Practicing safe driving is a responsibility that every driver has a duty to uphold. Drivers can reduce the risk of causing injuries by limiting the amount of foreseeable hazards that they are exposed to on the road. Safe driving not only saves lives, it also helps you save on insurance and legal expenses. The safety checklist below provides a useful guideline to avoid accidents and prepare for the unexpected.

Important U.S. Statistics:

• 37,000 people die in car crashes each year
• 2.35 million are injured or disabled each year from car accidents
• 1,561,430 car accidents due to poor weather conditions are reported each year
  • 57% of weather-related accidents are not reported
• People are 8 times more likely to crash while texting and driving
• 1 out of every 6 drivers does not have insurance

Checklist for Hazardous Weather Conditions:

• Healthy tire tread (snow tires / snow tire chains)
• Clear car of snow / ice / debris
• Have jumper cables / flashlight
• Have ice scraper / windshield wiper solution / working wipers
• Check antifreeze level and battery
• Have spare tire / car jack
• Have a complete first aid kit and a life hammer (window breaker / seatbelt cutter)
• Make sure all lights are clean and working properly

Driving Tips for Avoiding Accidents in Hazardous Conditions:

1. Use 4 wheel drive on ice, snow, dirt, and rocks
2. Double following distance in wet / icy conditions
3. Try not to stop when going up hills in the snow / ice
4. Use fog lights in low visibility (not high beams)
5. Always use blinkers when turning
6. Use brakes appropriately
   1. Pump brakes with no ABS, stomp on brakes with ABS
7. Sliding on ice or water: release breaks, turn into slide, accelerate out
8. Be aware of black ice
9. Lower gears for downhill deceleration on slippery surfaces
10. Drive at an appropriate speed (not necessarily speed limit)
11. Use hazard lights when driving slowly
12. Avoid driving in flooded areas and high winds
13. Be conscious of weather reports
14. Know when the roads are too dangerous to drive on
    1. Pull over if you need to
15. Drive slowely in windy conditions and anticipate gusts

General Driving Safety Rules:

1. Only drive sober
2. Don’t eat and drive
3. Don’t use cell phones while driving
   1. Use bluetooth
4. Be aware of pedestrians, crosswalks, and bikers
5. Always wear a seatbelt
6. Don’t exceed seating capacity
7. Use both hands while driving
8. Don’t drive while drowsy or angry

I pledge to be a responsible driver by abiding by the law, completing this checklist when driving in hazardous conditions, and being knowledgeable of safe driving techniques.