Enjoy Part 2 of our blog series: Safe Driving Habits!
· We didn’t mention this in the last blog, because it goes without saying, but we’ll include it here, just in case there’s any question. Do not drive if you do not have a drivers’ license. If you have a permit, make sure you are driving with an approved passenger.
· Do not drive in an unregistered vehicle, unless you’re ready for a hefty fine and possible towing of the car.
· Don’t drive without insurance, unless you’re ready for another hefty fine and possible towing of the car. Also, don’t drive someone’s vehicle for which you are not insured.
· Driving with pets in the car could be a major distraction! If you have to take your pet with you, you can use a pet taxi or specially made restraining systems that are comfortable for your animals and reduce the risk of distraction and/or injury. Don’t let you window all the way down, as you may often see people do, to let your pet stick their head out the window. This is very dangerous as they could lean forward and fall out, you could suddenly brake and cause them to fall out, or you could mistakenly roll up a window while a head or paw is sticking out. Be extra careful with pets in the car
· If you need glasses to see, wear your glasses! If you can’t see well at night, don’t drive at night. There is nothing worse than driving blind. You are putting yourself and others at risk. Think about keeping a spare pair of glasses in your vehicle.
· Don’t ever drink alcohol, take medication, or consume a mind-altering drug of any kind and drive. Never. Moreover, don’t do drugs. If you are going out with the intention of drinking, coordinate transportation in advance. If you find yourself in a situation where you are intoxicated and need to go somewhere, ask the facility or home owner if you can leave your vehicle (if not, coordinate for someone to come pick it up), call a friend to give you a ride, use a taxi service,
· Don’t leave children or pets in your car for any amount of time or for any reason. Apart from the risk of suffocation, you face many other risks, like theft and being reported to authorities.
· Do not smoke or talk on the phone near a gas pump. This is an age-old rule that some people still can’t seem to remember or choose to ignore. Either way, it’s very dangerous.