1. Buckle up
Statistics show that seat belts save lives and reduce injuries. Ensure that you and your passengers, especially children, are securely and properly fastened before you start your vehicle. Also ensure that child safety restraints are properly installed and maintained.
2. Stay Alert
Check your mirrors frequently and try to anticipate the actions of others. Never assume that you know what another driver intends to do. If you're tired or drowsy, pull over and rest or change drivers. If you're a passenger, stay alert for signs of drowsiness in the driver. Don't be afraid to ask, "Are you okay to drive?" Encourage the driver to pull over if not FULLY alert. And remember, always act as another set of eyes for the driver. Avoid startling the driver (unless it's an extreme situation) but calmly alert him or her to potential hazards.
3. Stay Back
Stay a safe distance from other vehicles; the driver ahead of you may change his mind at the last second or need to stop suddenly. Leave at least one car length for every 15 km per hour under normal weather conditions. Give yourself an even greater distance at night or in wet, icy or foggy conditions.
4. Use your signal lights
Give other drivers plenty of warning that you intend to turn or change lanes. You may help to avoid an accident that would have been your fault.
5. Honk if you see danger
Vehicle horns are warning devices that should only be used in extreme situations. Avoid startling other drivers unless it's an emergency situation.
6. Slow down, slow down, slow down
Speed kills. Not only it does it reduce the time you have to react to a situation, but it also results in injury and death when an accident simply cannot be avoided.
7. Slow down even more in low visibility
At night or in fog, rain or snow, slow down even more. Keep low beams on in foggy conditions, and if the fog or precipitation becomes too thick, pull over and stop, being sure to leave your lights on.
8. Don't panic when skidding
If you're driving for the conditions and staying alert, chances are you won't go into a skid. But it can happen when road conditions change suddenly and without warning. If it does happen, stay cool. Take your foot off the accelerator and DO NOT hit the brakes. Gently turn your steering wheel in the direction of the skid.
9. Avoid distractions
What would you think of an airline pilot coming in for a landing at a busy airport with a hamburger in one hand and cell phone cradled on his shoulder as he talks to his stock broker? You probably wouldn't feel very safe. Don't let it happen to you either as you pilot a one-ton missile at the landing speed of an airplane. Whether it's a cell phone, street map, fast food or the children in the back seat, don't let distractions take your mind away from the important task at hand-getting everyone to the destination safely. Carefully pull off the road and then deal with the situation.
10. Don't drink and drive
Need we say more?
