With the amount of time most of us spend behind the wheel each day, falling into autopilot can be all too easy. Even if you’re a seasoned driver, though, you’ve got to stay safe and vigilant. Take heed of these car safety tips to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep yourself—and your passengers—safe.
Always wear your seatbelt
No matter how safely you drive, you never know when you could possibly get in an accident. Make sure you always wear your seatbelt—and always wear it properly. The diagonal strap should sit squarely across your chest and shoulder, and the lower strap should sit across your hips. Wearing a seatbelt incorrectly can greatly negate its safety benefits, so take the extra time and care to wear it properly.
Keep your windshield clean
In order to have a safe driving experience, you’ve got to have stellar visibility. One car safety tip that people often forget is to keep the windshield pristinely clean. Dirt isn’t just unpleasant to look at—it can also cause a huge amount of glare through your window. Utilize high-quality automotive glass cleaners to regularly clean your windshield and keep your driving experience a safe one.
Focus on the road—not on your phone
Distracted driving is the culprit behind far too many accidents, and for many people, that distraction is their cell phone. When it’s time to hit the road, make sure your phone is far out of reach. Check any messages beforehand and let the people you’re chatting with know you’ll be hitting the road so that you’ll be less tempted to check your phone throughout your ride. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road—no text message or phone call is worth the risk.
Keep an emergency kit on hand
Keeping your car safe is about more than just preventing an accident. For your own safety, preparing in the case of a breakdown or other emergency is just as important. Prepare an emergency kit and keep it handy for situations such as these. Tailor it for the season you’re in, as well: during the summer, pack extra water and nonperishable foods. In the winter, stock up on extra clothing, blankets, and a windshield scraper.
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