Being a smart and safe driver to protect yourself, passengers and pedestrians. Read the following tips to learn more ways to prevent danger on the road.
Car safety tips:
Make sure all passengers are seated and in a fastened seatbelt, especially your children. Any distractions can easily sidetrack you from concentrating on driving safely.
Using cell phones, texting or calls, can take your focus away from the road. Wait till you reach your destination to use your cell phone.
Avoid driving when you're tired or exhausted. Be aware that some medications, prescribed or over-the-counter, can cause drowsiness and make operating a vehicle very dangerous.
Use caution when driving in moving traffic. Make sure to use your signals and be aware of other vehicles on the road.
If you wear prescriptive lenses, make sure to never drive without them. This could lead to a violation, or worse an accident.
Driving in severe weather conditions can be dangerous. What's different about driving in winter conditions?
Make sure to always buckle up. Basic car safety encourages the use of seat belts and car seats at all times. Make sure to follow seat belt guidelines, may vary by state.
Winter can bring snow, freezing rain and wet conditions, which make driving conditions dangerous. During these winter conditions use extra caution in areas that freeze quickly to form ice, especially intersections, shaded areas, overpasses and bridges.
Winter weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to listen to your radio or watch T.V. for any weather updates in your area.
Keep an emergency kit in the trunk, including a first-aid kit and jumper cables.
Driving under the influence
It's a simple but important fact: drinking and driving is dangerous and can kill people on the road. Driving after drinking alcohol is known as Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
The United States has set .08% Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) as the legal limit for Driving Under the Influence. For commercial drivers, a BAC of .04% can result in a DUI conviction anywhere in the country. For those under 21, there is a zero tolerance limit and any amount of alcohol is grounds for a potential DUI arrest.
A DUI arrest can lead to spending time in jail, having your driver's license suspended or revoked, and fines. If you are responsible for an accident while you are driving impaired, the consequences are very severe.
What should I do if I'm in a car accident?
If you're involved in an accident, first make sure you and everyone in your car is not injured. Next, check on the passengers in the other car; or, if necessary, make sure that no pedestrians are injured.
Five things to do if you're in a car accident:
1) Stay at the scene of the accident. Leaving can result in additional violations or fines.
2) Call 911 or the police as soon as possible. They will dispatch medical personnel and a police officer immediately to the scene of the accident. Wait for the police to complete an accident report.
3) If you're on a busy highway, stay inside the car and wait for the police or an ambulance. It's too dangerous to stand along a busy street.
4) Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. If possible, also get the name and phone numbers of witnesses and passengers.
5) Contact your insurance provider to report the claim. Your agent will may ask you to send any paperwork you receive regarding the accident and will give you further instructions.
Six things that will keep you safe and help you avoid a ticket:
1) Basic car safety encourages you to obey the posted speed limit at all times. Speeding violations are costly, and penalties for speeding can include fees, court appearances and loss or suspension of your driving license and privileges. Also, depending on your auto insurance policy, speeding tickets and traffic violations can impact your rates.
2) Pay attention to pedestrian signs. Never pass a stopped bus displaying a stop sign to its left; that's a signal that children are crossing the street.
3) If you hear a siren coming behind you, that's an indication that a police, ambulance or fire truck is speeding by you, toward an emergency. If it's safe, pull to the side, stop and wait until the vehicles pass.
4) Horn honking is reserved for emergencies. Refrain from using the horn for non-emergency situations.
5) Make a stop at stop signs. Always look for other drivers and pedestrians before you cross the intersection.
6) Be cautious when parking your car. Be aware of tow away zones or handicapped signs, because these areas are reserved for vehicles with special permits. Also, certain streets may have parking restrictions, and failing to follow instructions may result in a parking violation or fine.
