Section 8: Safety Guidelines

This Section Covers

  • Entering the Car
  • Steering
  • Fog
  • Hydroplaning
  • Skidding
  • Curves
  • Leaving the Roadway
  • Tire Blow-Out
  • Winter Driving
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Steering Locks
  • Following Too Closely
  • Speed and Stopping Distance
  • Expressway Driving
    • Entering Expressways
    • Exiting Expressways
    • Use of Lanes on Expressways
    • Gores
    • HOV Lanes
    • Tips for Expressway Driving
  • Other Highway Emergencies
  • Protecting the Air
  • Idling Engines

Traffic laws alone cannot regulate every type of driving situation that may occur. There are some general rules which drivers should understand and follow. Read this chapter with care. Someday these safety tips might help you avoid a crash, serious injury, or even death. These are only general statements and cannot dictate your actions in all situations. It is up to you to evaluate the situation and make a determination as to the best course of action.

Tire Pressure

Prior to entering vehicle check tire pressure using recommended psi located in the door jam of the vehicle. Use a tire pressure gauge to check your psi. If your psi is above the number listed on your door jam, let air out until it matches. If below, add air (or have a retailer help you) until it reaches the proper number.

You may also measure tread depth using the penny test. Once every month, or before you embark upon a long road trip, check your tires for wear and damage problems. One easy way to check for wear is by using the penny test.

  1. Take a penny and hold Abraham Lincoln's body between your thumb and forefinger.
  2. Select a point on your tire where the tread appears the lowest and place Lincoln's head into one of the grooves.
  3. If any part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread, you're driving with the legal and safe amount of tread. If your tread gets below that (approximately 2/32 of an inch), your car's ability to grip the road in adverse conditions is greatly reduced.

Entering the Car

  • Develop a routine for entering the car safely and preparing for your trip. If you are parked on the street, enter from the curb side of the vehicle. If this is not possible, wait until your entry can be made with reasonable safety and without interfering with the flow of traffic;
  • Have your keys ready, and approach the vehicle facing traffic;
  • Adjust your seat and mirrors;
  • Check passengers to be sure they are properly seated and do not interfere with your view;
  • Before starting your ignition, fasten your seat belt and make sure your passengers do the same;
  • After starting your vehicle, check around your vehicle for hazards or approaching traffic, including bicyclists and pedestrians, give the proper signal and move cautiously into the stream of traffic.

Steering

Good posture while driving is important because it allows a better view of hazards and more control of the vehicle. As a general rule, when gripping the steering wheel, place your left hand at the 9 o'clock position and your right hand at the 3 o'clock position on the wheel. Some manufacturers recommend placing your hands at 8 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions when the vehicle is equipped with air bags. Check your owner's manual or contact your vehicle manufacturer to determine which position is best for your vehicle. Always keep both hands on the wheel unless you are safely performing another driving-related task, such as activating your turn signal.

Fog

If possible, avoid driving in heavy fog. If you must drive, follow these guidelines:

  • Reduce driving speed;
  • Reduce speed further when you see headlights or red tail Lights. These indicate the presence of another vehicle and, due to fog, it may be more difficult to accurately judge the distance between your vehicle and others;
  • Dim your headlights. Bright lights produce a glare in heavy fog, actually making it more difficult to see than when using regular headlights;
  • Do not drive with parking or hazard lights on.