DO always wear your seat belt.

DON’T drink and drive, or get in a car with a driver who has been drinking or using drugs.

DO be courteous toward other drivers.

DON’T treat a car like it is a toy.  It’s not, so don’t use your car to play chicken, race, or give another car a friendly “tap.”

DO keep children in their car seats safely, no matter how much they beg or plead to get out.  Make frequent stops for them to get out if they’re uncomfortable.

DON’T leave valuables in your car, especially in places where they can be seen, no matter where you are parked.

DO review the official rules of the road for the state you live in or drive in.  Be sure that you always follow them and obey all posted speed limits.

DON’T make assumptions about what other drivers are going to do.  Just because someone has their turn signal on does not mean they are actually going to turn.

DO make sure that you use your blinkers and give yourself and the cars around you plenty of time to maneuver.  You can’t assume that other cars know what you are doing.

DON’T let your emotions and frustrations get the best of you.  Don’t engage in road rage, no matter how irritating another driver might be to you.

DO pay attention when you are driving, even if you are familiar with the area.  A surprising number of accidents happen only blocks from home.

DO keep a winter survival kit in your car for bad weather conditions. A good survival kit should contain a cell phone, matches, flares, a working flashlight, food, water, and blankets.

DON’T engage in other activities that distract your attention or reduce your reaction time while you’re driving.  Eating, changing clothes or putting on makeup while driving is dangerous. In some states, you can even get a ticket for doing them while you drive.

DO make sure that your spare tire is in your car and that you have a working jack.

DON’T talk on your cell phone or text while you’re driving.

DO make time for routine preventative maintenance on your car.  It’s cheaper than breaking down or having an accident.

DON’T rush.  Allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination so you’re not in a hurry or driving frantically.

DO drive with a clear head.  It’s easy to become preoccupied and forget what you’re doing, so keep your mind focused on the vehicle you’re operating.

Tags: Advice, Automobile Safety, Teen Drivers // Add Comment »