Place the lap belt as low as possible over the hips (not over the abdomen). Ensure the shoulder belt lies on the chest and over the shoulder. *Do Not leave any slack in the belt.

Air bags are connected to sensors that detect sudden deceleration. When activated, the sensor sends an electrical signal that ignites a chemical propellant. When ignited, this propellant produces nitrogen gas, which inflates the air bag. This process occurs very fast... in less than one-twentieth of a second (quicker than the blink of an eye). Most air bags have internal tether straps that shape the fabric and limit the movement of the bag. Vents in the rear allow the bag to deflate slowly to cushion the head as it moves forward into the deploying air bag .Sensors deploy air bags only when deceleration exceeds a minimum threshold. If the change in speed due to an impact is lower than the threshold... the air bag will not inflate. In low to moderate speed collisions, the seat belt alone is usually sufficient to prevent serious injury. In high speed crashes... the seat belt may not be able to prevent the driver's head from striking the steering wheel or the passenger's head from hitting the dashboard. Frontal air bags protect the head and upper body in frontal crashes... and are not designed to deploy in rear-end collisions, side impacts, or rollovers. Air bags may deploy in undercarriage impacts and angled collisions, including side impacts, where there is sufficient deceleration.

You can maximize the protection offered by current restraint systems and reduce the risk of injury by air bags by taking the following precautions:

• Always wear your seat belt.
• Adjust seat belt properly.
• Adjust front seats as far to the rear as possible to give the air bag as much room as possible to deploy.
• ALWAYS seat a child under the age of 12 in the back.
• NEVER seat a child in front of an air bag.
• ALWAYS make sure the infant restraint & booster seat suits the child's height & weight.
• ALWAYS double check the restraint system is properly secured.
• NEVER install a rearward-facing infant restraint system in a seat equipped with an air bag.
• NEVER place the seat belt shoulder strap behind the child's back or under the arm.

In order to protect the head and upper body in high-impact crashes... air bags must inflate so quickly, and with such force, that they can cause injuries. While most of these injuries are minor... consisting only of bruises and abrasions, some are more serious, such as broken arms. In extreme cases, such as when the head or chest is against the module when it opens... fatal injuries can result .People who sit close to the steering wheel are at higher risk of being injured by a deploying air bag than those who sit further away. Small children are also very vulnerable. Children under the age of 12 should always be seated in the back of the vehicle and should be properly restrained. Never allow a child to sit or stand near the dashboard. In addition, never install a rearward-facing infant restraint system in a seat equipped with an air bag. If it deploys, the infant restraint system will be propelled into the back of the seat.

Whether you are involved in a major vehicle accident or a minor fender bender, an accident is an upsetting and stressful experience. Collision repair is often complicated and confusing. Not sure what to do or who to call?!?

Here are a few tips to help keep you calm and collected to ensure you get all proper information and details...

• First and foremost... make sure you are okay, and that all passengers in your vehicle are okay.
• Make sure you get as much details about the accident itself and all involved as soon as possible (while it is still fresh in your mind).. we have designed a Accident Report check list you can print to help you not forget any information... accident report check list >>
• A crucial part of the collision process is communication between you and your insurance agency. One call to your insurance agent will help you understand the terms, conditions and limitations of your policy.
• Find a qualified Collision repair shop to perform repairs. Your insurance agency (such as ICBC) will recommend shops in your area, but remember.. you have the final say where you would like your vehicle to be repaired.
• Collision repairs estimates can be extremely difficult to understand. Ask your collision repair advisor or insurance agent to review your estimate, making sure to explain any items you might not understand.
• If you are offered a settlement agreement immediately, you may want to review the estimate with your repair shop and/or your Zeemac Sales Representative to make sure the settlement amount covers all required repairs.
• The most important fact to remember as you deal with your collision repair shop is that you should be totally satisfied before accepting your vehicle.
  

If you lease/rent a vehicle through Zeemac, you should...

• Call your insurance agency to make a claim.
• Notify Zeemac Vehicle Lease Ltd. of the accident and the situation.
• If you do not have a collision repair shop, we can recommend a fully certified and qualified bodyshop (which whom works closely with Zeemac and our customers) to keep you satisfied and make sure the job is done right and the vehicle is returned to "pre-accident condition."

Cellular phones can be extremely valuable if you are stranded by the roadside or need to report an accident.

On the other hand... When using a cell phone while driving, it is distracting and increases the risk of an accident. Your primary concern is the safe operation of the vehicle.

To avoid collisions arising from the use of cell phones...

Here are a few tips to help keep you safe on the road with a cell phone:

• Turn the phone off before you start driving.
• Let callers leave a message. But if you must have the phone on... Use a hands-free device so you can continue to have both hands on the wheel while talking.
• If there are passengers in the vehicle with you, let one of them answer or make the call for you.
• If you are expecting an important phone call... let someone else drive.
• If you must use a hand-held phone... make sure it is readily accessible. Trying to retrieve a phone from a purse, briefcase, pocket can be especially dangerous and distracting.
• Keep calls short and factual. Emotional or thought-provoking conversations are distracting as well. Ask the caller to hold until you can park or pull off to the side of the road. Or let them know you will call them back as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Driving and talking on the phone are difficult enough... don't make it worse by trying to read or take notes.

When using 4WD or AWD, maintain steering wheel control at all times... especially in rough terrain. Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside of the wheel (rather than the spokes - this gives you better control).

Try to avoid excessive speed when going off-road, vehicle momentum can work against you and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back out the same way you came in if you proceed with caution.

Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as rocks, stumps, etc. You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before trying to conquer the area. To maintain steering and braking control of your vehicle... you must have all four wheels on the ground and rolling - not sliding or spinning.

Always remember to pack:

• The Necessities - Tools, Parts, food, clothing, water.
• The Essentials - First Aid Kit, flashlight, sunscreen, bug repellent, gloves.
• Navigation/Assistance - Maps, compass, cell phone, jumper cables, shovel, axe, winch, tow strap, chains.
• Repairs/Parts - Wrench, duct tape, pliers, zap straps, tire repair kit, basic tool kit, spare parts.
• Camping - Tent/Tarp, sleeping bags, extra clothes, extra food.
• Fluids - Plenty of Water! For you and your truck (leave the booze at home).
• Tools - if something breaks... you are going to need to fix it. Jumper cables, flares, flashlights.
• Parts - carry basic equipment & parts.
• Useful Items - shovel, bungee cords, spare lug nuts, fire extinguisher, spare batteries.
• Extra Clothing - blankets, leather gloves.

Driving Off-Road - Two Words... BE PREPARED!

• Try to keep all 4 wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
• Avoid reducing tire pressure. Instead, shift to a lower gear and drive steadily through the terrain.
• 4WD & AWD vehicles are unique in that they can be driven in deep snow that would stop a conventional 2WD vehicle.
• Shift to a low gear and maintain steady pressure on the accelerator. This will help prevent spinning the wheels while maintaining sufficient momentum to keep the vehicle from bogging down. Tires chains also help.
• Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can loose traction in slick mud. If the vehicle does start to slide... Steer in the direction of the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
• After driving through mud - clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.
• Excess mud caked on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an imbalance that could damage vehicle components. Not to mention - may also prove to be quite costly and/or cause factory warranties to be nil & void if you do not maintain & clean rotating components.

Before driving through water:

• Determine the depth.
• Avoid water higher than the bottom of the wheel hubs.
• Avoid splashing... if the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
• Once through the water safely, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. You can dry the brakes faster by driving the vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
  

If you are selecting a vehicle that will be used to tow (commercial and/or leisure purposes)... you should determine the approximate weight of the trailer you intend to tow, including the weight of any additional cargo you will be towing.  Before heading out on a trip, be sure to have your fully loaded vehicle and trailer weighed so as not to exceed critical weight limits.  Depending on what you are towing and where you are going, it is recommended that you use a separate functional brake system to be used on any towed vehicle/trailer, etc...

There are two basic types of brake systems designed specifically to activate trailer brakes:

• Electronically Controlled Brakes - Usually provide automatic and manual control of trailer brakes. They require that the tow vehicle be equipped with a controlling device and additional wiring for electrical power. These brakes typically have a control box installed within reach of the driver and can be applied manually or automatically.
• Surge Brakes - Are independent hydraulic brakes activated by a master cylinder at the junction of the hitch and trailer tongue. They are not controlled by the hydraulic fluid in the tow vehicle's hydraulic system, and the tow vehicle's hydraulic system should never e connected directly to the trailer's hydraulic system

When towing, you must also remember to use the following:

• Trailer Lamps - Make sure the trailer is equipped with lights that conform to all applicable provincial and federal governmental regulations. Do not connect a trailer lighting system directly to the lighting system of the vehicle. You can contact or truck specialists or recreational vehicle/trailer dealers for correct wiring and relays for the trailer and heavy-duty flashers.
• Safety Chains - Always use safety chains when towing. Safety chains are used to retain connection between the vehicle and the trailer you are towing... in the event of separation of the trailer coupling or ball. Cross chains under the trailer tongue , but remember to allow enough slack for turning corners. When using a frame-mounted trailer hitch, attach the safety chains to the frame-mounted hitch using the recommendations supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
• Trailer Wiring Harness - Vehicles equipped with a factory-installed trailer towing package will more than likely include a trailer wiring harness and wiring kit.
• When you have an Automatic Transmission w/Overdrive - In hilly areas and with heavy loads, it is recommended you lock the transmission "out" of overdrive to prevent excessive gear shifting.
  Overdrive can be locked out to promote engine braking on downgrades.
  Use overdrive with lighter loads and in flat terrain to increase fuel efficiency.

Trailering Safety Tips

Trailer towing is a special driving situation that places extra demands on your driving skills. Here are a few tips to help you feel comfortable and safe when heading out on a Road Trip:

• Keep Tow load light.
• Never Overload.
• Keep load balanced Side-to-Side.
• Make sure all lights work.
• Make sure your tow mirrors meet legal requirements.
• Safety Chains are attached properly.
• Check your brakes.