Driving Safety:
Safety Tips
Driving Safety Tips:
- Always wear your seatbelt whether you’re the driver or passenger; every car, every time!
- Follow your state’s laws about when you can drive and with whom. If you don’t follow the rules and you get stopped by the police, you can have your permit taken away or lose your license.
- Always turn off your cell phone; it’s distracting and will take your attention away from the road.
- Never ever text while driving - know your state’s laws and the legal consequences.
- Never use earphones; you’ll need to be able to hear sounds such as horns and sirens.
- Avoid changing the radio station or CD’s while driving. If you’re listening to music, keep it at a reasonable volume so you can hear sirens, car horns, and other noises.
- If you need to make a call or do something that requires your full attention, pull over to a well lit, safe area.
- NEVER use drugs or alcohol before or while driving.
- If you are sleepy, pull over to a safe area. If you have another licensed driver in the car, ask them to drive.
- Always keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you (this will give you plenty of space to stop if the car ahead of you stops suddenly).
- Know the speed limit of the road you are driving on and be sure to follow it.
- Be sure to have an Emergency Plan - know how to contact your parent(s)/guardian(s) or another responsible adult, in case you have car trouble or you get lost.
Never get into a car if the driver has been drinking or using drugs. Always have a designated driver whom you can trust to remain sober and straight. In many states there are consequences for being the passenger in a car in which alcohol or drugs are found or used.
What should I keep in the car?
Keep the following items in the car or in your wallet when you are driving:
- Your license
- Car registration
- Name and phone number of your insurance company
- A card with a list of emergency contacts (parent(s) or guardian(s), car owners)
- Your ID card, if you have a membership to a roadside assistance plan (such as AAA)
- Flashlight, batteries, and jumper cables; and a shovel (during the winter in snowy climates)
- Blanket, water, nonperishable food (such as granola bars in case of an emergency)
- First aid kit
- Small notebook and pen (to take notes if you are in an accident)
Written by the CYWH and YMH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston
Updated: 7/29/2010
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