1. Direitos reservados CEPA © 2005 CEPA TIPS 2005 Overloading * Passenger Vehicles Copyright CEPA © 2005 Drive to Stay Alive Drive to Stay Alive is a series of quick home-study modules you can use to build good defensive driving habits. To start the October 2005 quiz, click on the forward button. This months quiz comes from our data management company CEPA. Drive to Stay Alive is a series of quick home-study modules you can use to build good defensive driving habits. To start the October 2005 quiz, click on the forward button. This months quiz comes from our data management company CEPA.

2. Direitos reservados CEPA © 2005 CEPA TIPS 2005 Overloading * Passenger Vehicles Copyright CEPA © 2005 Some drivers only notice the problem when en route; they perceive that the vehicle is not responding to their inputs. This occurs because the load-carrying capacity, which includes the number of passengers and cargo or a combination thereof, has been exceeded. perating any type of vehicle while exceeding its Payload Rating is unsafe and increases the risk of accidents. O O

3. Direitos reservados CEPA © 2005 CEPA TIPS 2005 Overloading * Passenger Vehicles Copyright CEPA © 2005 Extraordinarily While traveling on vacation While traveling on business Sales Reps are an example of drivers who – as a regular part of their job – need to operate their sedans, wagons or other cars, loaded with product samples and sometimes, inadvertently, they exceed the vehicle’s load-carrying capacity.

4. Direitos reservados CEPA © 2005 CEPA TIPS 2005 Overloading * Passenger Vehicles Copyright CEPA © 2005 Concentrated in the trunk/boot/cargo area, the load modifies the vehicle’s center of gravity making it unstable. Weight distributed excessively on the rear axle alters the static and dynamic balance needed to safely operate a vehicle. Normally, the overload occurs on the rear axle, thus modifying the vehicle’s handling even in the simplest situation: Starting out During accelerations During overtaking maneuvers While riding uphill While negotiating curves

5. Direitos reservados CEPA © 2005 CEPA TIPS 2005 Overloading * Passenger Vehicles Copyright CEPA © 2005 Tire grip is critically affected because it is directly associated with weight distribution. Hence, by concentrating the weight on the rear axle, the footprint of front-drive tires is significantly reduced. In comparison to rear axle tires, front tire grip and traction are lower, something that compromises handling and steering precision. Under-inflated tires can cause excessive heat buildup, thus leading to tire failure (most frequently blowouts).

6. Direitos reservados CEPA © 2005 CEPA TIPS 2005 Overloading * Passenger Vehicles Copyright CEPA © 2005 An overloaded vehicle’s stopping distance will increase significantly due to the effect of the uneven weight distributed on the suspension and brake system. The vehicle’s path of travel may also be adversely affected, especially when the driver has not adequately anticipated this situation by slowing down, braking progressively, and ensuring s/he has enough time and space to stop.

7. Direitos reservados CEPA © 2005 CEPA TIPS 2005 Overloading * Passenger Vehicles Copyright CEPA © 2005 This is where lack of stability can best be noticed, because the vehicle’s center of gravity has been excessively shifted back. This point concentrates the effect of the centrifugal force in curves. The dynamic weight shift, while negotiating a curve, could induce loss of control if drivers fail to adequately adjust their travel speed. On slippery or irregular surfaces this risk is remarkably higher. To avoid running off the road, the driver of an overloaded vehicle needs to slow down earlier than usual.

8. Direitos reservados CEPA © 2005 CEPA TIPS 2005 Overloading * Passenger Vehicles Copyright CEPA © 2005 Overloading also negatively compromises engine performance. Remember that an overtaking maneuver will require more time and space to be completed safely. Avoid overtaking mainly in single- lane two-way roads. If you notice that the other driver is about to overtake, do not jeopardize the situation by a sudden braking maneuver, an acceleration, etc.

9. Direitos reservados CEPA © 2005 CEPA TIPS 2005 Overloading * Passenger Vehicles Copyright CEPA © 2005 It is estimated that for every 50kg / 110lb of additional weight, the vehicle consumes approximately 2 to 3% more fuel. Under-inflated tires can lead to blowouts. Damage to the suspension takes place more frequently in overloaded vehicles. Brake overheating and wear are accentuated by hauling excess weight. Insurance policies normally carry exclusion clauses regarding vehicles transporting a number of passengers or load in excess of their rated capacity.

10. Direitos reservados CEPA © 2005 CEPA TIPS 2005 Overloading * Passenger Vehicles Copyright CEPA © 2005 Check brake, lubricant, cooling and windshield washer fluid levels. Check electrical system: battery charge, lights, windshield wipers, etc. Inspect wheel alignment and balancing at recommended intervals Set headlight alignment according to the load being transported. Remember to carry an emergency kit. Know your vehicle’s Load Carrying Capacity (Payload) Do not exceed the maximum payload rating Do not transport loose objects Conveniently store and/or secure loads Distribute the load evenly Check tire inflation pressure in relation to the transported load (including spare tire)

11. Direitos reservados CEPA © 2005 CEPA TIPS 2005 Overloading * Passenger Vehicles Copyright CEPA © 2005 a. b. c. Quiz # 1 The weight deemed convenient according to your driving experience. The gross vehicle weight plus a 20% tolerance threshold. The maximum allowable weight established by the manufacturer. What is a vehicle’s payload?

12. Direitos reservados CEPA © 2005 CEPA TIPS 2005 Overloading * Passenger Vehicles Copyright CEPA © 2005 a. b. c. Quiz #2 Reduction in vehicle handling and safety Increase in fuel consumption and premature component wear Increase in braking distance What is the risk of driving an overloaded vehicle? d. All the above are correct

13. Direitos reservados CEPA © 2005 CEPA TIPS 2005 Overloading * Passenger Vehicles Copyright CEPA © 2005 1.Increase your level of attention and concentration 2.Adapt your speed (slow down) 3.Drive in the medium or low-speed lane 4.Double your safe following distance from the vehicle traveling ahead 5.Avoid hazardous overtaking maneuvers 6.Ensure you have more space to stop without placing yourself at risk When operating a vehicle under maximum passenger and/or cargo capacity conditions... See you soon!

14. Direitos reservados CEPA © 2005 CEPA TIPS 2005 Overloading * Passenger Vehicles Copyright CEPA © 2005 © 2000-2005 CEPA - All rights reserved. Pass it along... Did you learn something new? Share it with your family by simply e- mailing this file to them. Did you learn something new? Share it with your family by simply e- mailing this file to them.

15. Direitos reservados CEPA © 2005 CEPA TIPS 2005 Overloading * Passenger Vehicles Copyright CEPA © 2005 Edifício Crystal Center Rua Euclides Miragaia 433 sala 203 São José dos Campos / São Paulo Tel. /Fax (55-12) 2139-1979 e-mail: cepadobrasil@cepasafedrive.com BRASIL Edifício Torre de los Caudillos Bvar. Artigas 1443/709 Montevideo, Tel. /Fax (598-2) 401-1486 e-mail: cepauruguay@cepasafedrive.com URUGUAY EXIT This material was developed by the Research & Development Department of CEPA International. Total or Partial reproduction is prohibited without written consent. www.cepasafedrive.com