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Vehicle
Safety Habits For The Beginner Driver
It is good practice to check you’re vehicle out before proceeding
out on the road, and know all the safety features of the vehicle
that you are operating. It is part of defensive driving to do these
checks before you take you’re vehicle on the road.
Vehicle inspection should be first on the
list, before proceeding out on the road.
Take out the tire wrench. You are going to
need it to check the tires. Hit the tire to make sure there is
sufficient air. You may want to carry a tire gauge in you’re car. Do
a visable inspection of tires, looking for possible cracks or worn
tires.
Are there any visible leaks under the car?
Do the signals work? Do the headlights work? (High and low beam.) Do
the brake lights work?
Check to make sure there’s enough engine
oil; break fluid, and power steering fluid. Also check battery water
level and coolant level. Do not open radiator cap! Vehicle must be
cooled down first, if parked recently. (caution: see owners manual
before opening cap.) Last will be transmission fluid. (Vehicle must
be running to read proper level.) (Make sure you’re emergency park
brake is applied.)
Now you are ready to enter the car. Go over
the safety features of your vehicle. .
Communication features:
Signals help you warn other drivers,
which way you intend to turn.
Brakes warn other drivers your slowing
down or stopping.
Horn warns other drivers and pedestrians
to be alert.
Emergency signals warn other drivers of
a problem that you may have.
Visibility features:
Mirrors should be adjusted before you
leave any parked position.
Mirrors should be used quite often to
see what is happening around you at all times. When you think
your going to have to stop, check you’re rearview mirror first.
You may have to touch your brake, to warn others behind you. You
may have to stop a little further ahead to give the driver
behind you room to stop safely. It’s all part of driving
defensively.
Headlights should be working, high and
low beam.
Wipers are a must in bad weather
conditions.
Windshield must be clean.
Safety features:
Emergency brakes should be applied when
in a parked position at all times. Test you’re emergency brake
by applying the handle, or pushing to the floor, depending on
the make and model of the vehicle. Remove gear out of park
position with foot on brake pedal and put in drive position.
Ease up on brake pedal. Vehicle should not roll forward. It is a
good habit to always release park brake after putting vehicle in
gear. The vehicle will not roll forward if you forget to put
you’re foot on the brake pedal, if the park brake is functioning
properly.
Seat belts: Make sure you’re seatbelt is
on. Including passengers. It is a violation in most, if not
every city and state not to wear it.
Comfort:
Heater should be adjusted accordingly,
for maximum comfort. Driver must open windows if too hot.
Seat adjustments should be adjusted for
maximum visibility and comfort.
(Check owner’s manual for further knowledge
of vehicle features and safety features.)
These topics that we covered should be
second nature when reaching for them, especially when you get an
unexpected downpour, or hit with mud from a passing vehicle, if you
have to look for you’re wipers, you may find yourself on top of
another vehicle or in a ditch! Do not attempt to drive without this
knowledge.
George Gabriel
Owned and operated a driving school for
several years. Taught over 2000 kids and older people how to drive.
Now operating a golf tee time site at
http://www.golfanchor.net
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