How to Stay Alive on the Road
1. Look ahead - move your yes. Check your rear-view mirrors often. Always know the position of cars near you. Train yourself to observe signs and signals - not just look at them.
2. Catch the whole scene - look near and far. Look to the sides and behind. Mirrors have blind spots. Detect things about to happen (a ball rolling into the street; a car door opening; a swerving vehicle).
3. Remember - that the smart driver is not the one who goes away with tires squeaking and motor roaring, but the one who practices good driving habits every time he holds a steering wheel.
4. Be prepared - think about your trip before you get into the driver’s seat. Don't assume that the other driver knows what you will do. Plan what to do if someone ahead panics.
5. Stay steady - anger, worry, daydreams, are a driver's enemies. So are drugs. Don't hurry. Give sufficient tin1e allowance for unexpected delays. Be late rather than sorry.
6. Avoid highway hypnosis - On long drives, sing, talk, open windows, turn on the radio, or chew gum. Stop for coffee or soft drink. Make slight variations in speed and posture to stay alert and make sure the car is well ventilated.
7. Practice courtesy - signal your intention. Dim headlights. Yield to others. Keep right. Take your time. Maintain a smiling attitude. Give pedestrians a break.
8. Keep your vehicle safe - be sure that your brakes, front and rear lights, windshield glass and wipers, tires, turn signals, exhaust, steering ensemble, horn and radiator are in good working order.
9. Keep up with yourself - how is your eyesight? Your hearing? Your coordination? What medications have you been taking'? Are you nervous or tense? Neck too stiff to look around?
10. Think - about some accidents you know. How could they have been avoided? Over 90% of all motor vehicle crashes are caused by human failure. What was it that failed? Practice defensive driving.
11. Drive at a safe speed - always within the limits of road traffic.
12. Give way - to the other car even if you are already in the right. When you see that a truck or a car needs your space, give it up gladly.
13. All drivers, especially those of public utility vehicles, should not take their vehicle on the road if any part of the car is not behaving properly, specially brakes and steering mechanism.
14. Yield. Yield to military convoys - civil convoys with police escort and funeral procession. Yield to pedestrians - if pedestrians stop to permit you to pass by, you do so, but as common courtesy, do not force the pedestrian to stop and yield for your vehicle. Yield to riders of motorcycles and bicycles. Like pedestrians, these people are practically handicapped because the speed, maneuverability and protection available to them are unlike those of a driver of a motor vehicle.