Safe Driving

Air Bags

• Air bags enhance safety, functioning as a supplement to seat belts.
• Maintain a distance of at least 10 inches from airbag covers to ensure safe deployment.
• Measure from the steering wheel center to your breastbone; seek dealer advice if unable to maintain distance.
• Passengers should also sit at least 10 inches away from the passenger-side air bag; side air bags pose risks to children.

Unattended Children and Pets

• It is illegal to leave children aged six or younger unattended in a vehicle.
• Children may be left with someone who is at least 12 years old.
• Leaving children or animals in a hot vehicle is dangerous as temperatures can rise rapidly, leading to dehydration or heat stroke.

Manage Your Speed

• Adhere to California's Basic Speed Law: never drive faster than safe for road conditions.
• Speed should adapt to road factors such as vehicle count, surface conditions, presence of bicyclists/pedestrians, weather, and traffic congestion.
• Unless posted otherwise, maximum speed on most California highways is 65 mph.

Seat Belt Usage

• Ensure lap belts fit snugly across hips; reposition if necessary to prevent sliding during a crash.
• Pregnant individuals should wear lap belts low beneath the abdomen and position shoulder straps correctly.

Child Restraint System and Safety Seats

• Children require federally-approved child passenger restraint systems based on age, height, and weight.
• Children under 2 years old should use a rear-facing restraint; they cannot sit in front seats of airbag-equipped vehicles.
• Children under 8 or less than 4 feet 9 inches tall must be secured in the rear seat.
• Exceptions for front seat placement include lack of rear seat and medical reasons.

Traffic Situations

• In thick fog, pull off the road, activate emergency flashers, and wait for conditions to improve.
• Law enforcement uses traffic breaks to manage conditions safely; drivers should turn on flashers, match officer speed, and maintain distance.

Protect Yourself and Your Passengers

• Wearing seat belts is mandatory for drivers and passengers, with fines applicable for non-compliance.
• Proper seat belt use can significantly increase survival chances during collisions.
• Correct usage includes wearing the shoulder strap across the shoulder and chest, avoiding slack, and not placing straps under the arm or behind the back.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

• Awareness of surroundings enhances decision-making and hazard reaction while driving.
• Visual zones around vehicles:
  • Green: Area ahead
  • Blue: Area beside
  • Yellow: Blind spots
  • Red: Area behind

Scanning Your Surroundings

• Maintain a scanning habit, looking at least 10 seconds ahead to avoid hazards and last-minute maneuvers.

Tailgating (Following Too Closely)

• Tailgating restricts visibility, increasing collision risks during sudden stops.
• Employ the three-second rule to maintain a safe following distance for reaction time.
• If merged in closely, ease off the accelerator to create space ahead.

Knowing What is at Your Side

• Stay aware of surrounding vehicles and avoid remaining in their blind spots.
• Accommodate merging vehicles, regardless of right-of-way.
• Maintain distance from parked vehicles to allow safe maneuvers.
• Always check for oncoming traffic at intersections, even with stop signs or red lights.

Blind Spots

• Blind spots prevent visibility on sides and slightly behind the vehicle.
• Check blind spots by turning your head to look over shoulders before:
  • Changing lanes
  • Merging
  • Backing up
  • Pulling out from parking

Knowing What is Behind You

• Constantly check mirrors and physically turn your head to see behind before changing lanes or slowing down.

Understanding Road Conditions

Darkness

• Use high-beam headlights in rural or dark areas, dimming them when approaching other vehicles.
• Adjust driving speed and distance under dim conditions.

Sun Glare

• Clean windshield to minimize glare and use polarized sunglasses.
• Avoid driving during sunrise or sunset when glare is intensified.

Skids

• Skids occur when tires lose traction; control may be compromised.
  • Slippery Surface Skids: Caused by ice or snow; slow down, and leave space in front. If skidding occurs, remove foot from accelerator and steer in skid direction.
  • Locked Wheel Skids: Result from hard braking; apply firm pressure on brakes for vehicles with ABS.

High Winds

• Higher risks for larger vehicles; reduce speed, maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel, and avoid cruise control during gusty conditions.

Fog or Heavy Smoke

• Avoid driving in heavy fog; if necessary, drive slowly with low-beam headlights, increase following distance, and use windshield wipers as needed.

Disabled Vehicles on Railroad Tracks

• If vehicle stops on tracks with an approaching train, exit and run away diagonally from the tracks and call 911.

Avoid Distractions

• Common distractions include phone use, adjusting music, and interacting with passengers.
• Handheld cell phone use is illegal while driving; use only in hands-free mode when necessary.

Minors and Cell Phones

• Minors are prohibited from using cell phones or electronic devices while driving, except to call for emergency help.

Familiarize with New Technology

• Technological advancements are leading to more self-driving and ADAS-equipped vehicles.

Awareness of Surroundings

• Essential for safe driving to make informed decisions and react to hazards.
• Color-coded vehicle zones:
  • Green: Ahead
  • Blue: Next to
  • Yellow: Blind spots
  • Red: Behind

Scanning the Road

• Continuously scan the road 10 seconds ahead to anticipate hazards.
• Tailgating hinders visibility and reaction time; use the three-second rule for safe following distance.
• Create space ahead when being tailgated and safely change lanes to allow a driver to pass.

Side Awareness

• Avoid staying in another driver’s blind spot and alongside other vehicles.
• Make room for vehicles entering freeways and be aware of rapid changes from other drivers.
• Keep a safe distance from parked vehicles and always check both ways at intersections.

Blind Spots

• Areas around the vehicle not visible through mirrors, typically at sides and slightly behind.
• Always check blind spots by turning your head before changing lanes, merging, or backing up.

Rear Awareness

• Frequently check traffic behind using rearview and side mirrors to avoid rear-end collisions.
• Important when changing lanes, turning, or adjusting speed.

Understanding Road Conditions

• In darkness, utilize high-beam headlights carefully; dim them for oncoming traffic.
• Reduce speed in poor visibility conditions, such as rainstorms or at construction sites.
• Keep mirrors and lights clear of mud and snow to maintain visibility.

Hydroplaning

• Occurs when vehicles lose contact with the road due to water.
• To prevent, drive slowly and steer clear of standing water; ease off accelerators instead of braking if hydroplaning occurs.

Stuck in Snow or Mud

• Shift to low gear and avoid wheel spinning.
• Use forward and backward motions to free the vehicle; place materials under tires for extra traction if needed.

Flooded Roads

• Be cautious of excessive water; flooding can occur suddenly.

Airbags

• Important safety feature; maintain at least 10 inches distance to ensure effectiveness.
• Special care for children near airbags to prevent serious injury.

Unattended Children and Pets

• Illegal to leave children under six unattended in a vehicle; can only be left with someone at least 12 years old.
• Vehicles can heat up quickly, posing dangers to unattended children and pets.

Speed Management

• Basic Speed Law in California: Never exceed safe driving speed, considering conditions and surroundings.
• Key factors: road surface, weather, traffic volume, and pedestrian presence; adapt speed accordingly.

Overheating Conditions

• In extreme heat, monitor the vehicle’s temperature; avoid high speeds and excessive AC use.
• In extreme cold, ensure the engine has proper antifreeze levels and use defrosters to prevent fogging.

Disabled Vehicle Protocol on Freeway

• Pull over to the right shoulder and exit safely away from traffic.
• Dial 511 for roadside assistance, return to the vehicle if needed, and use emergency flashers.

California Highway Patrol Freeway Service Patrol (FSP)

• Offers free roadside assistance during commuter hours.
• Services include providing gas, jump-starting batteries, towing to permitted locations, and reporting collisions.
• FSP will not tow to private businesses or service motorcycles.