safety driving guidelines
TRANSCRIPT
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Top 10 Safe Driving TipsToday, we drive safer cars on safer roads; decades of advertisements and public
information campaigns have made most of us safer drivers. As a result, the U.S. logged
the lowest accident fatality rate ever recorded in 2008 [source:NHTSA]. Despite thisprogress, unfortunately, the number of auto accidents and fatalities nationwide is still
quite staggering: In 2008, there were almost 6 million car accidents in the U.S., leading
to more than 37,000 deaths. What's more, automobile accidents are the leading cause
of death for people between the ages of three and 34 in this country.
Improvements intechnologywill continue to help bring those numbers down, but the
bottom line remains that most car accidents are the result of human error. The best way
to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident is to practice safe driving behaviors.
Whether you're just learning to drive or you've been behind the wheel for decades, it's a
good idea to review some basic rules forsafe driving. Here are 10 driving tips that will
help bring you and your passengers home unharmed.
More than 30 percent of all auto accident fatalities in the United States involve drivers
impaired by alcohol. These accidents led to 11,773 deaths in 2008 alone
[source:NHTSA]. Most of those deaths could've been avoided if the drivers involved
simply hadn't gotten behind the wheel while drunk.
Alcoholcauses a number of impairments that lead to car accidents. Even at low blood-
alcohol levels, intoxication reduces reaction time and coordination and lowers
inhibitions, which can cause drivers to make foolish choices. At higher levels, alcohol
causes blurred or double vision and even loss of consciousness. Drunk driving isn't just
a terrible idea -- it's a crime. In the U.S,getting caughtbehind the wheel with a blood-
alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher will probably earn you a trip to jail.
It's easy to avoid driving drunk. If you've been drinking, ask a sober friend for a ride or
call a cab. If you're planning to drink, make sure you have a designated driver. The mildinconvenience of taking a cab home is nothing compared to the disastrous
consequences of driving drunk.
9
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Don't Speed|
Image Gallery: Car SafetySafe driving behaviors breed safer drivers. See morecar safety pictures.
Ryan McVay/Getty Images
Today, we drive safer cars on safer roads; decades of advertisements and public
information campaigns have made most of us safer drivers. As a result, the U.S. logged
the lowest accident fatality rate ever recorded in 2008 [source:NHTSA]. Despite this
progress, unfortunately, the number of auto accidents and fatalities nationwide is still
quite staggering: In 2008, there were almost 6 million car accidents in the U.S., leading
to more than 37,000 deaths. What's more, automobile accidents are the leading cause
of death for people between the ages of three and 34 in this country.
Improvements intechnologywill continue to help bring those numbers down, but the
bottom line remains that most car accidents are the result of human error. The best way
to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident is to practice safe driving behaviors.
Whether you're just learning to drive or you've been behind the wheel for decades, it's a
good idea to review some basic rules forsafe driving. Here are 10 driving tips that will
help bring you and your passengers home unharmed.
More than 30 percent of all auto accident fatalities in the United States involve drivers
impaired by alcohol. These accidents led to 11,773 deaths in 2008 alone
[source:NHTSA]. Most of those deaths could've been avoided if the drivers involved
simply hadn't gotten behind the wheel while drunk.
Alcoholcauses a number of impairments that lead to car accidents. Even at low blood-
alcohol levels, intoxication reduces reaction time and coordination and lowers
inhibitions, which can cause drivers to make foolish choices. At higher levels, alcohol
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/alcohol.htmhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/alcohol.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/alcohol.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htm -
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causes blurred or double vision and even loss of consciousness. Drunk driving isn't just
a terrible idea -- it's a crime. In the U.S,getting caughtbehind the wheel with a blood-
alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher will probably earn you a trip to jail.
It's easy to avoid driving drunk. If you've been drinking, ask a sober friend for a ride orcall a cab. If you're planning to drink, make sure you have a designated driver. The mild
inconvenience of taking a cab home is nothing compared to the disastrous
consequences of driving drunk.
Going fastlooks like fun, but the need for speed may cost you your life.
Fraser Hall/Getty Images
As the old public service campaign so succinctly put it, "Speed kills." Research has
shown that for every mile per hour you drive, the likelihood of your being in an accident
increases by four to five percent [source:ERSO]. Athigher speeds, the risk increases
much more quickly.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explains the
consequences of fast driving quite simply: "Speeding is one of the most prevalent
factors contributing to traffic crashes. The economic cost to society of speeding-related
crashes is estimated by NHTSA to be $40.4 billion per year. In 2008, speeding was a
contributing factor in 31 percent of all fatal crashes, and 11,674 lives were lost in
speeding-related crashes" [source:NHTSA].
For your average drive across town, driving even 10 mph (16.1 kph) faster is only goingto save you a few minutes -- while increasing your crash risk by as much as 50 percent.
Even on long trips, the time you'll save is inconsequential compared to the risks
associated with speeding. Take your time and obey postedspeed limits. If you really
need to get there as fast as possible, there's one fool-proof solution: Leave earlier.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/10-safe-driving-tips.htm#page=4http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htm -
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8Avoid Distractions
|
Image Gallery: Car SafetySafe driving behaviors breed safer drivers. See morecar safety pictures.
Ryan McVay/Getty Images
Today, we drive safer cars on safer roads; decades of advertisements and public
information campaigns have made most of us safer drivers. As a result, the U.S. logged
the lowest accident fatality rate ever recorded in 2008 [source:NHTSA]. Despite this
progress, unfortunately, the number of auto accidents and fatalities nationwide is still
quite staggering: In 2008, there were almost 6 million car accidents in the U.S., leading
to more than 37,000 deaths. What's more, automobile accidents are the leading cause
of death for people between the ages of three and 34 in this country.
Improvements intechnologywill continue to help bring those numbers down, but the
bottom line remains that most car accidents are the result of human error. The best way
to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident is to practice safe driving behaviors.
Whether you're just learning to drive or you've been behind the wheel for decades, it's a
good idea to review some basic rules forsafe driving. Here are 10 driving tips that will
help bring you and your passengers home unharmed.More than 30 percent of all auto accident fatalities in the United States involve drivers
impaired by alcohol. These accidents led to 11,773 deaths in 2008 alone
[source:NHTSA]. Most of those deaths could've been avoided if the drivers involved
simply hadn't gotten behind the wheel while drunk.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/10-safe-driving-tips.htm#page=4http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/10-safe-driving-tips.htm#page=4http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/10-safe-driving-tips.htm#page=4 -
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Alcoholcauses a number of impairments that lead to car accidents. Even at low blood-
alcohol levels, intoxication reduces reaction time and coordination and lowers
inhibitions, which can cause drivers to make foolish choices. At higher levels, alcohol
causes blurred or double vision and even loss of consciousness. Drunk driving isn't just
a terrible idea -- it's a crime. In the U.S,getting caughtbehind the wheel with a blood-
alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher will probably earn you a trip to jail.
It's easy to avoid driving drunk. If you've been drinking, ask a sober friend for a ride or
call a cab. If you're planning to drink, make sure you have a designated driver. The mild
inconvenience of taking a cab home is nothing compared to the disastrous
consequences of driving drunk.
Going fastlooks like fun, but the need for speed may cost you your life.
Fraser Hall/Getty Images
As the old public service campaign so succinctly put it, "Speed kills." Research hasshown that for every mile per hour you drive, the likelihood of your being in an accident
increases by four to five percent [source:ERSO]. Athigher speeds, the risk increases
much more quickly.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explains the
consequences of fast driving quite simply: "Speeding is one of the most prevalent
factors contributing to traffic crashes. The economic cost to society of speeding-related
crashes is estimated by NHTSA to be $40.4 billion per year. In 2008, speeding was a
contributing factor in 31 percent of all fatal crashes, and 11,674 lives were lost in
speeding-related crashes" [source:NHTSA].
For your average drive across town, driving even 10 mph (16.1 kph) faster is only going
to save you a few minutes -- while increasing your crash risk by as much as 50 percent.
Even on long trips, the time you'll save is inconsequential compared to the risks
http://science.howstuffworks.com/alcohol.htmhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/alcohol.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/alcohol.htm -
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associated with speeding. Take your time and obey postedspeed limits. If you really
need to get there as fast as possible, there's one fool-proof solution: Leave earlier.
Many states in the U.S. have passed laws that ban the use of cell phones while driving.
The reason is the number of deaths attributed to this seemingly harmless activity: 2,600
deaths nationwide every year, by some estimates [source:Live Science]. In fact, those
numbers may actually be too low, due to the continued rise incell phoneuse behind the
wheel. If you think that talking andtextingwhile driving isn't a big deal, consider this:
One researcher compared the reaction time of a 20-year-old driver talking on a cell
phone to that of a 70-year-old driver. What's more, working a cell phone behind the
wheel can delay reaction times by as much as 20 percent.
It isn't just cell phones that cause distractions, however. Eating, applying makeup,
fiddling withelectronic devicesor interacting with passengers also diverts a driver'sattention in potentially deadly ways. Perhaps the best advice on driving distractions
came from rocker Jim Morrison: "Keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the
wheel."
Don't Drive Drowsy|
Image Gallery: Car SafetySafe driving behaviors breed safer drivers. See morecar safety pictures.
Ryan McVay/Getty Images
Today, we drive safer cars on safer roads; decades of advertisements and public
information campaigns have made most of us safer drivers. As a result, the U.S. logged
the lowest accident fatality rate ever recorded in 2008 [source:NHTSA]. Despite this
progress, unfortunately, the number of auto accidents and fatalities nationwide is still
quite staggering: In 2008, there were almost 6 million car accidents in the U.S., leading
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.htmlhttp://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.htmlhttp://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.htmlhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.htmlhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htm -
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to more than 37,000 deaths. What's more, automobile accidents are the leading cause
of death for people between the ages of three and 34 in this country.
Improvements intechnologywill continue to help bring those numbers down, but the
bottom line remains that most car accidents are the result of human error. The best wayto reduce the risk of being involved in an accident is to practice safe driving behaviors.
Whether you're just learning to drive or you've been behind the wheel for decades, it's a
good idea to review some basic rules forsafe driving. Here are 10 driving tips that will
help bring you and your passengers home unharmed.
More than 30 percent of all auto accident fatalities in the United States involve drivers
impaired by alcohol. These accidents led to 11,773 deaths in 2008 alone
[source:NHTSA]. Most of those deaths could've been avoided if the drivers involved
simply hadn't gotten behind the wheel while drunk.
Alcoholcauses a number of impairments that lead to car accidents. Even at low blood-
alcohol levels, intoxication reduces reaction time and coordination and lowers
inhibitions, which can cause drivers to make foolish choices. At higher levels, alcohol
causes blurred or double vision and even loss of consciousness. Drunk driving isn't just
a terrible idea -- it's a crime. In the U.S,getting caughtbehind the wheel with a blood-
alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher will probably earn you a trip to jail.
It's easy to avoid driving drunk. If you've been drinking, ask a sober friend for a ride or
call a cab. If you're planning to drink, make sure you have a designated driver. The mild
inconvenience of taking a cab home is nothing compared to the disastrous
consequences of driving drunk.
Going fastlooks like fun, but the need for speed may cost you your life.
Fraser Hall/Getty Images
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/alcohol.htmhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/alcohol.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/alcohol.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htm -
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As the old public service campaign so succinctly put it, "Speed kills." Research has
shown that for every mile per hour you drive, the likelihood of your being in an accident
increases by four to five percent [source:ERSO]. Athigher speeds, the risk increases
much more quickly.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explains the
consequences of fast driving quite simply: "Speeding is one of the most prevalent
factors contributing to traffic crashes. The economic cost to society of speeding-related
crashes is estimated by NHTSA to be $40.4 billion per year. In 2008, speeding was a
contributing factor in 31 percent of all fatal crashes, and 11,674 lives were lost in
speeding-related crashes" [source:NHTSA].
For your average drive across town, driving even 10 mph (16.1 kph) faster is only going
to save you a few minutes -- while increasing your crash risk by as much as 50 percent.
Even on long trips, the time you'll save is inconsequential compared to the risks
associated with speeding. Take your time and obey postedspeed limits. If you really
need to get there as fast as possible, there's one fool-proof solution: Leave earlier.
Many states in the U.S. have passed laws that ban the use of cell phones while driving.
The reason is the number of deaths attributed to this seemingly harmless activity: 2,600
deaths nationwide every year, by some estimates [source:Live Science]. In fact, those
numbers may actually be too low, due to the continued rise incell phoneuse behind the
wheel. If you think that talking andtextingwhile driving isn't a big deal, consider this:
One researcher compared the reaction time of a 20-year-old driver talking on a cell
phone to that of a 70-year-old driver. What's more, working a cell phone behind the
wheel can delay reaction times by as much as 20 percent.
It isn't just cell phones that cause distractions, however. Eating, applying makeup,
fiddling withelectronic devicesor interacting with passengers also diverts a driver's
attention in potentially deadly ways. Perhaps the best advice on driving distractions
came from rocker Jim Morrison: "Keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon thewheel."
http://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.htmlhttp://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.htmlhttp://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.htmlhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.htmlhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htm -
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We know you've got somewhere to go, but driving drowsy can be just as dangerous asdriving drunk.
Adam Gault/Digital Vision/Getty Images
A study conducted by researchers at Virginia Tech reported that 20 percent of all
accidents have sleepiness as a contributing factor [source:TheDenverChannel]. If a
driver is tired enough to actuallyfall asleep while driving, the results are predictable.
Even on a relatively straight highway, a sleeping driver will eventually drift off the road.
Trees, utility poles, ravines and bridge abutments turn this into a deadly scenario -- and
that doesn't even take other cars into account.
You might think a few yawns are nothing to worry about, but just being a little drowsy is
enough to increase your risk of getting in an accident. Responses can range from
dozing off for a few seconds at a time to simply "zoning out" and losing all focus on the
road. At highway speeds, one or two seconds of inattention can lead to disaster.
The solution is simple: Get a better night's sleep! Make sure you get a solid eight hours
ofsleep, not just on the night before a long drive, but on a regular basis. Failure to get
enough sleep every night builds a sleep deficit that can leave you drowsy and unable to
focus. If you're driving and feel the least bit groggy, take action immediately. Don't think
you'll get any kind of warning before you fall asleep, or that you can fight it off. People
can move from drowsy to sound asleep without warning. If this happens to you, have a
friend take over behind the wheel, find a rest area where you can catch a few hours of
sleep or take a break until you're feeling more alert.
Wear Your Seat Belt|
http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/14360882/detail.htmlhttp://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/14360882/detail.htmlhttp://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/14360882/detail.htmlhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-wake-you-up.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-wake-you-up.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-wake-you-up.htmhttp://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/basics/importance-of-sleep.htmhttp://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/basics/importance-of-sleep.htmhttp://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/basics/importance-of-sleep.htmhttp://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/basics/importance-of-sleep.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-wake-you-up.htmhttp://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/14360882/detail.htmlhttp://www.gettyimages.com/ -
7/29/2019 Safety Driving Guidelines
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Image Gallery: Car Safety
Safe driving behaviors breed safer drivers. See morecar safety pictures.
Ryan McVay/Getty Images
Today, we drive safer cars on safer roads; decades of advertisements and public
information campaigns have made most of us safer drivers. As a result, the U.S. logged
the lowest accident fatality rate ever recorded in 2008 [source:NHTSA]. Despite this
progress, unfortunately, the number of auto accidents and fatalities nationwide is still
quite staggering: In 2008, there were almost 6 million car accidents in the U.S., leading
to more than 37,000 deaths. What's more, automobile accidents are the leading cause
of death for people between the ages of three and 34 in this country.
Improvements intechnologywill continue to help bring those numbers down, but the
bottom line remains that most car accidents are the result of human error. The best way
to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident is to practice safe driving behaviors.Whether you're just learning to drive or you've been behind the wheel for decades, it's a
good idea to review some basic rules forsafe driving. Here are 10 driving tips that will
help bring you and your passengers home unharmed.
More than 30 percent of all auto accident fatalities in the United States involve drivers
impaired by alcohol. These accidents led to 11,773 deaths in 2008 alone
[source:NHTSA]. Most of those deaths could've been avoided if the drivers involved
simply hadn't gotten behind the wheel while drunk.
Alcoholcauses a number of impairments that lead to car accidents. Even at low blood-
alcohol levels, intoxication reduces reaction time and coordination and lowers
inhibitions, which can cause drivers to make foolish choices. At higher levels, alcohol
causes blurred or double vision and even loss of consciousness. Drunk driving isn't just
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/alcohol.htmhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/alcohol.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/alcohol.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htm -
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a terrible idea -- it's a crime. In the U.S,getting caughtbehind the wheel with a blood-
alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher will probably earn you a trip to jail.
It's easy to avoid driving drunk. If you've been drinking, ask a sober friend for a ride or
call a cab. If you're planning to drink, make sure you have a designated driver. The mildinconvenience of taking a cab home is nothing compared to the disastrous
consequences of driving drunk.
Going fastlooks like fun, but the need for speed may cost you your life.
Fraser Hall/Getty Images
As the old public service campaign so succinctly put it, "Speed kills." Research has
shown that for every mile per hour you drive, the likelihood of your being in an accident
increases by four to five percent [source:ERSO]. Athigher speeds, the risk increases
much more quickly.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explains the
consequences of fast driving quite simply: "Speeding is one of the most prevalent
factors contributing to traffic crashes. The economic cost to society of speeding-related
crashes is estimated by NHTSA to be $40.4 billion per year. In 2008, speeding was a
contributing factor in 31 percent of all fatal crashes, and 11,674 lives were lost in
speeding-related crashes" [source:NHTSA].
For your average drive across town, driving even 10 mph (16.1 kph) faster is only going
to save you a few minutes -- while increasing your crash risk by as much as 50 percent.Even on long trips, the time you'll save is inconsequential compared to the risks
associated with speeding. Take your time and obey postedspeed limits. If you really
need to get there as fast as possible, there's one fool-proof solution: Leave earlier.
Many states in the U.S. have passed laws that ban the use of cell phones while driving.
The reason is the number of deaths attributed to this seemingly harmless activity: 2,600
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htm -
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deaths nationwide every year, by some estimates [source:Live Science]. In fact, those
numbers may actually be too low, due to the continued rise incell phoneuse behind the
wheel. If you think that talking andtextingwhile driving isn't a big deal, consider this:
One researcher compared the reaction time of a 20-year-old driver talking on a cell
phone to that of a 70-year-old driver. What's more, working a cell phone behind the
wheel can delay reaction times by as much as 20 percent.
It isn't just cell phones that cause distractions, however. Eating, applying makeup,
fiddling withelectronic devicesor interacting with passengers also diverts a driver's
attention in potentially deadly ways. Perhaps the best advice on driving distractions
came from rocker Jim Morrison: "Keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the
wheel."
We know you've got somewhere to go, but driving drowsy can be just as dangerous asdriving drunk.
Adam Gault/Digital Vision/Getty Images
A study conducted by researchers at Virginia Tech reported that 20 percent of all
accidents have sleepiness as a contributing factor [source:TheDenverChannel]. If a
driver is tired enough to actuallyfall asleep while driving, the results are predictable.
Even on a relatively straight highway, a sleeping driver will eventually drift off the road.
Trees, utility poles, ravines and bridge abutments turn this into a deadly scenario -- and
that doesn't even take other cars into account.
You might think a few yawns are nothing to worry about, but just being a little drowsy is
enough to increase your risk of getting in an accident. Responses can range from
dozing off for a few seconds at a time to simply "zoning out" and losing all focus on the
road. At highway speeds, one or two seconds of inattention can lead to disaster.
The solution is simple: Get a better night's sleep! Make sure you get a solid eight hours
ofsleep, not just on the night before a long drive, but on a regular basis. Failure to get
http://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.htmlhttp://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.htmlhttp://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.htmlhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/14360882/detail.htmlhttp://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/14360882/detail.htmlhttp://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/14360882/detail.htmlhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-wake-you-up.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-wake-you-up.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-wake-you-up.htmhttp://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/basics/importance-of-sleep.htmhttp://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/basics/importance-of-sleep.htmhttp://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/basics/importance-of-sleep.htmhttp://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/basics/importance-of-sleep.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-wake-you-up.htmhttp://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/14360882/detail.htmlhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.html -
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enough sleep every night builds a sleep deficit that can leave you drowsy and unable to
focus. If you're driving and feel the least bit groggy, take action immediately. Don't think
you'll get any kind of warning before you fall asleep, or that you can fight it off. People
can move from drowsy to sound asleep without warning. If this happens to you, have a
friend take over behind the wheel, find a rest area where you can catch a few hours of
sleep or take a break until you're feeling more alert.
Seat beltssave lives. Worn properly, they prevent you from being thrown around the
inside of a crashing vehicle or, worse, thrown through the windshield and flung
completely out of the vehicle. NHTSA statistics reveal that more than half of all accident
fatalities were people who weren't using seat belts [source:NHTSA]. The numbers are
much scarier for young drivers and passengers: A staggering 70 percent of fatal crash
victims between the ages of 13 and 15 weren't wearing seat belts.
Everyone has heard horror stories about people who were killed in bizarre freak
accidents in which they'd have lived if only they hadn't been wearing a seat belt. Even if
these stories are true -- many of them are exaggerations or urban legends -- they're
also anomalies. In the overwhelming majority of car crashes, you have a greater chance
of surviving if you're wearing a seat belt.
Even a low-speed crash can send an unbelted person careening into the dashboard or
side window, resulting in severe head injuries or broken bones. At higher speeds, the
possible fates of the unbelted occupant are gruesome: severe lacerations from being
propelled through thewindshield; struck by other cars because you landed on the road;
slammed into a tree or a house at 50 mph (80 kph). Sound scary? Then buckle up.
Be Extra Careful in Bad Weather|
Image Gallery: Car SafetySafe driving behaviors breed safer drivers. See morecar safety pictures.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/seatbelt.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/seatbelt.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/wiper.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/wiper.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/wiper.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/wiper.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/seatbelt.htm -
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Ryan McVay/Getty Images
Today, we drive safer cars on safer roads; decades of advertisements and public
information campaigns have made most of us safer drivers. As a result, the U.S. logged
the lowest accident fatality rate ever recorded in 2008 [source:NHTSA]. Despite this
progress, unfortunately, the number of auto accidents and fatalities nationwide is still
quite staggering: In 2008, there were almost 6 million car accidents in the U.S., leading
to more than 37,000 deaths. What's more, automobile accidents are the leading cause
of death for people between the ages of three and 34 in this country.
Improvements intechnologywill continue to help bring those numbers down, but the
bottom line remains that most car accidents are the result of human error. The best way
to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident is to practice safe driving behaviors.
Whether you're just learning to drive or you've been behind the wheel for decades, it's a
good idea to review some basic rules forsafe driving. Here are 10 driving tips that will
help bring you and your passengers home unharmed.
More than 30 percent of all auto accident fatalities in the United States involve drivers
impaired by alcohol. These accidents led to 11,773 deaths in 2008 alone
[source:NHTSA]. Most of those deaths could've been avoided if the drivers involved
simply hadn't gotten behind the wheel while drunk.
Alcoholcauses a number of impairments that lead to car accidents. Even at low blood-alcohol levels, intoxication reduces reaction time and coordination and lowers
inhibitions, which can cause drivers to make foolish choices. At higher levels, alcohol
causes blurred or double vision and even loss of consciousness. Drunk driving isn't just
a terrible idea -- it's a crime. In the U.S,getting caughtbehind the wheel with a blood-
alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher will probably earn you a trip to jail.
It's easy to avoid driving drunk. If you've been drinking, ask a sober friend for a ride or
call a cab. If you're planning to drink, make sure you have a designated driver. The mild
inconvenience of taking a cab home is nothing compared to the disastrous
consequences of driving drunk.
http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/alcohol.htmhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/alcohol.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/alcohol.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www.gettyimages.com/ -
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Going fastlooks like fun, but the need for speed may cost you your life.
Fraser Hall/Getty Images
As the old public service campaign so succinctly put it, "Speed kills." Research has
shown that for every mile per hour you drive, the likelihood of your being in an accident
increases by four to five percent [source:ERSO]. Athigher speeds, the risk increases
much more quickly.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explains the
consequences of fast driving quite simply: "Speeding is one of the most prevalent
factors contributing to traffic crashes. The economic cost to society of speeding-related
crashes is estimated by NHTSA to be $40.4 billion per year. In 2008, speeding was a
contributing factor in 31 percent of all fatal crashes, and 11,674 lives were lost in
speeding-related crashes" [source:NHTSA].
For your average drive across town, driving even 10 mph (16.1 kph) faster is only going
to save you a few minutes -- while increasing your crash risk by as much as 50 percent.
Even on long trips, the time you'll save is inconsequential compared to the risks
associated with speeding. Take your time and obey postedspeed limits. If you really
need to get there as fast as possible, there's one fool-proof solution: Leave earlier.
Many states in the U.S. have passed laws that ban the use of cell phones while driving.
The reason is the number of deaths attributed to this seemingly harmless activity: 2,600
deaths nationwide every year, by some estimates [source:Live Science]. In fact, those
numbers may actually be too low, due to the continued rise incell phoneuse behind the
wheel. If you think that talking andtextingwhile driving isn't a big deal, consider this:
One researcher compared the reaction time of a 20-year-old driver talking on a cell
phone to that of a 70-year-old driver. What's more, working a cell phone behind the
wheel can delay reaction times by as much as 20 percent.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.htmlhttp://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.htmlhttp://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.htmlhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.htmlhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htm -
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It isn't just cell phones that cause distractions, however. Eating, applying makeup,
fiddling withelectronic devicesor interacting with passengers also diverts a driver's
attention in potentially deadly ways. Perhaps the best advice on driving distractions
came from rocker Jim Morrison: "Keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the
wheel."
We know you've got somewhere to go, but driving drowsy can be just as dangerous asdriving drunk.
Adam Gault/Digital Vision/Getty Images
A study conducted by researchers at Virginia Tech reported that 20 percent of all
accidents have sleepiness as a contributing factor [source:TheDenverChannel]. If a
driver is tired enough to actuallyfall asleep while driving, the results are predictable.
Even on a relatively straight highway, a sleeping driver will eventually drift off the road.
Trees, utility poles, ravines and bridge abutments turn this into a deadly scenario -- and
that doesn't even take other cars into account.
You might think a few yawns are nothing to worry about, but just being a little drowsy is
enough to increase your risk of getting in an accident. Responses can range from
dozing off for a few seconds at a time to simply "zoning out" and losing all focus on the
road. At highway speeds, one or two seconds of inattention can lead to disaster.
The solution is simple: Get a better night's sleep! Make sure you get a solid eight hours
ofsleep, not just on the night before a long drive, but on a regular basis. Failure to get
enough sleep every night builds a sleep deficit that can leave you drowsy and unable to
focus. If you're driving and feel the least bit groggy, take action immediately. Don't think
you'll get any kind of warning before you fall asleep, or that you can fight it off. People
can move from drowsy to sound asleep without warning. If this happens to you, have a
friend take over behind the wheel, find a rest area where you can catch a few hours of
sleep or take a break until you're feeling more alert.
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/14360882/detail.htmlhttp://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/14360882/detail.htmlhttp://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/14360882/detail.htmlhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-wake-you-up.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-wake-you-up.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-wake-you-up.htmhttp://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/basics/importance-of-sleep.htmhttp://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/basics/importance-of-sleep.htmhttp://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/basics/importance-of-sleep.htmhttp://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/basics/importance-of-sleep.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-wake-you-up.htmhttp://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/14360882/detail.htmlhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htm -
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Seat beltssave lives. Worn properly, they prevent you from being thrown around the
inside of a crashing vehicle or, worse, thrown through the windshield and flung
completely out of the vehicle. NHTSA statistics reveal that more than half of all accident
fatalities were people who weren't using seat belts [source:NHTSA]. The numbers are
much scarier for young drivers and passengers: A staggering 70 percent of fatal crash
victims between the ages of 13 and 15 weren't wearing seat belts.
Everyone has heard horror stories about people who were killed in bizarre freak
accidents in which they'd have lived if only they hadn't been wearing a seat belt. Even if
these stories are true -- many of them are exaggerations or urban legends -- they're
also anomalies. In the overwhelming majority of car crashes, you have a greater chance
of surviving if you're wearing a seat belt.
Even a low-speed crash can send an unbelted person careening into the dashboard or
side window, resulting in severe head injuries or broken bones. At higher speeds, the
possible fates of the unbelted occupant are gruesome: severe lacerations from being
propelled through thewindshield; struck by other cars because you landed on the road;
slammed into a tree or a house at 50 mph (80 kph). Sound scary? Then buckle up.
Bad weather can be especially dangerous for highway drivers.
Altrendo Travel/Getty Images
If you're driving through fog, heavy rain, a snow storm or on icy roads, be extra
cautious. Take all of the other tips presented here and make full use of them: Drive
below the speed limit if necessary, maintain extra space between you and the carahead, and be especially careful around curves. If you're driving through weather
conditions you don't know well, consider delegating driving duties to someone who
does, if possible. If the weather worsens, just find a safe place to wait out the storm.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/seatbelt.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/seatbelt.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/wiper.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/wiper.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/wiper.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/road-salt.htmhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/road-salt.htmhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/road-salt.htmhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/road-salt.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/wiper.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/seatbelt.htm -
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If you're experiencing bad visibility, either from fog orsnow, and you end up off the side
of the road (intentionally or otherwise), turn off your lights. Drivers who can't see the
road will be looking for other cars to follow along the highway. When they see your
lights, they'll drive toward you and may not realize you're not moving in time to avoid a
collision.
Don't Follow Too Closely
|
Image Gallery: Car Safety
Safe driving behaviors breed safer drivers. See morecar safety pictures.
Ryan McVay/Getty Images
Today, we drive safer cars on safer roads; decades of advertisements and public
information campaigns have made most of us safer drivers. As a result, the U.S. logged
the lowest accident fatality rate ever recorded in 2008 [source:NHTSA]. Despite this
progress, unfortunately, the number of auto accidents and fatalities nationwide is still
quite staggering: In 2008, there were almost 6 million car accidents in the U.S., leading
to more than 37,000 deaths. What's more, automobile accidents are the leading cause
of death for people between the ages of three and 34 in this country.
Improvements intechnologywill continue to help bring those numbers down, but the
bottom line remains that most car accidents are the result of human error. The best wayto reduce the risk of being involved in an accident is to practice safe driving behaviors.
Whether you're just learning to drive or you've been behind the wheel for decades, it's a
good idea to review some basic rules forsafe driving. Here are 10 driving tips that will
help bring you and your passengers home unharmed.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/how-to-prepare-your-car-for-winter.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/how-to-prepare-your-car-for-winter.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/how-to-prepare-your-car-for-winter.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/5-driving-safety-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/pre-collision-systems.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-safety-pictures.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/how-to-prepare-your-car-for-winter.htm -
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More than 30 percent of all auto accident fatalities in the United States involve drivers
impaired by alcohol. These accidents led to 11,773 deaths in 2008 alone
[source:NHTSA]. Most of those deaths could've been avoided if the drivers involved
simply hadn't gotten behind the wheel while drunk.
Alcoholcauses a number of impairments that lead to car accidents. Even at low blood-
alcohol levels, intoxication reduces reaction time and coordination and lowers
inhibitions, which can cause drivers to make foolish choices. At higher levels, alcohol
causes blurred or double vision and even loss of consciousness. Drunk driving isn't just
a terrible idea -- it's a crime. In the U.S,getting caughtbehind the wheel with a blood-
alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher will probably earn you a trip to jail.
It's easy to avoid driving drunk. If you've been drinking, ask a sober friend for a ride or
call a cab. If you're planning to drink, make sure you have a designated driver. The mild
inconvenience of taking a cab home is nothing compared to the disastrous
consequences of driving drunk.
Going fastlooks like fun, but the need for speed may cost you your life.
Fraser Hall/Getty Images
As the old public service campaign so succinctly put it, "Speed kills." Research has
shown that for every mile per hour you drive, the likelihood of your being in an accident
increases by four to five percent [source:ERSO]. Athigher speeds, the risk increases
much more quickly.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explains the
consequences of fast driving quite simply: "Speeding is one of the most prevalent
factors contributing to traffic crashes. The economic cost to society of speeding-related
crashes is estimated by NHTSA to be $40.4 billion per year. In 2008, speeding was a
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/alcohol.htmhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/alcohol.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/13-land-and-water-speed-records.htmhttp://www.erso.eu/knowledge/content/20_speed/speed_and_accident_risk.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/5-speed-videos.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/dui.htmhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/alcohol.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Id -
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contributing factor in 31 percent of all fatal crashes, and 11,674 lives were lost in
speeding-related crashes" [source:NHTSA].
For your average drive across town, driving even 10 mph (16.1 kph) faster is only going
to save you a few minutes -- while increasing your crash risk by as much as 50 percent.Even on long trips, the time you'll save is inconsequential compared to the risks
associated with speeding. Take your time and obey postedspeed limits. If you really
need to get there as fast as possible, there's one fool-proof solution: Leave earlier.
Many states in the U.S. have passed laws that ban the use of cell phones while driving.
The reason is the number of deaths attributed to this seemingly harmless activity: 2,600
deaths nationwide every year, by some estimates [source:Live Science]. In fact, those
numbers may actually be too low, due to the continued rise incell phoneuse behind the
wheel. If you think that talking andtextingwhile driving isn't a big deal, consider this:One researcher compared the reaction time of a 20-year-old driver talking on a cell
phone to that of a 70-year-old driver. What's more, working a cell phone behind the
wheel can delay reaction times by as much as 20 percent.
It isn't just cell phones that cause distractions, however. Eating, applying makeup,
fiddling withelectronic devicesor interacting with passengers also diverts a driver's
attention in potentially deadly ways. Perhaps the best advice on driving distractions
came from rocker Jim Morrison: "Keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the
wheel."
We know you've got somewhere to go, but driving drowsy can be just as dangerous as
driving drunk.
Adam Gault/Digital Vision/Getty Images
A study conducted by researchers at Virginia Tech reported that 20 percent of all
accidents have sleepiness as a contributing factor [source:TheDenverChannel]. If a
driver is tired enough to actuallyfall asleep while driving, the results are predictable.
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Idhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.htmlhttp://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.htmlhttp://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.htmlhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htmhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.gettyimages.com/http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/14360882/detail.htmlhttp://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/14360882/detail.htmlhttp://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/14360882/detail.htmlhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-wake-you-up.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-wake-you-up.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-wake-you-up.htmhttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/car-wake-you-up.htmhttp://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/14360882/detail.htmlhttp://www.gettyimages.com/http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/5-car-gadgets.htmhttp://computer.howstuffworks.com/e-mail-messaging/sms.htmhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htmhttp://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.htmlhttp://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-speed-limit.htmhttp://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Cats/listpublications.aspx?Id -
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Even on a relatively straight highway, a sleeping driver will eventually drift off the road.
Trees, utility poles, ravines and bridge abutments turn this into a deadly scenario -- and
that doesn't even take other cars into account.
You might think a few yawns are nothing to worry about, but just being a little drowsy isenough to increase your risk of getting in an accident. Responses can range from
dozing off for a few seconds at a time to simply "zoning out" and losing all focus on the
road. At highway speeds, one or two seconds of inattention can lead to disaster.
The solution is simple: Get a better night's sleep! Make sure you get a solid eight hours
ofsleep, not just on the night before a long drive, but on a regular basis. Failure to get
enough sleep every night builds a sleep deficit that can leave you drowsy and unable to
focus. If you're driving and feel the least bit groggy, take action immediately. Don't think
you'll get any kind of warning before you fall asleep, or that you can fight it off. People
can move from drowsy to sound asleep without warning. If this happens to you, have a
friend take over behind the wheel, find a rest area where you can catch a few hours of
sleep or take a break until you're feeling more alert.
Seat beltssave lives. Worn properly, they prevent you from being thrown around the
inside of a crashing vehicle or, worse, thrown through the windshield and flung
completely out of the vehicle. NHTSA statistics reveal that more than half of all accident
fatalities were people who weren't using seat belts [source:NHTSA]. The numbers are
much scarier for young drivers and passengers: A staggering 70 percent of fatal crash
victims between the ages of 13 and 15 weren't wearing seat belts.
Everyone has heard horror stories about people who were killed in bizarre freak
accidents in which they'd have lived if only they hadn't been wearing a seat belt. Even if
these stories are true -- many of them are exaggerations or urban legends -- they're
also anomalies. In the overwhelming majority of car crashes, you have a greater chance
of surviving if you're wearing a seat belt.
Even a low-speed crash can send an unbelted person careening into the dashboard or
side window, resulting in severe head injuries or broken bones. At higher speeds, the
possible fates of the unbelted occupant are gruesome: severe lacerations from being
propelled through thewindshield; struck by other cars because you landed on the road;
slammed into a tree or a house at 50 mph (80 kph). Sound scary? Then buckle up.
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Bad weather can be especially dangerous for highway drivers.
Altrendo Travel/Getty Images
If you're driving through fog, heavy rain, a snow storm or on icy roads, be extra
cautious. Take all of the other tips presented here and make full use of them: Drive
below the speed limit if necessary, maintain extra space between you and the car
ahead, and be especially careful around curves. If you're driving through weatherconditions you don't know well, consider delegating driving duties to someone who
does, if possible. If the weather worsens, just find a safe place to wait out the storm.
If you're experiencing bad visibility, either from fog orsnow, and you end up off the side
of the road (intentionally or otherwise), turn off your lights. Drivers who can't see the
road will be looking for other cars to follow along the highway. When they see your
lights, they'll drive toward you and may not realize you're not moving in time to avoid a
collision.
Safe driving guidelines advise drivers to keep a safe distance between themselves and
the car ahead. Drivers need enough time to react if that car makes a sudden turnor
stop. It can be too difficult to estimate the recommended distances while driving and the
exact distance would have to be adjusted for speed, so most experts recommend a
"three-second rule."
The three-second rule is simple. Find a stationary object on the side of the road. When
the car ahead of you passes it, start counting seconds. At least three seconds should
pass before your car passes the same object [source:SmartMotorist]. Once you havesome driving experience and have practiced keeping this minimum distance, you'll
develop an instinct for it and know how close to follow without having to count.
However, even experienced drivers should count off the three-second rule now and
then to make sure.
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Atnightor in inclement weather, double the recommended time to six seconds.
Sometimes, it doesn't matter how safely you drive. You could be driving the speed limit
and obeying all traffic rules and someone else can crash into you. One good rule of
thumb to use is, "Assume everyone else on the road is an idiot." In other words, be
prepared for unpredictable lane changes, sudden stops,unsignaled turns, swerving,
tailgating and every other bad driving behavior imaginable. Chances are, you'll
eventually encounter someone like this -- and it pays to be ready when you do.
It's impossible to list all the possible things another driver might do, but there are a few
common examples. If you're pulling out of a driveway into traffic and an oncoming car
has its turn signal on, don't assume it's actually turning. You might pull out only to find
that turn signal has been blinking since 1987. If you're approaching
anintersectionwhere you have the right of way, and another approaching car has thestop sign, don't assume it will actually stop. As you approach, take your foot off the gas
and be prepared tobrake.
Of course, being prepared requires awareness, so make sure you check your mirrors
and keep an eye on side streets so you'll know which other cars are around you and
how they're driving. Don't focus only on the road in front of your car -- look ahead so you
can see what's happening 50 to 100 yards (46 to 91 meters) up the road.
This tip is pretty simple to understand if we just put the proverbial shoe on the other
foot. Remember that one time when that jerk came flying down the street out of
nowhere, totally cut you off and almost caused a huge accident? Don't be tha