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Your Must-Know Car Safety Checklist

Most people know that they should buckle up when they get in a car, but many don't realise the other safety precautions they should take to protect themselves and their passengers. Here is a checklist of the most important safety measures to remember when driving:

Contents

1. Make sure everyone in the car is wearing a seat belt or harness.

This is the most basic and important safety precaution.

Making sure everyone in the car is wearing a seat belt or harness is the most basic and important safety precaution. Seat belts protect drivers and passengers in a crash by distributing the force of the collision across the body. Wearing a seat belt can also prevent you from being ejected from the car in a crash.

In order to be effective, seat belts must be worn properly. This means that the lap belt should be snugly fitted across your hips and pelvis, and the shoulder belt should be positioned over your chest and shoulder. If you are not wearing a seat belt properly, you may still be injured in a crash.

All passengers in a car must also wear seat belts or harnesses, regardless of their age or size. Children who are too small to wear a seat belt should use a child safety seat or booster seat until they are big enough to wear a seat belt safely.

2. Keep all loose objects in the car secure

This includes things like shopping bags, laptops, and even pets. Loose objects in a car can become projectiles in the event of a crash, and can cause serious injury to passengers.

One way to secure items is to use a cargo net. A cargo net can be used to attach items to the roof of the car or to the floor. Another way to secure loose objects is to use straps or bungee cords. Straps can be used to attach items to the roof or the floor, and bungee cords can be used to hold down large items. Finally, it is important to make sure that all items are properly secured before driving.

3. Adjust your mirrors correctly so that you have maximum visibility while driving

You should be able to see both sides of your car as well as what’s ahead of you.

Adjusting your mirrors correctly is an important part of safe driving. By making sure that your mirrors are properly adjusted, you can maximise your visibility while behind the wheel. Here are a few tips on how to adjust your mirrors correctly:

  • Adjust the driver’s side mirror so that you can see as much of the lane as possible.
  • Adjust the passenger’s side mirror so that you can see the cars behind you.
  • Adjust the rearview mirror so that you can see as much of the road as possible.
  • Make sure that all of your mirrors are adjusted evenly so that you have a clear view in all directions.

4. Check your tire pressure regularly and make sure your tires are properly inflated

Tires that are not inflated correctly can lead to accidents, especially on wet roads.

One of the most important safety measures for your car is checking your tire pressure regularly. This is especially important in the wintertime, when the cold weather can cause your tires to lose pressure. Make sure your tires are properly inflated by using a tire gauge, and if they’re not, inflate them to the recommended pressure level.

5. Use your turn signals when changing lanes or turning corners, even if there are no other cars around

It’s against the law to change lanes without using a signal, and it’s also dangerous for other drivers who may not expect you to turn suddenly.

When you’re changing lanes or turning corners, it’s important to use your turn signals even if there are no other cars around. This lets other drivers know your intentions and helps to prevent accidents.

6. Be aware of your surroundings and the traffic around you

Pay attention to other cars, pedestrians, and cyclists on the road.

Make sure you’re paying attention to what’s going on in front of you, behind you, and to the sides of you. If you’re not paying attention, you could end up causing an accident.

Be especially careful when merging onto a busy highway or changing lanes. Make sure there’s enough space between your car and the car in front of you, and make sure there’s no one coming up behind you quickly. If there is, pull over to the side of the road until it’s safe to continue driving.

Also, be aware of your speed. Make sure you’re not going too fast or too slow for the conditions of the road. Driving too fast can get you into trouble, while driving too slow can cause traffic jams.

7. Monitor your speed and always drive within the speed limit

Driving too fast can increase your chances of getting into an accident.

Being aware of your speed and driving within the speed limit helps to ensure that you are driving safely and are not putting yourself or others at risk. It is also important to monitor your speed regularly, as it can easily increase without you realising it. By keeping a close eye on your speed, you can avoid getting a ticket or causing an accident.

8. Never use a cell phone while driving, as this greatly increases your risk of a crash

Hands-free phones are allowed in some states, but it’s still best to avoid using any type of electronic device while behind the wheel.

9. Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Thich can impair your judgement and reaction time.

10. Check all lights (headlights, brake lights)

Ensure they are functioning properly before heading out on the road. This will ensure that other drivers can see you.

If you follow these safety steps, you can help keep yourself and other drivers safe on the road. Remember to always drive responsibly and never take unnecessary risks.  Happy and safe driving!

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