Car care is part of auto safety in Reno. But the most important thing we can do to improve safety on Nevada roads is to drive safely.
Defensive driving begins with the proper attitude. Have in mind that you won’t let anyone take your safety away from you. You’ll be aware of your surroundings, road conditions, other vehicles, and hazards. And the first person to be concerned with is you: start with your own environment.
Don’t leave without securing all occupants including children and pets. Watch for loose items which can become projectiles during evasive maneuvers.
Driving too fast or too slow increases the chance of an accident.
Alcohol is a factor in half of all fatal crashes: never drive impaired. Never drink and drive.
Other impairments include being sleepy, angry, daydreaming, or talking. If you suddenly wonder how you got where you are – you’re not paying enough attention.
Keep your windows clean and uncluttered. No fuzzy dice and stickers.
Keep your car in good shape so that it handles properly: Maintain tires, lights, brakes, suspension, wheel alignment, and steering.
Always use your turn signals while driving around Reno, Nevada. Avoid other vehicles’ blind spots.
Don’t drive faster than your headlights – if you can’t stop within the distance you can see, you’re going too fast.
Avoid driving over debris in the road. Damage or an accident can be caused by even harmless looking items.
Keep your wheels straight when waiting to turn at an intersection in Reno. That way if you’re hit from behind, your car won’t be pushed into on-coming traffic.
My daddy always said that when you drive, you’re actually driving five cars: yours, the one in front, the one behind and the ones on either side. You can’t trust that other drivers will do the right thing, so you’ve got to be aware of what they’re doing at all times.
If you see another car driving erratically, weaving, crossing lanes, etc., stay back. Take the next right turn if you’re downtown Reno, or take the next exit on the Nevada highway. Notify the police if you see someone driving dangerously in our Reno community.
Never follow too closely. The minimum distance is the two-second rule. Just pick a landmark ahead, like a tree or road marker. When the car in front of you passes it, start counting: “one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand.” If you pass the landmark before reaching two-one-thousand, you’re following too closely.
Remember that the two-second rule is the minimum – it assumes you’re alert and aware. Three seconds is safer. Move out to five seconds or more if it’s foggy or rainy.
When someone inevitably moves into your forward safety zone – just drop back and keep a safe distance.
If someone follows you too closely, just move over.
Don’t play chicken by contesting your right of way or race to beat someone to a merge. Whoever loses that contest has the potential to lose big and you don’t want any part of that. Stay alert, constantly scan around your car, and arrive safely.