Vehicle Safety Tips

Protect Yourself and Others—On and Off the Clock

Whether commuting to work, running errands, or driving for business purposes, vehicle safety is essential to personal well-being. These practical tips help ensure a safe trip every time you get behind the wheel.

1. Complete a Pre-Trip Check

• Walk around your vehicle before driving.
• Check tire pressure and tread.
• Look for fluid leaks, broken lights, or visible damage.
• Ensure windows, mirrors, and lights are clean and clear.

2. Adjust for Comfort and Control

• Set your seat and mirrors before starting the engine.
• Ensure you have good posture—knees slightly bent and hands at 9 & 3 o'clock on the steering wheel.
• Secure loose items that could roll under pedals or become projectiles in a crash.

3. Stay Focused and Alert

• Avoid distractions—no texting, scrolling, or eating while driving.
• Program GPS before you leave.
• Take breaks during long drives to reduce fatigue.
• Don’t drive if you’re overly tired, unwell, or emotionally distressed.

4. Plan Ahead

• Check weather, traffic, and road conditions.
• Allow extra time to avoid rushing.
• Keep your phone charged and have a charger in the vehicle for emergencies.

5. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Vehicle

Include:

• First-aid kit
• Flashlight and batteries
• Jumper cables
• Blanket and water
• Reflective triangle or flares
• Phone charger
• Ice scraper and small shovel (in winter)

6. Follow the Rules of the Road

• Obey all traffic laws, signals, and speed limits.
• Use turn signals and check blind spots before changing lanes.
• Maintain a safe following distance—3 seconds or more behind the vehicle in front.

7. Drive Defensively

• Stay alert to the actions of others.
• Anticipate unexpected moves from pedestrians, cyclists, or distracted drivers.
• Avoid aggressive driving—no tailgating, speeding, or weaving between lanes.

8. Practice Seasonal Safety

• Winter: Drive slowly, allow extra time, and keep gas tank at least half full.
• Summer: Watch for overheating and keep coolant topped up.
• Rain/Fog: Turn on headlights and reduce speed.

9. Never Drive Under the Influence

• Alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs impair judgment, reflexes, and coordination.
• Prescription or over-the-counter medications can also affect alertness—ask your doctor or pharmacist.

10. Know Who to Call

• Program emergency contacts in your phone.
• Know who to call for roadside assistance or accidents (insurance, towing, employer, etc.).
• Report vehicle concerns to your manager or fleet coordinator if using a work vehicle.

Safe driving is part of a healthy lifestyle.  Your decisions behind the wheel impact your safety—and the safety of everyone around you.