Drive Safer America! Offers Tips for Holiday Safety on the Road
23 November 2000
Drive Safer America! Offers Tips for Holiday Safety on the Road AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 22 Drive Safer America!, an
automotive consumer awareness group, is offering a valuable "gift" this
holiday season: driving tips to help keep you and your family safe this winter
and all year.
With winter weather already taking hold in much of the country and the
busiest travel time of the year underway, Drive Safer America! (DSA!) has
compiled road-tested driving tips that can help consumers better understand
the proper use of advanced safety technologies and proper techniques for
smarter, safer driving.
"With unpredictable weather conditions, increased precipitation, and
slippery roads, drivers across the country need to be more alert than ever at
this time of the year," warns Indy Car driver Lyn St. James who, with
automotive supplier Continental Teves, launched Drive Safer America! in 1997.
"At this time of year people need to think about dangerous driving situations
that will be posed by winter weather. The tips we offer can help not only in
areas were snow is prevalent, but in all types of weather and driving
conditions."
Studies show that driver error causes ninety-four percent of all fatal
crashes and more than $170 billion in losses annually. This means that
thousands of traffic fatalities and crashes could be prevented each year if
American motorists had a better understanding of how to drive safer. While
today's newer cars incorporate technologies such as four-wheel anti-lock
brakes, traction control and Electronic Stability Programs that help make
vehicles safer, these advances are not a replacement for safe driving
techniques, but a complement to them.
One of the most critical elements of safer driving is proper vehicle
maintenance to prevent problems before they arise -- and tires have typically
been overlooked in the maintenance process. Correct air pressure, proper
alignment, regular tire rotation and regular inspection of tread depth are
essential to proper tire performance and safe driving.
In furthering its commitment to safety, DSA! recognizes that technology
and proper driving techniques -- including vehicle maintenance -- are the
recipe for safe driving this winter. St. James emphasizes that caution and
preparation are key before venturing out on winter roads.
"This time of year drivers are likely to encounter unforeseen hazards such
as ice that is not visible from the driver's seat," said St. James. "Because
it can take up to ten times farther to stop on a wet road than a dry one,
drivers need to retain a longer distance between their car and the one ahead
of them. Also, checking the day's weather condition before getting behind the
wheel can also help you make informed decisions."
SAFE DRIVING TIPS
General Advice
* Service your vehicle regularly. Check your owner's manual for
specifics.
* Keep a safety kit on hand (e.g., including flashlight, jumper cables,
flares).
* Drive according to conditions and use common sense.
* Use a checklist before you go. Secure items in the auto so they don't
distract the driver and pre-program controls so you don't have to take
your eyes off the road to use them.
* Don't crowd the car in front of you so you can pull out and around if
necessary.
* Stay focused on your driving. If something distracts you while
driving, pull over to a safe place and fix the problem before driving
any further.
* Never drink and drive or drive under the influence of drugs --
including prescription medication -- and don't drive when drowsy.
Air Bags and Safety Belts
* Make sure everyone is properly buckled up ALL the time on EVERY trip.
* Put children in the rear seat and use appropriate age-and-size child
safety seats.
* If you're short, adjustable pedals will make it easier for you to drive
and stay back and away from the path of an inflating air bag.
Tire Safety
* Check tire pressure at least once a month for better safety, fuel
economy, and tread wear. Don't over-inflate tires.
* Check tire treads. Less than 1/16 inch tread means tires are "bald"
and should be replaced.
* Rotate tires every six months to minimize tire wear. The owner's
manual shows how to do this correctly.
* In winter, use tires specifically designed for winter conditions.
Safe Braking Habits
* Know whether or not your auto has four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) and
drive accordingly.
* With ABS, hold and apply firm pressure on the brakes. A good rule to
remember is: STOMP on the pedal, STAY on the pedal, and STEER where you
want to go.
* Without ABS, pump the brakes to prevent wheel lock-up in a skid.
