General Driving Safety

1. According to statistics, a motor vehicle accident occurs every five seconds. Injuries from auto accidents happen every ten seconds while fatalities happen every twelve minutes.

2. One of the most important ways to prevent accidents and have a safe drive happens before you start your day and that's by having a good night sleep. Getting a good nights sleep helps keep drivers alert during their drive.

3. Plan your trip ahead of time and be aware of the weather for the day. Is it windy, rainy, snowing, or possibly a combination of all three? Many weather conditions can lower visibility and cause road conditions that make it difficult to drive.

4. Before you get in your vehicle, always check your tires. Make sure they have good tread and that they aren't partially deflated. Also, frequently check that the brakes, accelerator, belts, radiator, oil, battery, tires, headlights, and brake lights are all in good working condition.

5. Follow the rules of the road by wearing a seatbelt, follow speed limits, and adhere to signage.

6. Over the years, the use of headlights has been all but forgotten due to the automatic headlights settings in most vehicles. Be aware of the driving conditions and if your headlights should be turned "on".

7. Use hands free devices and keep your mental awareness in mind. It's easy to get lost while listening to music, audio books, podcasts and talking on the phone. Take the time to refocus on your driving.

8. Follow safe driving distance recommendations in dry conditions by staying a minimum of three seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you. You can do this by counting as you pass a fixed object on the road.

9. Look ahead, plan ahead, and use your head! Watch for pedestrians, wildlife, traffic, and construction work.

10. Be a proactive defensive driver by being aware of other drivers around you. For example, if you see another vehicle swerving it would be a good idea to keep your distance from that driver.

11. What other general driving safety practices should we follow before driving today?

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