Check out these tips from our pros on being safe out on the highway:

SEATBELTS...   ALWAYS!

Drivers obviously cannot control the car while going around a turn or swerving to avoid a crash if they are too busy hanging on to the steering wheel to keep from flying around the interior.

2. LOOK BEYOND THE CAR IN FRONT:

Drivers tend to watch the car directly in front of you so that when it stops, you stop.  Keeping an eye on the vehicles two or three cars ahead allows for longer reaction time and fewer unexpected, sudden stops.  Additionally, pay close attention to what kind of vehicle you are following, especially in traffic.  You can greatly expand your vision if you are following a smaller passenger car vs. a tall SUV or a utility truck that is difficult to see around. 

3. DON’T USE THE CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING:

Cell phones are a major distraction to a driver behind-the-wheel and greatly impair our concentration with the task at hand (it has been compared to driving under the influence).   As drivers, we must take responsibility and make that decision that there is no phone call (or text) that is so important that can’t wait.  We owe it to ourselves to give driving 100% of our concentration.

 

4. TAILGATING:

 

A common myth is to maintain a distance of one car length per every 10 mph. However, the faster a car is traveling, the greater the distance it needs to stop.  For example, a car accelerating from 30 mph to 40 mph requires a 15ft. increase in braking distance.  A car accelerating 10 mph more (going from 40 mph to 50 mph) needs a 30ft. increase – Keep this in mind when following other vehicles.

5. BACKING UP:

Cars are designed to drive forward, not in reverse because vision and control are hugely limited-- drivers can't see out their rear view mirror any closer than 40-50 ft behind the car.  Avoid backing up at all costs.

6. ADJUST YOUR HAND POSITION ON THE STEERING WHEEL - BEWARE THE AIRBAGS:

Airbags deploy at a rate of 250 mph.  If hands are not properly positioned, the airbags can turn them into a projectile that cause broken facial bones, bruises, and burns.

7. IMPORTANT BRAKING TECHNIQUES:

Many people complain about Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS) because they have not been properly trained how to use them.  Correct braking procedure is dependent upon whether or not a car has ABS. 

With ABS: Slam on the brakes with all your might—you cannot push down too hard.  Don’t pump the brakes!  

Without ABS: Don’t slam on the brakes, but still do NOT pump the brakes.  Apply steady, even pressure.  Should wheels “lock up”, release a little brake pressure and hold.  This is called “threshold braking” and is used to avoid skidding. 

TIP: Always try to buy a car with ABS, the #1 feature to help avoid accidents.

 

8. SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES (SUV) ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD):

SUVs and AWD vehicles can provide a false sense of security.  For the most part, SUV’s are heavy vehicles thus they are harder to stop.  They have a higher center of gravity and tend to roll over easier than a passenger car.  The high narrow bodies can also make turning more difficult.  If you drive an SUV, keep these things in mind.

9. FATIGUE:

Driving while tired is far more prevalent than driving while intoxicated or on drugs; yet a person driving on four hours of sleep or less is the equivalent of a legally drunk driver.