On Motoring

Drive Defensively

• Don't start the engine without securing each passenger in the car, including children and pets. Safety belts save thousands of lives each year! Lock all doors.
• Remember that driving too fast or too slow can increase the likelihood of collisions.
• If you plan to drink, designate a driver who won't drink. Alcohol is a factor in almost half of all fatal motor vehicle crashes.
• Be alert! If you notice that a car is straddling the center line, weaving, making wide turns, stopping abruptly or responding slowly to traffic signals, the driver may be impaired.
• Avoid an impaired driver by turning right at the nearest corner or exiting at the nearest exit. If it appears that an oncoming car is crossing into your lane, pull over to the roadside, sound the horn and flash your lights.
• Follow the rules of the road. Don't contest the "right of way" or try to race another car during a merge. Be respectful of other motorists.
• While driving, be cautious, aware and responsible.

What To Do When Your Tire Blows on the Highway

• At the first sign of tire trouble, grip the steering wheel firmly.
  
• Let the car slow down gradually by taking your foot off the gas pedal.
• Work your vehicle toward the breakdown lane or, if possible, toward an exit.
• If it is necessary to change lanes, signal your intentions to drivers behind and do so smoothly and carefully, watching your mirrors and the traffic around you very closely.
• Turn your emergency flashers on.
• Raise your hood and tie something white to the radio antenna or hang it out a window so police officers or tow truck operators will know that you need help.

The important things to remember when dealing with a flat tire on the highway:

• Don't stop in traffic.
• Get your vehicle completely away from the roadway before attempting to change a tire.
• Tackle changing a tire only if you can do so without placing yourself in danger.
• Have a qualified mechanic check your vehicle after having a flat tire to be sure there is no residual damage from the bad tire or the aftermath of the flat.

Driving at Night

• Prepare your car for night driving. Clean headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows once a week, more often if necessary.
• Aim your headlights properly; mis-aimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.
• Reduce your speed and increase your following distances. It is more difficult to judge other vehicle's speeds and distances at night.
• Don't overdrive your headlights. You should be able to stop inside the illuminated area. If you're not, you are creating a blind crash area in front of your vehicle.
• Keep your headlights on low beams when following another vehicle so you don't blind the driver ahead of you.

Driving In the Rain