Automobile Safety

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KEY POINTS

• Automobile safety means taking steps to prevent injury and save lives. This involves wearing seatbelts, and making sure that children under 13 always ride in the back seat of the car.
• Automobile safety also means keeping your car in good mechanical shape, and keeping an emergency kit in the car in case you break down.
• Automobile safety also includes driving at the correct speed, not drinking, using drugs, or texting while driving, and keeping control of your emotions.

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Why is automobile safety important?

Motor vehicles are the leading cause of accidental death in the US. Here are some facts about car crashes:

• The average person can expect to be in a crash once in 10 years.
• Even though you may be a good driver, you can't control how other people drive.
• Three out of 4 crashes happen within 25 miles of home.
• Four out of 5 automobile accidents happen at speeds less than 40 miles per hour.
• People not wearing seat belts can be killed at speeds less than 12 miles per hour.
• You are much more likely to die if you are thrown out of your vehicle.

You can lower your chances of death and serious injury if you follow these guidelines.

Always wear your seat belt

A seat belt holds the driver in position behind the wheel, which can help you keep control of the car. Seat belts also keep the driver and passengers from being thrown around or out of the car.

Most cars have automatic shoulder belts (passive restraints) in the front seats, and leave you to fasten your own lap belt. Always wear the lap belt as well as the shoulder belt. The lap belt should fit under your belly, in contact with your hips. If you need a longer belt, contact your dealer or vehicle manufacturer to get seat belt extenders. Don't put the shoulder belt under both arms or behind your back. It can’t protect you if you don’t wear it correctly.

Be aware of air bag safety

Air bags are standard equipment in newer cars. Many cars have front and side air bags. Air bags inflate automatically in a crash, and have saved many lives. However, they can injure infants and children who ride in the front seat. All children under the age of 13 should ride in the back seat. Small children should always be in car safety seats in the rear seat.

Adjust the car's headrest so that it supports your head (not behind your neck). An airbag protects your head from moving forward, but the headrest protects your head from moving back and causing a whiplash injury in an accident.

Keep your car in good shape

Having an unsafe car increases your chances for an accident. You can help prevent accidents if you:

• Have your car serviced regularly.
• Maintain the proper tire pressure and replace worn tires.
• Check your brakes and lights regularly.
• Make sure the windshield is clean, you have enough windshield wiper fluid, and you have gas in the tank.

Keep an emergency kit in your car

Keep a road emergency kit in your car. The kit should include a flashlight, flares, a spare tire, jumper cables, a jack, and a first aid kit. It’s also wise to keep a blanket, a gallon of water, and some energy bars in the car, in case you break down.

Drive safely

• Never use alcohol or drugs before driving a car. Even some nonprescription medicines, like cold medicine, can impair your driving. Read the label of any medicines you take. If you drive while impaired, you could lose your license or go to jail. Don't drive if you're sleepy. This can be as dangerous as driving drunk.
• Avoid distractions like texting, talking on the phone, using GPS devices, putting on makeup, or eating. Keep both hands on the wheel. Taking the time to pull over and set the GPS or take a call could save your life.
• Keep pets safe while riding in the car. Unrestrained pets, especially dogs, can cause distracted driving and lead to accidents. Your dog should always ride in the back seat of the vehicle, with some form of restraint like a harness or carrier. Dogs should never ride on your lap while driving or hang their heads out the window.
• Be aware of dangers, such as bad weather, sun in your eyes, traffic, obstacles in the road, and other drivers. Staying alert helps you react safely.
• Keep control of your emotions when you're driving. If you get upset or angry when driving, pull over to the side of the road until you get control of yourself.
• Allow at least 1 car length for every 10 miles per hour of your speed. Many car crashes are caused by drivers who follow too close to the car in front of them and cannot stop in time when that car suddenly slows down or stops.
• Stop when a traffic signal turns yellow, rather than speeding up to make it through before the light turns red.
• Drive within the speed limit for your safety and that of those around you, such as road work crews, cyclists, and children. The faster you go the less control you have over your car.
• Do not drive slowly in the fast lane. Stay in the slow lane or use side roads if you prefer a slower speed.

Driving safely may prevent injuries and save lives.