Driving Your Vehicle
6-2
Before Entering the Vehicle
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Make sure all windows, outside
mirror(s), and outside lights are clean
and unobstructed.
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Remove frost, snow, or ice from both
the front and rear windshield as well
as the front side windows.
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Visually check the tires for uneven
wear and damage.
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Check under the vehicle for any sign
of leaks.
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Make sure there are no obstacles
behind you if you intend to back up.
Before Starting
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Make sure the hood, the liftgate, and
the doors are securely closed and
locked.
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Adjust the position of the seat and
steering wheel.
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Adjust the inside and side view
mirrors.
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Verify all the lights work.
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Fasten your seat belt. Check that all
passengers have fastened their seat
belts.
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Check the gauges and indicators
in the instrument panel and the
messages on the instrument display
when the ignition switch or engine
start/stop button is in the ON position.
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Check that any items you are carrying
are stored properly or fastened down
securely.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of serious injury or
death:
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Always wear your seat belt. All
passengers must be properly belted
whenever the vehicle is moving. For
more information, refer to the “Seat
Belts” section in Chapter 3.
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Always drive defensively. Do not
assume that the other drivers are
seeing your vehicle. They may not act
as you expect. Be prepared to react
to avoid a possible collision. Plan your
movements anticipating the "worst-
case" scenario.
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Stay focused on driving. Driver
distraction may cause a collision.
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Leave plenty of space between you
and the vehicle in front of you.
WARNING
Never drink or take drugs while driving.
Drinking or taking drugs while driving is
dangerous and may result in a collision,
causing serious injury or death.
Drunk driving is the number one
contributor to the highway death
toll each year. Even a small amount
of alcohol can affect your reflexes,
perceptions, and judgment. Just one
drink may reduce your ability to respond
to changing conditions and emergencies
and your reaction time gets worse with
each additional drink.
Driving while under the influence of
drugs is as dangerous or more dangerous
than driving under the influence of
alcohol.
You are much more likely to have a
serious accident if you drink or take
drugs while driving. If you are drinking
or taking drugs, never drive. Do not ride
with a driver who has been drinking or
taking drugs. Choose a designated driver
or call a taxi.
BEFORE DRIVING
