Automobile Safety and Safe Driving Tips

Review the following automobile safety tips for your protection in an emergency.

• Always have spare change with you or in your car, in case you need to make an emergency phone call.
  
  
• Emergency flashers are the universal signal that you need help.
  
  
• Buckle up.
  
  
• Do not drink and drive.
  
  
• When going on a trip, leave itinerary with family or friends (complete with dates, phone numbers, lodging, etc.).
  
  
• Be aware of your surroundings.
  
  
• Keep your car in excellent running condition at all times.
  
  
• In any situation, common sense is your best defense. Your personal safety should be your first priority in any situation or emergency.
  
  
• If you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station, fire station, or open business. Do not go home.
  
  
• If your car breaks down, try to get to a safe location. Turn on your emergency flashers and stay in your car. If you have a cellular phone, call for help. If not and someone stops to help you, have them go call for help. Do not get in the car with a stranger.
  
  
• In case of an emergency, you should have the following items in your car at all times: tire jack, spare tire, lug wrench, flashlight, fire extinguisher, screw drivers (flat head & Phillips), extra fuses, flares/reflective triangles, jumper cables, engine fluids, first aid kit, and a blanket.

Safe Driving Tips

The following safe driving tips are provided by Meineke Car Care Centers.

• Always drive at the safe, posted speed limit.
  
  
• Do not drink and drive.
  
  
• Drive defensively – be aware of what is going on around you.
  
  
• Be a safe driver – keep your eyes on the road.
  
  
• Limit your use of cellular phones while driving. If you must use your phone, do it in a safe manner.
  
  
• Always yield to the right of way of pedestrians.
  
  
• Do not pass stopped school buses.
  
  
• Always yield to the right of way of emergency vehicles, in pursuit of an emergency situation.
  
  
• Hydroplaning – Take your foot off of the gas pedal, and keep the steering wheel straight. When the car’s momentum has slowed down and the tires grip the road again, you can regain control.
  
  
• Brake Failure – Shift into a lower gear, release the clutch, and apply the emergency brake (manual transmission). Apply the emergency brake and move lever into the lowest gear (automatic transmission).
  
  
• Gas Pedal Sticks – Tap the gas pedal or lift the pedal with your foot, trying to unstick the throttle linkage. Shift to neutral and apply pressure to the brakes (be careful not to lock the wheels).
  
  
• Tire Blowouts – Try to keep the car going straight and reduce speed. Do not apply the brakes until the car is at a controllable speed. Move your vehicle to a safe place off of the road.
  
  
• Skidding – Ease off of the accelerator. Turn the steering wheel in the direction that the rear of the car is skidding. When your car’s path begins to straighten, turn the steering wheel back the other way to avoid over-steering.