Auto Safety

• Always buckle your safety belts.
• Infants and children should always ride in safety seats in the back seat.
• Infants who are younger than 1 year or weigh less than 20 pounds should be placed in rear facing safety seats.
• Children between ages 4 and 8 or weigh less than 40 pounds should sit in booster seats.
• Children younger than 13 should always sit in the backseat.
• Do not leave loose object in vehicles – they can become hazards in an accident.
• Do not drive under the influence of alcohol.
• Follow the speed limit.
• Avoid cell phone conversations while driving. If you must talk while driving, use hands-free devices, although it is best to pull over to make the call.
• Take extra precautions when driving in adverse weather conditions.
• Allow for more brake time and longer distances between vehicles.
• Don’t use cruise control in the snow or rain.
• Make sure your tires are in good condition and have enough traction.
• Make sure your insurance is up to date – most states require drivers to be insured.
• In case of an emergency, always have the following items in the car: tire jack, spare tire, lug wrench, flashlight, fire extinguisher, screw drivers, extra fuses, flares, jumper cables, engine fluids, first aid kit, and blankets.
• Be a defensive driver and always be aware of your surroundings.
• Always turn off your engine when filling your gas tank.
• Change your oil on a regular basis. Check the engine oil levels every time you get fuel, or at least once a week.
• Take extra caution when driving at night. Darkness impairs vision which slows reactions times; objects are more difficult to see; distances are more difficult to judge.
• Turn on headlights at dusk, if not before. Use high beams when other vehicles are not present.
• If you’re in an accident, stay calm, make sure you and your passengers are OK, call the police, exchange insurance information, and call your insurance company to report your claim.

Sources: American Red Cross, Edmunds, Insurance Information Institute, Meinke, AAA