August 2005 Safety Tip

Driving: Hazardous Situations

Car crashes are the leading killer of Americans between the ages of 1 and 24. More than three-quarters of the time, errors by the driver contribute to the wreck.

Here are a few techniques for coping with common hazards.

Running Traffic Lights

• Don't assume other drivers are going to obey the light when it changes color.
• If you are the first in line at an intersection, hesitate before starting to enter the intersection after your light turns green.
• Look left, right, then left again before you accelerate.

Blowouts

• Know what one feels like. In the front, the car will pull hard to one side. In the rear, the car will weave and vibrate.
• Don't slam on the brakes.
• Take your foot off the accelerator and stay in your lane.
• Pull off the road at a safe location.
  

Skidding

• Don't hit the brakes.
• Take your foot off the gas.
• Turn in the direction you want to go.
• The car may fish-tail, but keep turning toward the direction you want to go.
  

Road Rage

• Remain courteous.
• Don't honk your horn too much.
• Don't block the passing lane on a highway.
• Signal before you change lanes.
• Don't tailgate.
• Take your time; don't be in a hurry.