 | Parents, when your teen took on-the-road lessons, the instructor had
his/her own rear view mirror. You can also get one for approximately $4
at any Wal-Mart, Target or baby supply store. They can be found in the
baby section and were designed for looking at your baby in the rear
seat. They work wonderfully for seeing traffic behind the car when
driving with your teen.
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| Before driving a car, do a simple safety check. Turn on the lights
and walk around the vehicle to ensure that all lights are in working
order. Also check your blinkers for proper operation. Look for any fluid
leaks or things hanging from the vehicle. Check that the tires are
properly inflated.
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| When you get into the car, adjust all mirrors and seats before
placing the key in the ignition. To properly adjust the left mirror
place your head against the left window and adjust the mirror so that
you can just see the left side of the car. For the right, move your head
towards the center of the vehicle and adjust the right mirror in the
same way. When you are sitting correctly in the driver's seat, you will
not be able to see your vehicle, but your blind spots will be greatly
reduced!
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| Always wear your seatbelts.
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| Always drive with your headlights on, a car is visible for nearly 4
times the distance with it's headlights on even during daytime hours.
|
| When stopping at a stop sign, be sure to feel the car rock backward
and spell S-T-O-P to yourself before proceeding. Always turn your head
to look left, then right, straight ahead, then left again before
proceeding.
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| When a light turns green, look left, then right, straight ahead,
then left again before proceeding through the light. Notice all vehicles
and ensure that someone else is not going to run the light.
|
| Keep your eyes moving. Notice what is happening on the sides of the
road and check behind you through your mirrors every 6-8 seconds.
|
| When driving on a two lane road that allows parking on the right,
stay toward the center line to allow for room if someone were to open
their door to exit their vehicle in front of your car. This forethought
will help you from swerving to miss an opening door. If there is no
parking allowed on the road position your car toward the right to allow
for more room between you and oncoming traffic.
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| Expect the other drivers to make mistakes and think what you would
do if a mistake does happen. For example, do not assume that a vehicle
coming to a stop sign is going to stop. Be ready to react if it does not
stop. Never cause an accident on purpose, even if a pedestrian or
another vehicle fails to give you the right-of-way.
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| Every time that you re-fuel, check your oil and other fluid levels.
Look for noticeable leaks throughout the engine compartment.
|
| If your car stalls on the road, do not leave your car. Wait for the
proper authorities to come to your aid. Do not let someone talk you into
leaving your vehicle.
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| When traveling behind other vehicles, there should be at least a 4
second space between your vehicles. When the car in front of you passes
a stationary object, slowly count to yourself. If you pass the object
before the allotted time, you should back off. When traveling at night
or inclement weather, these times should be doubled.
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| Don't talk on a cell phone while driving. Phones detract from your
ability to concentrate on the road and increase your chance of a
collision by nearly 400%. If you must use the phone, pull over to a
safe, well-lit parking lot and place your call there. After completing
your call you may continue on your way.
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| Take a lesson from pilots. When leaving for an out of home trip, be
sure to give an itinerary to someone back at home with the route of
travel, approximate time of arrival and a contact number at your
destination. Do not deviate from this plan without informing your
at-home contact. If you are traveling a long distance, check in
throughout the trip with a current location and any changes in your
route or times. If something were to happen, this information may be
used to narrow the search.
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| When being approached by an emergency vehicle, pull to the right
shoulder of the road and STOP. Put on your hazard lights to allow others
to see you better.
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| Carry in your vehicle, in an easy to find place, all contact numbers
that you may need as well as Emergency contact information, personal
information and any outstanding medical needs that you may have.
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| Leave early, plan to arrive 10 minutes before the appointed time.
Speeding does not increase your ability to arrive on time, rather it
only increases your chances of not arriving at all.
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| When traveling on a multiple lane road, keep in mind that the left
most lanes are for passing only. If not actively passing a vehicle, stay
in the right lanes, allowing others to pass.
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| Avoid the "No-Zone" with trucks or busses, they cannot see you from
many areas. Remember if you cannot see the driver in the truck's rear
view mirrors, they cannot see you! Also remember that trucks make large
right turns. |
