How to Develop Road Safety Skills

culled from:wikihow.com

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Drive only when sober and rested. Pull over and rest or let someone else drive if you feel drowsy. Stay alert at all times.

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   Look ahead of you and around you constantly as you drive. Check the rear view and side view mirrors every 6 to 10 seconds. Anticipating danger is a key component of defensive driving.
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   Slow down and look both ways before driving through an intersection. Look around for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists. Take extra care and look both ways at railroad crossings.
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   Minimize distractions in the automobile. Never text or talk on the phone. Make young passengers behave and stay calm. Don't spend a lot of time adjusting the radio or stereo. Pull over to read maps or consult the GPS system. Don't drink or eat while driving.
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   Wear your safety belt.
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   Stay back far enough from the car in front of you -- 3 seconds in good road conditions, 6 seconds if you're in heavy traffic or bad weather. Watch for the vehicle ahead of you to pass a sign or other landmark, then allow either 3 or 6 seconds for your car to reach the landmark.
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   Change lanes and back up only after checking your blind spot by looking over your shoulder for traffic or obstacles.
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   Hang back or pull over and wait if you see an erratic or dangerous driver. Don't react if someone cuts you off, gestures or honks his horn at you.
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   Use directional signals when turning at a corner or making a lane change. Turn on your blinker in plenty of time to signal drivers and pedestrians.
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   Consult with your doctor or pharmacist about side effects if you are taking new medications. Don't drive if the bottle says not to operate machinery while taking the medicine.
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    Avoid driving, when possible, during inclement weather conditions such as rain, snow or sleet.
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    Avoid driving at night if you have poor night vision.
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    Make sure your car is in good mechanical condition, the tires are inflated and in good condition, and the car has enough oil and fuel to arrive at your destination.
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    Plan your route ahead of time if you are traveling in unfamiliar territory.
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    Locate and practice operating the emergency brake in case the brakes fail.
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    Clean the windows regularly so you can see clearly.