TRAINERS TIPS

TEENS

Behind the Wheel

ONE OUT OF FIVE LICENSED 16-YEARS-OLDS

WILL BE IN A FENDER BENDER OR A MORE SEVERE CRASH

Before handing over the keys, make sure your teen commits

to these important safe-driving habits

BUCKLE UP EVERY TIME.  Teens are less likely than others drivers to use safety belts.

GO THE SPEED LIMIT, OR SLOWER when conditions warrant.  Nearly seven out of 10 teens admit to speeding, and almost three in 10 say it's safe.

DRIVE WITH A CLEAR HEAD.  Even a small amount of alcohol or other drugs impairs judgment and motor skills.  Driving while tired is also dangerous.

AVOID DISTRACTIONS.  These include talking on the phone, changing a CD and other activities.  Sixty -two percent of teens say they talk on cell phones while driving, and about one-fourth say it's safe to do so.  

LIMIT TEEN PASSENGERS.  The risk of a crash increases with each additional teen who climbs in the car.

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OH, DEER

                                          BE CAUTIOUS IN LATE FALL, THE MOST DANGEROUS

SEASON FOR DEER-VEHICLE CRASHES

Deer migrate and breed in the fall, upping the number of collisions.  Follow these safety tips

• When you see a deer on the road, slow down and sound your horn with one long blast.  If it is safe to do so, stop and let the animal cross.

• If a deer leaps into your path, brake firmly and come to a controlled stop.  It's safer to strike the animal than to swerve into oncoming traffic or lose control of your vehicle.

• If you see one deer assume that more are nearby.  Deer are most active near dawn and dusk.

• Always wear your safety belt to help prevent injuries in case of a car-deer crash.

            1.  See for yourself.  Adjust your mirrors to minimize blind spots. (For tips see below.)  Always look over your shoulder before changing lanes.  Also try to position your vehicle where other drivers can see you.

        2.  Hang up the phone.  Drivers using cell phones are four times likely to be involved in an accident, and hands-free devices aren't the solution.  Participating in conversation takes your mind off the road, and driving is a full-time job.

        3.  Quit cruisin.  You need to reduce power to maintain control of your vehicle on snow, ice, slush or rain.  So turn off cruise control when driving on slick roads.  Consult your owner's manual to learn how and when to safely use cruise control.

        4.  Light up.  Headlights not only help you see but also help others see you.  Turning on your headlights when you use your wipers is the law in many states.

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Road Safety Starts with You

Most people think they are good drivers who can control what happens to them on the road.  However in 2001 there were 6.3 million motor vehicle crashes with 42,116 fatalities in the United States.  Assessing how you drive and react to others on the road is a critical factor in preventing crashes and injuries.

Tip # 1    Don't tailgate -- maintain an adequate following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

Tip # 2    Make it a habit to signal early -- turn on directional signals five to eight seconds before you turn or change lanes.

Tip # 3    Size up the whole scene -- look beyond what's in front of you 10 to 12 seconds down the road for potential         trouble spots.

Tip # 4    Make sure the intersection is clear -- be sure to look around before proceeding, since other drivers may not stop for the red light.

Tip # 5    Stay focused at the wheel -- distractions are a factor in 25-50 percent of all vehicle crashes.

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THE ROAD WELL TRAVELED

Sometimes the journey is more important than the destination.  Before you head out on your next road trip, take the following precautions to ensure a safe and incident-free ride.

• Have your car inspected before you leave.  Check the brakes, cooling system, tires and oil.

• Pack an emergency roadside kit that includes a flashlight, fire extinguisher and first-aid kit.  Check to make sure you    have a jack, spare tire, flares and jumper cables.

• Map out your route in advance.  Try to stay on main roads and highways.

• While en route, always hide valuables and anything that suggests you are a tourist as maps and luggage.

• Don't stop to help someone with trouble.  Call the police instead.

• If you are involved in a accident, remain calm and move your vehicle out of the way of traffic if possible.

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