| According to the census from 10 years ago (the year | | | | 4. Know the route you are going to take to reach your |
| 2000) there were more than 112 million people driving | | | | destination. If you're not sure how to get there, check |
| or carpooling to work every day. How that must have | | | | Google maps for driving directions. The last thing you |
| increased since then! We all know how busy the roads | | | | want to do is get confused on a busy highway or |
| are, and that we must take safety precautions when | | | | keep making wrong turns on city streets. |
| driving if we want to reach our destinations in one | | | | 5. Reduce distractions while you're driving. The best |
| piece. | | | | thing today's drivers can do is turn off the cell phone. |
| Below are 5 safety tips to remember when you're on | | | | Drivers talking on cell phones weave through traffic, |
| the road. | | | | make dangerous moves, forget to signal when |
| 1. First of all, your vehicle must be properly maintained. | | | | changing lanes, cut other drivers off, generally creating |
| Check your owners manual, and follow its | | | | an extremely dangerous situation for themselves and |
| recommendations for oil changes, monitoring hoses | | | | other drivers. |
| and belts, filters and spark plugs, etc. When you're | | | | Here's a bonus tip that could save your life: Whatever |
| preparing to drive somewhere, make sure you've got | | | | you do, don't text while driving! There is no way you |
| gas in the tank and your tires have the proper amount | | | | can safely key in a message on a cell phone and pay |
| of air in them. | | | | adequate attention to the road. It is absolutely |
| 2. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. You should | | | | frightening to be driving on a highway and see a driver |
| have first aid supplies available, as well as jumper | | | | in the high speed lane texting as they zoom along at |
| cables and flares in case of a breakdown. | | | | 70 mph. Just don't do it! |
| 3. Wear your seat belt! Fatal injuries are reduced by | | | | Follow these simple precautions and you have a much |
| 45% when lap and shoulder belts are used. Why take | | | | greater chance of staying safe on the road. Don't take |
| the risk? Make sure all passengers are buckled up | | | | chances - get to your destination safely. |
| before you start the car. | | | | |