Install a hands-free device
Most accidents are caused by people who drive while talking on their mobile phones. As you talk on your mobile, you only have one hand on the steering wheel and most of your attention on the call, rather than the road. Fix the problem of having to talk on your phone by installing a Bluetooth free-hands kit. It’s easy to install and might save your life and others on the road.

Keep your eyes on the road
60 percent of young drivers don’t have the ability to assess a situation before it approaches. It’s important to keep your eyes on the road, but it’s just as important to look ahead and be able to assess any oncoming obstacles in the road and then act accordingly.

Drive slower
It’s really as easy as keeping to the speed limit. Many accidents occur due to the driver exceeding the limit and losing control over his car. Drive especially slow if the weather is bad and rain is pelting the road as it brings up old oil spills which can be very dangerous and cause your car to skid uncontrollably across the road.

Do safety checks
Before you go on a trip, be sure to check a few things of your list. Walk around your car and check for any obstructions. Have a good look at your tires and make sure the grooves are deep to allow good traction on the road. Pop your bonnet and have a look at your water, radiator, oil and brake fluid. Finally let someone help you determine if your brights, lights and tail lights are operating.

Road Rage
Road rage is a very real and dangerous threat on the road. The world we live in is filled with people working themselves to the brink of exhaustion and not taking the time to relax. People hit cars with baseball bats or drive into your car for the smallest “misdemeanour”. If you have done everything in your power to avoid confrontation, and the road rager is still on your tail, drive to the nearest police station or police officer. Hopefully, the road rager will be scared off with the realisation that matters will be dealt with in a lawful fashion. The other way to avoid road rage is to avoid driving like a lunatic on the roads and stirring up the wrath of other drivers.

Escaping a submerging car
If, for some reason, your car crashes in a body of water, then you should follow these steps. Move to the area of the car which contains stored oxygen. Usually the heaviest part of the car will go down first (the engine). Help your passengers, if there are any, and cut or unclasp their seatbelts so that everyone can move freely.

Having a rescue tool is a good idea, since the next thing you will have to do is get out of the car through the windows. Slowly open the windows, if they are still operational, since the water pressure needs to be equalised between your car and the body of water you’re in. Take a deep breath as the water rushes in and make a swim for it. Keep an eye out for younger passengers when swimming to the surface.

Brake Failures
You see brake wires cut in movies and soaps resulting in fatal car crashes, but don’t be alarmed, it rarely happens in real life. In the instance that it does happen, due to your brakes failing in the case of a mechanical malfunction or from wear and tear, you should try and create as much friction as possible to stop your car. Start pumping the brake pedal and as you keep doing it you will feel the brake pedal tensing up, that’s fine as it builds up stopping power. The next step is to keep your foot on the pedal which will make your car come to a stop. After pumping the pedal start gearing down, it will make a loud noise but that’s part of the plan to get your car to stop. If all else fails then drive closer to a wall, shrubs or anything else which you can ease your car against to scrape the car to a halt. Parts can be replaced but lives can’t.

Buckle up and keep your kids safe. Many people tend to go on long journeys in the holiday season so do your best to keep the people around you and close to you safe, by acting like a responsible driver.

With the unlikely combination of mixing people’s love for swimming pools with the need for a sense of wonder – I bring you some of the most astonishing swimming pools  around.

SkyPark Swimming Pool (above picture)

Now we’re talking! Meet the Infinity pool that towers over the city of Singapore by a whopping 55 storeys and makes mothers with water baby children cry in their sleep every night. Located atop the renowned SkyPark resort facility in Singapore, this particular pool holds the world record for size in terms of pools that have been constructed at a similar altitude. The entire resort cost around four billion dollars to build but at least they didn’t skimp on safety. The pool has a catch area that should prevent people who didn’t believe Newton’s theory on gravity and decided to swim off the edge, from taking the plunge.

Kandalama Hotel Infinity pool

Those Infinity pools really know how to make an impression on a person and this one is no exception, except that it’s overlooking the stunning Kandalama Lake. Architect Geoffrey Bawa certainly had this in mind when he put his plans together, as the whole thing is designed to make you feel as though you’re actually taking a plunge into the actual lake below. What’s more, they’ve even got some guy walking over the wooden decking above playing the flute over there which is just dandy. So, if you feel like pretending you’re in a lake while being in a pool and being serenaded by the Pied Piper – then you’re in luck!

La Hague corporate pool

Arguably the best swimming pool in the whole world, this Olympic sized aquatic playground will instantaneously kill you and then cause you to sprout five extra arms and a dorsal fin. Confused? Well the reason the water looks so blue and lovely isn’t because of clever lighting tricks but rather due to intense radiation known as Cherenkov radiation – which develops from a particle travelling through a medium faster than the speed of light. What you’re actually looking at there is the new French answer to nuclear waste storage and so far it looks pretty damn clever, just – maybe refrain from dropping any turtles with latent ninja skills in it.

• West Coast (Cape Town):

Suburbs in the greater Blouberg/Tableview area are prime examples of a growing opportunity for cape town property. Complexes are rapidly being developed along the scenic West Coast, which offers staggering views of Table Mountain, and all at a fraction of the costs. The area is highly developed, with lots of shopping facilities, schools, churches and entertainment. It is also within close proximity to the city, allowing for complete convenience when travelling. Should you want a holiday home, you should consider travelling further up the coast where there are properties in upcoming towns that are being sold at a steal.

• South Johannesburg:

An area like Glenvista is one example of the new money coming into the south of Johannesburg and bryanston property. The large rural spaces are slowly turning into wilderness estates, while shopping facilities, schools and churches are also widely available. This scenic part of the woods remains close to the city centre, but takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the business-orientated northern suburbs. A quiet and relaxed family life awaits in these growing areas.

• Garden Route (Eastern Cape):

A superb choice, the Eastern Cape has become a popular destination for retirement, and for good reason. Whether you are in the tourist hotspot that is Knysna, or watching life slow down in George, the options here are endless. Most suburbs are really well established, ensuring that you will retain your investment, as well as have it increase as space becomes limited. A solid choice for coastal property.

• Centurion (near Pretoria):

With the ever-expanding Midrand getting closer to this area, you can expect a growth, and with this some excellent property opportunities will arise. Centurion is nestled beautifully between Midrand and Pretoria, allowing you complete convenience. The area boasts stunning, warm weather and is equipped with all the necessary amenities, including top-class shopping and sports facilities. Centurion is quite a distance from the Johannesburg CBD, but due to the extensive highway system, it is not a problem to travel there.

• SAB’s World of Beer – Johannesburg

Oh yes! Let’s get this party started off right. The World of Beer in Johannesburg is an amazing day out for beer connoisseurs. The tour offered by the establishment is informative and thirst quenching. You get to taste your favourite ales plus many others, and you can cap it off with even more golden delight in the superb bar once the tour is over.

• The Sterkfontein Caves – Gauteng

Sterkfontein is renowned as being the home of the famous Mrs. Ples, the first complete Australopithecus skull, and more recently the 4.17 million-year-old Little Foot – an almost complete ape-man. I remember my visit year as a school boy with an extremely funny guide who had a Jamaican accent and commented on how the cavemen would probably use the chutes in the canyon as a “lekker foofy sliiiiiiiiiiiide”.

• Gansbaai – Western Cape

Everybody is always going on and on about the Big Five, but let me tell you that seeing a Great White Shark face-to-face is amazingly terrifying. Gansbaai is the Great White Shark capital of the world and with a number of reputable shark cage diving companies available, you have no excuses. Also, I would not recommend surfing in Shark Alley as the muggers here aren’t interested in your wallet…

• Bloukrans Bridge – Garden Route

A mere 40km from the party town that is Plettenberg Bay, you will find the highest commercial bungee jump in the world. The jump point is 216 metres above the Bloukrans River and definitely not something for the faint-hearted. Plunge into the gorge head first and for a moment you’ll believe you can fly – before pure adrenaline and exhilaration take over as you rocket toward the river, only to bounce back up at the last moment.

• Big Rush Urban Adrenaline – Durban

The Moses Mabida Stadium may be famous for being one of the most spectacular venues during the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa, but the Durbanites have come up with a pretty good way to make use of the stadium when football isn’t on offer. Basically, you plunge 60 metres while swinging over the pristine pitch – the views, the heart-pounding excitement… it’s awesome.

Egypt, Cairo:

World renowned for their poor cab industry, it is almost certain that you will be left frustrated and angry, simply after catching a lift from the airport to the hotel. Rude, angry and money-hungry drivers will consistently overcharge you, even if a price had been agreed upon before the journey.

South Africa:

The majority of people in South Africa rely on taxis to get to work or out to town. The problem is, that in certain areas you would need to know special hand signals just to show the drivers that you need a lift. Once onboard, reckless driving and complete disregard for any rules of the road will be shown. Fares are relatively cheap, but your life is priceless…

Mexico City:

When flagging down a taxi, you assume that this regulated industry would ensure that you are swiftly delivered to your destination for a fee. Unfortunately, there are some bad drivers who will actually drive passengers to an ATM and force them to withdraw a decent sum of cash.

Russia, Moscow:

With everyone keen to earn an extra buck, most residents would be willing to offer you a lift in Moscow. Unfortunately, there is not much control over the industry though, so unless you know how to argue in Russian, you could find yourself in a stranger’s car, enduring a heated argument over the amount that he feels like charging you.

As you can see it is normally easier, and in the end far less costly, to arrange car rental or chauffeur driven services before you even leave the comfort of your home. In almost every country, there is a reputable company that offers everything from airport transfers to limo hire and more – choose the safer option.

1. Hout Bay

This Cape Peninsula suburb can be found in a valley on the Atlantic Seaboard, and is an established area that is home to a variety of different properties. There are 28 areas within the suburb, which is surrounded in part by mountain and sea. Its spectacular beach is a popular hang out for tourists and locals – especially dog owners – and there are a host of other restaurants, shops and markets that make a weekend in Hout bay a perfect one indeed. If you’re thinking of buying Western Cape property in Hout Bay, you’ll also be living close to one of the busiest harbours in Cape Town, so if yachting and fishing is your thing, you’re set.

2. Table View

Named so because of its breathtaking and un-spoilt view of Table Mountain, Table View is situated on the West Coast of Cape Town and is a mere 20 minutes away from the city centre. If beach life is what you’re after, this is the perfect place to settle down. Offering a choice of beaches and dunes, as well as a nature reserve, there is loads of open space that’s suitable for picnics, hiking and other fresh air activities. With a host of property options to choose from, families will find this place a superb place to call home.

3. Sea Point

One of the most affluent suburbs in the Western Cape, property in Sea Point is on the pulse when it comes to location. With a variety of different options, from houses to apartments and flats, there’s a world of options for both families and young professionals. The beachfront promenade is one of the most alluring things about the area, with a constant stream of tourists and locals who light up the beachfront most days and nights. If city life with a beachfront view is what does it for you, this kind of Western Cape property might be just the thing you need.

You’ve travelled to Monte Carlo in the hopes of acquiring another luxury yacht for sale. Sales are happening all round the Mediterranean this time of year – Barcelona, Cannes and Venice – and your credit card is just itching to be swiped. Once you dock you want to zip around town in the sleek opulence you’re accustomed to and the usual luxury car hire just won’t do… a limo is so last season. What now?

If you had your very own Strand Craft 166, you wouldn’t have a problem. All you’d have to do is head down to the hidden garage built, into the sprawling sea beast, and jump into your very own handmade supercar that can reach top speeds of 305 kilometers per hour. No missing the sales after all!

It’s literally as simple as that, as the ultimate luxury yacht and matching car combo is ready to thrill the filthy rich. The yacht, which is ridiculously aesthetically pleasing, boasts five luxury double rooms fitted with wide screen HDTV’s and state of the art sound systems. Another thoughtful feature is the retractable flybridge and radar mast, which can be pulled in when not in use to keep the sleek design of the yacht in perfect harmony. The two entrances to the boat are concealed too, so that your yacht will always look like it’s from the future.

The stately sea vessel takes luxury to a new level with interiors that are able to be customised, and there is ample space for eight guests in the pimped out pilot house, which opens up onto a luxurious lounge through glass doors. There is also a bar area and a hidden deck, beneath the fibre inlaid top deck, which is home to a hidden Jacuzzi that and its own built in bar. The boat comes with chrome lighting, aluminum trimmed windows and ambience enhancing LED lights in the hallways. Systems on the boat are slave to the snazzy technology of the iPad, which is used as a control to activate yacht functions from anywhere on board as well as provide info on the status of the engines.

And that’s not all – this super yacht offers buyers the option of having the interior made from custom style Japanese leather, which is an exclusive material woven with bullet proof fibres. For the slightly paranoid (or gun toting sailor?), the walls of the interior can be covered in the leather too, which would essentially turn the yacht into a bulletproof vessel.

When you’re not living it up on the outrageously swanky yacht, you’ll head down to the garage to hop into your matching and equally sleek supercar which is tucked away and just dying to turn heads. The car, which is called the Tender for now, has a V8 engine and goes from 0 to 100 in 60 seconds. Although the car and yacht combo are designed to go together, for those who want another car parked in their garage can opt instead for a Ferrari, Lamborghini or another luxury vehicle. It’s your garage; you can put whatever you want into it.

The price for this over the top vessel is yet to be announced, but when it is, yacht sales are sure to boom – especially for those who want to turn heads where heads don’t turn easily.

St Andrews – Scotland

Nothing in the world compares to this historic and magnificent course. This is, without doubt, the home of golf and even if you don’t get to tee off on this course, there are six other sublime links courses that are just a few minutes away. Elegant accommodation and friendly locals will make this a stay that you will never forget.

San Rogue – Spain

With two challenging championship courses, a number of up and coming professionals have put their skills to the test here as it is home to the European Tour’s qualifying school. Breathtaking villas provide the accommodation and sensational dining options are also available. Viva Espana!

San Lorenzo – Portugal

Many see this as Portugal’s best golf course and once you see the unbelievable location, you will understand why. Never-ending views of the ocean and Ria Formosa lagoon running through the course make it challenging and unforgettable.

Poggio Dei Medici – Italy

This is the epitome of a perfect spa and golf resort. Dining is simply unbeatable, the spa offers treatments of the highest quality and the golf course is difficult but entertaining. The Tuscan countryside will provide scenery that will caress your eyeballs.

These are just a handful of options that you could visit during a European break. Depending on the country that you are planning to visit, each offers a variety of spa and golf resorts for you to choose from. Ireland offers the fantastic Knightsbrook Hotel, spa and golf resort in the historic County Meath; Wentworth Golf Club in England provides the true English experience and Celtic Manor in Wales is both picturesque and offers the best golfing experience in the country.

Of course, you may have your own opinions about what should appear on this list, so why not tell us about your favourite golfing resort in Europe and why they are so special to you?

Jason Acar is a well traveled sports journalist who focuses on spa and golf resorts which are linked to the top luxury hotel accommodation locations in the world.

Planes

Although difficult to determine because planes for military use are being developed all the time, the 1964 jet-powered Blackbird was the fastest plane in the world back then, and pilots never even pushed her to her full capacity. Apparently, this fuel efficient air force plane could reach Mach 3.2, which is about 3370km/h, easily. The fastest commercial airplane was the Concorde, which flew at about 2,140 km/h. A Boeing 747 cruises at about 885 km/h.

Cars

The Bugatti Veyron is not only the most expensive car in the world at about R11 million, it is also the fastest road-legal car in the world and can reach top speeds of 431 km/h. Interestingly, during testing it was discovered that the engine on this car consumes about 45000 litres of air per minute, which is about as much as a human would consume in four days. To reach top speed in this car, the driver uses a key to activate the mode, which lowers the rear wing and spoiler on the car as well as adjusts it for maximum aerodynamics.

Bikes

Reaching a top speed of 271 km/h, the Italian-made Ducati 1098s is one of the fastest and sexiest racing bikes in the world. The worldwide launch was at Kyalami in Johannesburg in December 2007 and since then the bike has gathered many awards.

Submarines

Nuclear Russian submarine, The Golden Fish, can reach speeds of up to 82 km/h. Although this speedy machine, built as an attack submarine, was impressive for alacrity, it was very noisy and has since been replaced by smaller, quieter submarines.

The Natural World

The place where it all started – speed is the norm in nature if you’re a Cheetah, the fastest land animal on earth. Able to reach speeds of 112 km/h, this cat is faster than the world’s fastest submarine… and quieter too. And guess what the fastest computer on earth is? You! While highly advanced, a typical computer can only take up to 100 million instructions per second while the human brain can handle more than 10 quadrillion instructions per second.
We will always be obsessed with better, faster and more intelligent contraptions and it’s worth giving a nod to the super computer brained geniuses who design them – all because they were able to learn from the natural world. Thanks to that, the world of racing cars, fast planes and speedy super yacht buying is a truly fascinating one indeed.

Try to put on a happy face and be kind and friendly. It is harder (although admittedly not impossible) to start a fight with a pleasant person. If you look very happy, it is entirely possible that dysfunctional family members won’t want to talk to you at all because they don’t want to hear your positive, upbeat news. Also, even if the situation is really bad, smiling may make you feel better. Pretending to be something often translates into actually feeling that way.

Fighting back never makes anything better. Even if you are justified in talking back, it will only exacerbate the situation and quickly turn it into a yelling match. Yelling matches are never fun, but they especially suck if they take place with the two of you squashed in a car.

Try to ignore the dysfunctional people. Headphones are your best friend. If there’s chaos going on around you, it can be pretty hard to ignore. Listening to music or watching a movie is a great way to drown out the noises around you.

A more amusing approach to dealing with dysfunctional family members is to lie, lie, lie. Have some fun by making up stories about your life, so if they decide to poke fun, it’s not like they’re even insulting you about the right thing. Just thinking about how you hold the upper hand and they don’t even know it will probably bring a smile to your face.

You can always try the passive aggressive approach, making snarky comments that nobody can call you on because they don’t sound rude but manage to irritate people anyway. Being passive aggressive is an art however, and often requires a good deal of practice to be able to think on your feet and have the perfect delivery.

This post was provided by www.completeinsurance.ca – a website providing car insurance across Canada.