Safety and Economic Driving
Passive Safety and Efficient Driving
To pass your theory exam and be a safe driver, it is vital to understand two large blocks: how the vehicle protects us in case of an accident (Passive Safety) and how to drive reducing consumption and pollution (Efficient Driving).
1. Vehicle Safety: Active vs. Passive
It is fundamental to distinguish these two concepts for the exam:
- Active Safety: Elements avoiding the accident from happening (e.g., brakes, lighting).
- Passive Safety: Elements that, once the accident has started, reduce injury severity (e.g., seat belt, airbag, helmet).
Key Passive Safety Elements
The Seat Belt
It is the most important element; it reduces the number of injured and deceased by 40%. Its function is to retain occupants.
- General rule: Mandatory for driver and passengers in cars, goods vehicles (<3500 kg), and motorcycles with structure or sidecar.
- Correct use: Must be homologated, well anchored, without clips (which annul its effect) and well fastened.
Exemptions from seat belt use: Pay close attention to this table, it is often an exam question:
| Situation | Who are exempt | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Reversing | Drivers parking or maneuvering | All roads |
| Medical reasons | People with exemption certificate | All roads |
| Taxi (in service) | Drivers | Only urban roads |
| Loading/Unloading | Distributors in short distances | Only urban roads |
| Emergency | Drivers and passengers | Only urban roads |
| Driving School | Teachers accompanying students | Only urban roads |
Important: Pregnant women ARE obliged to wear it as a general rule, unless a medical certificate indicates otherwise.
The Airbag
It is a bag that inflates automatically upon strong impact. Complements the seat belt, never replaces it.
- Caution: If you carry a rear-facing child seat in the front seat, you must deactivate the passenger airbag.
The Headrest
Its function is not comfort, but protecting the neck from whiplash in case of rear-end collision. Must be adjusted to the correct head height.
The Helmet
Mandatory for drivers and passengers of motorcycles, mopeds, and quads.
- Bicycles in city: Mandatory for under 16s (optional for seniors). On roads, mandatory for all, except uphill ramps, extreme heat, or medical reasons.
Child Restraint System (CRS)
Regulations are very strict with children.
- General rule: Prohibited to drive with children under 12 in front seats unless they use a CRS.
- Key height: Minors under 135 cm tall must mandatorily travel with a CRS adapted to their size and weight, preferably in rear seats.
- Exception: If the vehicle has no rear belts (very old) or 3 seats do not fit in the back, they may go in front with the appropriate CRS.
2. Economic and Ecological Driving
Efficient driving allows saving fuel, reducing pollution, and improving safety, since higher speed means higher consumption and risk.
Efficient Driving Techniques
For the exam, memorize well revolutions and gear change moments:
| Action | Petrol Engine | Diesel Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Start engine | Without pressing accelerator | Without pressing accelerator |
| Use 1st gear | Only to start (change at 2 sec or 6 meters) | Only to start (change at 2 sec or 6 meters) |
| Gear change (RPM) | Between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm | Between 1,500 and 2,000 rpm |
Orientative speeds for gear changing:
- 3rd gear: From 30 km/h.
- 4th gear: From 40 km/h.
- 5th gear: From 50 km/h.
It is recommended to use high gears and drive at low revolutions as long as possible.
Tips to save fuel
- Windows and roof rack: Driving with windows down or roof rack (even empty) breaks aerodynamics and increases consumption.
- Deceleration: Lift foot from accelerator and let car roll by inertia (engine brake) before braking with pedal.
- Stops: If immobilization lasts more than 60 seconds, turn off engine.
- Air Conditioning: Increases consumption, use rationally.
Maintenance and Environment
Poor maintenance skyrockets consumption and pollution.
- Tire pressure: If low, increases rolling resistance and consumption, besides being dangerous.
- Filters and levels: Checking oil, filters, and spark plugs is essential. A dirty air filter increases consumption.
- Pollution: Prohibited to throw butts, wash car on street, or perform oil changes on public roads.
- Noise: Avoid "free exhaust" and unmotivated use of horn.