Driving & Car Safety

Instructions Step 1: Prepare Put on warm layers and gloves. Think about which way you want your car to face after you’ve dug it out, and figure out where you will relocate the snow that’s around your car. Step 2: Clear the door and the exhaust pipe Start by clearing a path to one of …

Instructions Step 1: Visit insurance company’s web site Visit your auto insurance company’s web site and download a completed contract to use as a template so you don’t feel as if you’re driving blind. Step 2: Set up a meeting time Set up a meeting time to negotiate the contract before your teen gets behind …

Instructions Step 1: Check IIHS.org Check the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website at “iihs.org”:http://www.iihs.org/ for a list of vehicles that perform the best in a variety of crashes. Step 2: Determine a budget Determine your budget for both the cost of the car as well as the cost of insurance and fuel. Step 3: …

Instructions Step 1: Keep car in working condition Keep your car in good working condition. Check it periodically for broken headlights and taillights, and check your license plate for obstructions. TIP: Avoid driving flashy, expensive vehicles or loud, damaged vehicles, which could make you a highway patrol target. Step 2: Drive same speed Drive the …

Instructions Step 1: Consider GPS use Consider how often you’ll use your unit and in what capacity. For occasional use, such as geocaching, you won’t need too many waypoints, or tracks, for your GPS. An avid hunter or fisherman, or someone who wants to mark spots along a set route will need a GPS unit …

Instructions Step 1: Turn ignition on Turn your ignition to the “on” position. Step 2: Engage clutch; put into gear Press the clutch firmly to the floor and put the car into gear. TIP: First or second gear will work, but try second gear to reduce the jolt when the vehicle starts. Step 3: Push …

Instructions Step 1: Check fluids Check oil, brake, and all other fluid levels. Inspect tire wear and inflation, being certain that one-eighth to one-quarter-inch of tread remains, and that the tires have the recommended pressure. TIP: Few consumers know that there is a dealer-coded date on tires. Check yours and don’t drive on them if …

Instructions Step 1: Tune in Tune in to one of the 40 channels on CB. Channel 19 is the preferred highway channel used by truckers, and channel 9 is the emergency channel. The CB’s range is one to 10 miles, depending on weather conditions, time, and location. TIP: It’s possible to occasionally pick up conversations …

Instructions Step 1: Don’t panic Do not panic. Panic will only distort your judgment and increase your chances of causing an accident. TIP: Steer the car to the shoulder of the road. You do not want to stop in the middle of traffic. Step 2: Depress pedals Depress the clutch and brake pedals simultaneously. Step …

Instructions Step 1: Know where you’re going Find good directions for wherever you’re going. Keep them handy and review them carefully so you will be prepared. Step 2: Know the city’s driving rules Research some of the key driving rules that can change from city to city before driving. For example, some cities allow turning …

Instructions : Hot-wiring a car is dangerous and is likely to damage your vehicle. Never hot-wire anyone’s car but yours and be prepared to show your proof of ownership. Step 1: Try a screwdriver Pound a flat-head screwdriver into the ignition and turn it like a key. This will ruin the ignition cylinder, but it’s …

Instructions Step 1: Stop driving the vehicle Stop driving the vehicle when the oil pressure warning light comes on and pull over to a safe place. Failure to stop can cause serious mechanical damage to your car. Step 2: Check the oil level Check the oil level on the dipstick, making sure the level is …

Instructions Step 1: Stand with your back to the wind, at least a few feet away from your car. Hold the flare near its base.d TIP: Select red-colored flares. They stand out and are most commonly used to signal an emergency Step 2: Remove the plastic lid on the flare with your other hand to …

Instructions Step 1: Maintain your vehicle Check your brakes, tires, and suspension each year. Besides working brakes, your car needs good tire traction and a tight suspension to stop properly. Step 2: Look ahead Look ahead to anticipate traffic slowdowns and stops. Watch for brake lights, and look beyond the cars directly in front of …

Instructions Step 1: Confirm the car is stolen Consider whether your car may have been towed due to a parking violation or repossession. Check with the impound lot in the city where you last saw the vehicle to verify whether the car is there. Step 2: Collect vehicle information Collect the following vehicle information for …

Instructions Step 1: Prevent car sickness Prevent carsickness if you are prone to motion sickness by using a scopolamine patch. Place it behind your ear 30 to 60 minutes before your trip. An antihistamine with dimenhydrinate is also effective, but could make you drowsy. TIP: Take a ginger supplement or drink ginger ale as a …

Instructions Step 1: Prepare your vehicle Start your trip with a full tank of gas. Run a check on your brakes, wiper fluid, heater, tire pressure, and defroster. Step 2: Pack your vehicle Bring extra drinking water to prevent altitude sickness. Bring warm clothes and make sure you have a spare tire and the proper …

Instructions Step 1: Carry cell phone and charger Carry a cell phone and a car charger with you. Step 2: Keep flares, a warning light, or hazard triangle Store road flares, reflective hazard triangles, or a battery-powered warning light. If you are stranded, place these items behind your car to warn approaching motorists. Step 3: …

Instructions Step 1: Get sleep Get plenty of shut-eye. Lack of sleep can make you cranky and prone to feelings of annoyance and anger. Get the recommended eight hours before your morning commute. Step 2: Give yourself time to get there Allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. If you’re running late, it’s …

Instructions Step 1: Don’t panic Do not panic. Step 2: Keep driving Keep driving as normal, following all highway safety laws and regulations. Step 3: Preserve the battery Turn off all unnecessary lights, air conditioning, and the radio. Step 4: Drive to a safe place If you are on the highway, pull off as soon …

Instructions Step 1: Stay cool Ignore your natural instinct to hit the brakes or jerk the steering wheel when you have a blowout. Step 2: Accelerate slightly Accelerate slightly to maintain control of the vehicle. Keep going straight. TIP: Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands at 10 o’clock and two o’clock on the …

Instructions Step 1: Pull belt across body Sit in any of your vehicle’s seats and secure the three-point harness in its buckle by pulling it across your body. TIP: If the seatbelt is too short, consider an aftermarket restraint and extender. Make sure they meet federal safety standards and are installed professionally. Step 2: Adjust …

Instructions : Follow the instructions for your jack. Never jack up a vehicle from a point not designed to handle the load. Improper use can lead to serious injury. Step 1: Park your car on a flat surface, away from traffic. If you have an automatic transmission, put your car in “park” and put on …

Instructions : Car seat installation procedures differ. Always read the seat manufacturer’s instruction manual and your vehicle’s owner manual to ensure proper installation. Step 1: Use the correct seat Buy an appropriate safety seat for your child’s age, weight, and height. Babies should ride in a rear-facing seat at least until they are a year …

Instructions : Heavy tires, elevated and unstable vehicles, and nearby traffic can make changing your own tire extremely dangerous. Be careful, and always check your owner’s manual first—directions may be different depending on the year, make, and model of your vehicle. Step 1: Park on a level surface Make sure the car is parked on …

Instructions Step 1: Stay alert Stay alert at places carjackers like to strike — red lights, gas stations, ATM machines, parking lots, shopping centers, car washes, convenience stores, hotels, valet parking areas, fast-food drive-throughs, and outside of retail stores. Step 2: Keep your doors locked Keep your doors locked when you’re driving, and keep your …

Instructions : Never attempt to jump-start a battery that is frozen, cracked, or damaged in any way. It could explode when connected to another battery. Step 1: Position cars Position the working car as close to the ‘dead’ car as possible. Ideally, that means hood to hood with a few inches in between. Step 2: …