How to Cope With Slow-Moving Vehicles

Some vehicles, such as tractors, street sweepers, and horse-drawn carts, cannot keep up with traffic - keep your eye out for them.


Instructions

1. Step 1

   Look for slow-moving vehicles and adjust your speed accordingly.

2. Step 2

   Keep an eye out for big rigs and small, old-fashioned cars, which often have less power on steep grades.

3. Step 3

   Be wary of oversized trucks and older vehicles when you're entering traffic; these vehicles tend to take longer to reach the speed limit so you don't want to run into the back of them in your haste to merge.

4. Step 4

   Slow down or stop for livestock on roadways. It is illegal to stampede or frighten them.

How to Cross the Street Safely

To Cross the Street Safely

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Choose a corner where cars tend to slow down the most when crossing the street.

2. Step 2

   Look to your left, then your right, and to your left again before crossing the street.

3. Step 3

   Continue looking to the sides as you proceed once you have determined that you can cross the street safely.

4. Step 4

   Understand and obey crossing signals. Do not start to cross the street until the Walk sign appears, but if you have already started to cross the street, get to the other side as quickly as possible.

5. Step 5

   Remain alert to drivers, lights, engine noises and other indications of oncoming cars both before and as you cross the street.

How to Buckle Up a Small Child

Traffic accidents are a leading cause of death for children. Take extra care in choosing and installing a child safety seat.

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Be sure that your car has a seatbelt (lap belt and shoulder belt) for every child you will be transporting.

2. Step 2

   Read the instructions for your vehicle's seatbelt system, as well as those for child safety seats and booster seats, for proper installation and use.

3. Step 3

   Install a rear-facing infant seat in the back seat for children under 1 year old who weigh less than 20 lbs. Children of this age who weigh over 20 lbs should be secured in a seat approved for heavier infants.

4. Step 4

   Install a toddler seat for children who are at least 1 year old and weigh less than 40 pounds.

5. Step 5

   Set up a booster seat for children who are 4 to 8 years old and weigh between 35 and 80 pounds (or are at least 35 inches tall). A booster seat raises the child so that the vehicle's lap and shoulder belts will fit him or her snugly.

6. Step 6

   Children under 12, whether in a safety seat or not, should be put in the back seat of the vehicle and properly restrained, using both the lap belt and the shoulder belt.

7. Step 7

   Move the front seat as far away from the dashboard as possible if the car has no back seat, and restrain the child as appropriate to his or her weight, height and age.

8. Step 8

   Even after careful installation, check each time you buckle up to make sure that straps are not twisted, buckles are fully locked and your child is restrained securely.

How to Learn to Drive While You Are Pregnant

If a woman is pregnant, she needs to re-learn how to drive. While not difficult, there are some extra steps and precautions she should take.

1. Step 1
   

   Avoid rushing. While driving to any destination, it is better for you to be late than to rush and cause an accident. Even minor accidents are more risky while you are pregnant.

2. Step 2
   

   Avoid pot holes and bumps. Abrupt movements can cause contractions and cramps to occur. While pregnant, choose roads that are smoother to drive on. If bumpy roads cannot be avoided, slow down while driving. If the person in the car behind you is getting upset, pull over and allow him to pass.

3. Step 3
   

   Wear a seat belt. You may not think wearing a seat belt is a good idea while pregnant. However, it is essential for the safety of you and your unborn baby. Wearing a seat belt is not only safe but it may be the law in your state. The recommended and more comfortable way of wearing your seat belt is below the belly. Place the seat belt low across the pelvic bone.

4. Step 4
   

   Do not disengage the air bag. In an article titled, Driving Safety Tips for Pregnant Women on Michigan.gov's website, they state that, "Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommend that pregnant women wear a three-point safety belt and not disconnect the air bag."

5. Step 5

   Have as much clearance as possible between your belly and the steering wheel. For shorter drivers, a block can be placed on each of the pedals. This gives you the added length needed to reach the gas and brake while keeping your belly the proper distance from the wheel.
6. Step 6

   Choose a time to end your driving. Although it is entirely possible to drive up until the last week of pregnancy, this may not be ideal. Your belly will be much bigger. In addition, contractions are more likely to occur at this time. Make plans to depend upon other people at this highly sensitive time.

How to Stay Awake While Driving

If you have to get up early in the morning and commute to work, you may have experienced road hypnosis. Long commutes can increase the risk of falling asleep while driving. Learn some strategies to stay awake while driving!

1. Step 1

   One effective method to keep you awake while driving is to crank up the volume on the radio! Studies have shown that music with high frequency is the most effective in keeping one stay awake and alert.

2. Step 2

   Try rolling down all of your windows. A cool blast of air might do the trick in keeping you awake while driving. Breathe in all of the fresh air that floods your car. This is a great way to stay energized and awake while driving.

3. Step 3

   Next, pop some powerful mints or candy in your mouth! The intense flavors will help re-energize you and increase your alertness. A good choice of mints are Altoids, which are known to maintain its strong minty taste.

4. Step 4

   If you're having a hard time staying awake, pull over to the next rest area and do a couple of jogs around the parking lot. Once you get your heart pumping, your fatigue will melt away and you'll be alert and ready to hit the road once again!

5. Step 5

   Another useful way in staying awake and alert while driving is to drive coffee! Stop by the nearest Starbucks and order your favorite coffee. It really helps you stay alert and focused on the road while driving.

6. Eat a lot of high protein snacks! When you are driving for a long period of time, it's important to maintain your blood sugar. High protein snacks will help you maintain your blood sugar level and keep you wide awake.

7. Lastly, if you just can't stay awake, pull over and take a quick nap. It's safer to pull over and rest your body rather than risking your life while driving while you're full of fatigue.