A safe trip starts before you turn the key: a sound vehicle, well-adjusted mirrors and a plan. This lesson also covers staying safe if you're threatened, break down or get pulled over.
Plan ahead:
- Keep your vehicle in good working condition, with enough gas to arrive
- Tell people your route and expected arrival time
- Make sure all lights and signals work — defective equipment can get you ticketed
- Clean the windshield and windows; check tire pressure, damage and wear
- Check in front of and behind the vehicle for objects, animals or people
- Etch your VIN on windows and main parts; alarms and interlocks deter thieves
Before starting the engine:
- Sit comfortably and make sure everyone is buckled up
- Check mirrors and look again for anything in your path
- Most cars have at least two blind spots, to the left and right rear
- Adjust the inside mirror to see the center of the road behind you
Know the rule
Adjust outside mirrors to just see the edges of your vehicle. Or, to shrink blind spots: lean left against the window and set the left mirror to barely show the rear edge; lean right to the center console and set the right mirror the same way.
Handbook p. 80 ↗Don't take risks:
- Never turn the ignition to "lock" while moving — the steering will lock
- Keep doors and windows locked; take freeways through high-crime areas
- Know where police, fire stations or open businesses are
- Don't hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers; never leave keys in the car
- Close the sunroof at night and in high-risk areas
- Don't get out to fix a flat — drive slowly to a well-lit station or store
- Choose the safest route and park close to your destination
- Have keys ready and check the interior before getting in
If you're approached or threatened in your car:
- Try to drive away or sound the horn
- Stay inside the locked car
- Call for help on your phone — reporting an emergency while driving is allowed
- If a carjacker wants the car, give it up; get a good description
Know the rule
If your car becomes disabled, pull as far off the traveled road as possible, turn on your four-way flashers and stay inside buckled up. A trained professional should assist. If you must leave, walk directly to a safe place — walking on the freeway is dangerous and illegal.
Handbook p. 81 ↗If you're pulled over:
- Pull off on the right as soon as it's safe and stop
- Stay in the car with your seat belt on; interior lights on at dusk or dark
- Open your window; keep empty hands on the wheel; passengers quiet, hands visible
- Get license, registration and insurance only when asked — say where they are first
- Don't argue; take any dispute about the stop or ticket to the court, not the officer
- Afterward, buckle up, check traffic, signal and pull out legally
Know the rule
Always obey a law enforcement officer's orders. An officer's directions take priority over other traffic control devices.
Handbook p. 81 ↗Stay-safe reminders:
- Avoid looking at any one thing for more than a few seconds
- Increase following distance at night, in bad weather, rush hour, lane changes and intersections
- Don't drive when you are tired
Put it into practice
An officer signals you to pull over at night. Pull to the right when safe, turn on the interior light, open the window and rest your hands on the wheel. When asked for your license, say it's in your wallet before reaching for it.