{"id":18521,"date":"2020-09-28T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-09-28T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comparehero.my\/blog\/uncategorized\/safe-driving-tips-during-covid.html"},"modified":"2026-03-26T16:02:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T08:02:09","slug":"safe-driving-tips-during-covid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comparehero.my\/blog\/transport\/safe-driving-tips-during-covid.html","title":{"rendered":"Stay Safe In A COVID-19 World, 6 Ways For A Safer Drive"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It is important to stay safe while driving during the pandemic, especially when you\u2019re in a confined space like a car along with other passengers. You need to be aware of some protective measures to maintain a healthy and pleasant environment inside the car. Below are some tips you can learn, read more to find out!<\/strong><\/p> \n

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Though COVID-19 is still rampant across the country, recently hitting three-digit figures, we shouldn\u2019t let that stop us from carrying out our daily chores and duties especially if we live in areas that are not on lockdown or in need of quarantine.<\/p> \n

But having that freedom also comes with some responsibility. For instance, we should always wear a facemask when going out and about, practice social distancing – standing at least two metres away from others, and maintain the utmost hygiene.<\/p> \n

It\u2019s also good practice to keep track of when and where you\u2019ve been as well as to identify the common areas that you always come in contact with (Read: house, office etc.). But one particular area that tends to be overlooked is your vehicle, be it car or motor.<\/p> \n

Here are some ways to ensure a safer drive this COVID-19 season:<\/p> \n

1. Educate yourself on COVID-19<\/h2> \n

Before knowing how to keep your vehicle safe from COVID-19, you gotta understand how it spreads first. Though we\u2019re sure you\u2019ve done your homework, since the pandemic has been going on for awhile (unless you\u2019ve been living under a rock all this while), there\u2019s no harm for a quick refresher!<\/p> \n

According to the United States Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus spreads mainly from person-to-person. What we can gather from this is that it may spread between people who are in close contact with one another or through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.<\/p> \n

These droplets could then land in the mouths or noses of people who are within close proximity; they may also possibly be inhaled into the lungs. But not only that, the virus may also spread by people who are asymptomatic, aka, those who don\u2019t show any symptoms.<\/p> \n

It\u2019s also possible for someone who touches surfaces or objects that are infected with the virus, to get COVID-19 by then touching their own mouth, nose, and eyes.<\/p> \n

The best way to prevent being infected by COVID-19 is to avoid getting exposed to the virus in the first place, as there is currently no vaccine to prevent the virus.<\/p> \n

2. Clean and disinfect vehicle surfaces frequently<\/h2> \n

At a minimum, clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces of your vehicle at the beginning and end of each ride.<\/p> \n

The CDC recommends following the cleaning and disinfection procedures consistently and correctly, including the provision of adequate ventilation when chemicals are in use.<\/p> \n

When cleaning vehicles, CDC also suggests doors and windows to remain open, and for individuals to wear disposable gloves, PPE or a disposable gown.<\/p> \n

\u201cFor hard non-porous surfaces within the interior of the vehicle such as hard seats, arm rests, door handles, seat belt buckles, light and air controls, doors and windows, and grab handles, clean with detergent or soap and water if the surfaces are visibly dirty, prior to disinfectant application,\u201d according to CDC.<\/p> \n

Appropriate disinfectants, according to CDC, include diluted household bleach solutions and alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol.<\/p> \n

For soft or porous surfaces such as fabric seats, CDC suggests to remove\u202fany visible contamination if present, and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning, use products that are United States Environmental Protection Agency-approved (EPA) for use against the virus that causes COVID-19. If you are curious to know what ingredients are approved by EPA<\/a>.<\/p> \n

For frequently touched electronic surfaces such as tablets or touch screens used in the vehicle, CDC recommends to remove visible dirt, then disinfect following the manufacturer\u2019s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products. If there\u2019s no guide on how to disinfect, try using alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol to disinfect.<\/p> \n

3. Perhaps it’s time to put carpooling on hold<\/h2> \n

For many families, carpooling can make all the difference in the world, especially for those who are juggling multiple children or living with a chronic illness and are prone to flares.<\/p> \n

Due to the nature of carpooling, there may be higher risk of infected respiratory droplets spreading easily in a car, but there are also other risks like shared surfaces like door handles and seat belt buckles. Besides that, the virus could also spread when an infected individual touches a surface or object, and others end up then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.<\/p> \n

If you had the choice, maybe it would be a better idea to avoid carpooling to avoid any chance of infection. However, if taking a pass on carpooling or public transport is not possible, there are certain things you can do to reduce chances of infection.<\/p> \n