Small habits make a huge difference.

 

Look over this checklist and make an effort to follow these important safety tips everytime you get behind the wheel.  

When starting your car:  

• Put on your seat belt and make sure others are buckled

• Make sure your mirrors and seat are adjusted properly

• Know where all the controls are located

When stopping:

• Check traffic all around

• Stop behind crosswalks and limit lines

• Stop without keeping your foot on the gas

When moving forward:  

• Turn on your signal

• Check your mirrors and look over your shoulder before pulling into traffic

• Use both hands on opposite sides of the steering wheel

When turning:

• Slow down

• Yield right of way when necessary

• Begin and end turns in the correct lane

• Accept legal right of way when safe

• See and react appropriately to hazards

When backing up:

• Check your mirrors

• Look over both shoulders

When changing lanes:

• Signal and check your mirror

• Check over your shoulder to see your blind spot

• Change lanes safely

• Maintain your speed

When driving on the freeway:

• Check the traffic flow

• Time your entry onto the freeway

• Check your mirrors and over your shoulder before merging into traffic

• Signal early and slow on the exit ramp

• Adjust your speed to the current road conditions

When it comes to defensive driving:

• Keep a lookout all around, including way up ahead

• Check your mirrors before braking

• Follow at a safe distance

• Check cross streets before passing

• Check for signal lights and hand signs

• Keep a “space cushion” around your car