range should only be used in specific situations when negotiating an obstacle or for self-recovery exercises.
When in low range the engine is revving faster, at any given speed, when compared to being in high range. Since the speed of the vehicle is slower, the wind flow through the radiator is reduced and the cooling process is diminished.
Low first gear has a very low ratio, and in most situations it is not a good choice. For self-recovery from soft sand the first option is low second with a very light throttle
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Stopping while climbing a dune is the main cause of inexperienced drivers getting stuck. On the top of a dune go over the top and stop on the downward slope, so you can start easily later.“
pedal pressure. Excessive engine power only spins the wheels and you will go down —- not forward or back!
Low range helps control your vehicle on steep descents by offering excellent engine braking. This means that when you remove your foot from the accelerator, the vehicle is slowed by the engine and you do not have to use your brakes. Retardation is applied evenly to all wheels through the transmission and the weight transfers associated with foot braking do not occur.
Ready?Every off-road trip should be approached seriously with a careful check of the vehicle. Are the tires — including the spare — in good condition? Fluid levels, such as water in the cooling system, engine oil, hydraulic clutch and brake Sp
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fluids should all be topped up. Of course, you also want a full tank of gas before setting off.
Check inside the vehicle. Tool boxes, camping gear, fire wood and other loose items are liable to start flying around when you go over rough ground or up and down steep slopes. Secure these in the back of the vehicle.
Don’tgethurtYou might have a lot of experience driving on the road, but off-road driving calls for some different techniques.
If you give a thumbs up to the idea of off-roading, you also need to keep your thumbs out. Hold the steering wheel with your thumbs out and resting along the top of the wheel. Hitting an unexpected pothole, hard lump or tree stump can cause the wheel to spin out of your
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The best and safest way to spend time in the desert is to go with a group of people and a number of vehicles.
“
hands. If your thumbs get caught in the steering wheel spoke it can be very painful.
To minimize damage to yourself and your vehicle, you need to drive slow and easy. You’ll damage tires, drive trains, exhaust systems and possibly immobilize your vehicle if you hit something too fast.
Don’tgetstuckDon’t stop where you can’t start. Stopping while climbing a dune is the main cause of inexperienced drivers getting stuck. On the top of a dune go over the top and stop on the downward slope, so you can start easily later.
Include the right gear to free your vehicle if you get bogged down.
Don’tpanicIt can be tempting to try to walk out of the desert if there’s a problem, but distances can be deceptive and walking through sand in the heat can wear you out much faster than walking a similar distance anywhere else. Adding to the difficulty is the fact that even before you start walking, you are likely to be tired from attempts to fix or free the vehicle and the overall stress of the situation.
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WeKidArtDraw a picture of “Our car is a safe car”
ask your parent to send it to us as a .jpg 300dpi
Subject line: art
Include first name and age of child,
and parent’s badge number
Turn a 25 halala upside down. Then place it in the groove of the tire tread. If you can see the top of the palm tree, it’s time to replace your tires.
Check for uneven tread. If the outside edges are lower than the center, your tires are underinflated. If it is lower in the center, your tires are overinflated. All tires should be inflated to the same correct pressure.
Panic leads you to rush into action without thinking or planning. Survival dictates that you review the situation carefully and consider your options. Generally, the best option is to stay with the vehicle.
As the vehicle is large, it is easier for searchers to spot. The vehicle also provides you with shade and shelter. During the heat of the day, dig a trench under the vehicle and stay there in the shade. Do not be tempted to drink the radiator fluid in a vehicle, as most radiator fluid contains high amounts of diethylene glycol, which is poisonous.
ShareyouradventureThe best and safest way to spend time in the desert is to go with a group of people and a number of vehicles. For many this is the best part — sharing experiences and stories around a campfire. Companions mean there is immediate help in the event of an emergency.
Another important safeguard is letting a close friend or family member know your plans and where you plan to go and when you plan to return. As you’re traveling, call your contact every day or two and update them on where you are. That way if you do experience a breakdown, it will be quicker and easier to locate you. Remember to call when you return home!
HalalaHelpsYouHugtheRoad
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EmergencySuppliesBefore you head out on your off-road adventure, make sure you have vehicle and personal basics stored in the car in the event of a breakdown.
Vehiclebasics• Replacement air compressor if the existing one breaks — you need to keep the engine cool.
• Air pump for manual tire inflation.
• Allen wrenches to tighten screws.
• Car fluids for top-ups (engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, etc.).
• Come-along winches for vehicle recovery.
• Complete socket set (standard and metric).
• Fire extinguisher.
• Hydraulic or hi-lift jack.
• Jack and tire iron to change your tire.
• Jumper cables.
• Open-end combination wrenches.
• Shovel.
• Spare parts.
• Spare tire, full size.
• Toolbox with hammer plus standard and Phillips screwdrivers.
• Tow strap.
Personalbasics• Blankets.
• Bucket.
• Can opener.
• Communication device — satellite phone.
• Batteries.
• First aid kit.
• Flashlight.
• GPS and compass.
• Leather gloves.
• Lighter or matches.
• Spare car key.
• Tarpaulin.
• Utility knife.
• Water for each person — allow at least one gallon of water per person per day.
• Food for the group — trail mix, beef jerky, dates, dry/canned food to last a few days.
