Safe On The Road

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Getting Ready For The Road

Even under the best conditions, driving has its inherent risks. But when special situations or hazards arise, paying attention to driving and making sound decisions become even more vital. The word “emergency” indicates the unforeseen, the unpredictable. No matter how careful you are, you cannot keep emergencies from occurring. However, as safe and competent drivers, you can deliberately prepare for emergency conditions you might encounter on the roadway — from unpredictable weather to transporting an individual to the hospital.

Safety Tips
Help keep you and your family safe on the road.
  • Make sure each passenger wears a seatbelt.
  • Make sure child passenger safety seats are properly installed.
  • Make sure children are properly secured in appropriate child passenger safety seats.
  • Never leave children or pets unattended in your vehicle.
  • Keep doors locked.
  • Follow traffic safety laws.
  • Obey speed limits.
  • Use rearview and side mirrors often.
  • Avoid distractions while driving, including eating, drinking, using cell phones, tuning the radio, interacting with other drivers and other passengers and watching sights along the road.
  • Be well-rested and alert each time you get behind the wheel.
  • Never drive if you have been drinking alcohol.
  • Never drive if you are using prescription or over-the-counter medications that cause drowsiness.
  • Avoid prolonged hours of driving.
  • Slow down in adverse weather conditions or if there are safety hazards present, such as an accident or debris on the roadway.
  • Take your vehicle for a full safety inspection 1 to 2 weeks before a long trip.
  • Check your vehicle’s tire pressure at least once each month.
  • Place warning devices, when needed, at least 200 feet behind the vehicle.
  • Wear prescription lenses as appropriate.
  • Do not leave valuables in view.

Topics covered in this section are:

Avoiding Accidents
Driving Under Emergency Conditions
Towing A Trailer
Driving In Adverse Weather Conditions
Distracted And Drowsy Driving
Aggressive Driving
Impaired Driving

  Next:  Avoiding Accidents