Car Safety Basics

When you took your driving test, you knew about car safety because you could not pass your test without it. You knew to adjust your mirrors, check your tires, and you always knew where your emergency brake was located. Now that some years have passed, are you still aware of what you should do before you drive, while driving, and if you have to make an emergency stop? Cars are getting safer and safer by the year, but there are still things that you have to do on your own to keep safe in all types of driving situations. If you are just starting out behind the wheel, learn more than the test requires.

First, before you drive your car, you should check out a few things for car safety basics. Most of us do not do this, but it can be something you do once a week. The air pressure in your tires is more important than you may think. If one tire starts to go down, even if not going flat right away, it can affect your ability to control your vehicle. All of your lights should be in working order and your mirrors have to be replaced right away if they are damaged. Also, it never hurts to check the oil once a week. If you do not know how, learn how to do it and also how to safely open the radiator and add fluid.

While driving, there are tons of distractions on the road that compromise car safety. Not only could you be distracted, someone else behind you could be as well. You may assume they are going to see your turning signal, but that is not always the case. If someone is tailgating, a good rule for car safety would be to always find a way to let them pass. Learn where your four-way blinkers are, as they can be in different spots in different vehicle. Also, know where your emergency brake is located and how to use it. Many mirrors can now be adjusted from inside the car easily so learn to use those controls too.

There are things for car safety that you should always have in your car. Many kits come with everything included so you just have to buy one thing and stash it in your trunk or the back of your van or SUV. Flares and orange triangles are great to let drivers know you are on the side of the road when you cannot get somewhere safe to pull over. Jumper cables are more about convenience than car safety, but have them anyway. You may even want to have some water for drinking or your radiator stashed away along with a few blankets in the event you break down in the cold and have to wait for help.

Most people do not want to hear it, but car safety while driving means leaving the phone aside and even keeping the radio turned down. If someone is talking to you and you are having trouble concentrating, ask them to hang on until you get through a turn or a tricky traffic area. Do not apply makeup or read the paper while driving no matter how good of a driver you think you are and of course, never drive when you have been drinking. These car safety basics not only protect you from harm, they also protect others. The only thing you should be doing in your car is driving. Everything else can wait.