Friday, June 24, 2011

Safe Driving Tips

Safe_driving
Maintain your car in good condition - Each time you have oil changes, tune-ups or other type of work on your car, record the date in a notebook and keep the car's maintenance on a regular schedule. Make sure tire tread is above the wear bars. Worn tires can blow out, skid and cause accidents, and don't keep good traction in wet road conditions. Check brake lights and turn signals regularly to make sure they are working.

Do what you can to avoid collisions - By driving the legal speed limit and by keeping at least one car length between you and the car in front of you (for every 10 mph you are traveling) i.e, 4 car lengths if you are traveling at 40 mph, you can minimize the risk of a collision.  Use your turn indicator and slow down gradually to avoid being hit from behind.

Be cautious at intersections - Over 2/3 of all traffic injuries occur at intersections, so be prepared when you approach one. Always use your turn signal if you are planning to turn, and assume other drivers don't see your signal. Proceed cautiously. DON'T assume others will give you the right-of-way.

Don't drive if you are taking medications or are tired - Many cold remedies cause drowsiness. Driving while tired increases the potential for injuries.

Always wear your seat belt - You can increase your chance for survival in an accident if you get into the habit of wearing your seat belt.

Keep infants and toddlers in car seats - By law, children under four must be belted into specially designed car seats and not permitted to move around while the vehicle is moving. Infants should never be in an adult's lap.

Yield as often as possible - A defensive driver will yield as often as possible to other drivers who are determined to go first. If you approach an intersection at the same time as another vehicle, allow the other driver to proceed first unless he or she signals to you otherwise. A little patience can save time and injury.

Don't drink and drive. Coffee cannot alter the chemical effects that alcohol has on your body.

Ben Goodwyn Agency 972.618.0100

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