Key Questions
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What is the proper way to regularly maintain your vehicle?
By changing your oil, inspecting and replacing brakes and brake pads, keeping fluids at appropriate levels, checking belts and hoses for signs of wear, and fixing any known problems.
What should you check for during a pre-operation inspection of your vehicle to make sure it is road ready?
Before starting your vehicle, you should check to see that: the tires are properly inflated and have good tread, the lights and blinkers work, windshield and windows are clean, the mirrors are in place and properly adjusted, the instrument panel is working and no indicator lights that suggest a problem are lit, the gas tank is at least half way full, and the seat belts properly function.
How can you plan ahead when you're driving to a new location?
Before you start driving, you should: check a map and find/plan a route, program your GPS unit, and consider taking the safest route.
What emergency supplies should you have on you to keep yourself safe, in case of an emergency?
To ensure safety, it's important to keep the following in your car at all times: a set of common tools (wrench and screwdrivers), a spare tire, tire jack, and tools to change a tire, jumper cables, flares, lights, or emergency markers to alert other drivers if you've broken down along the road, ice scrapers, snow brush, window cleaner, tire chains, and a fire extinguisher.
What is the percentage of people that could have been saved in a car accident if they had been wearing a seat belt?
Studies suggest that nearly 50% of people who die in accidents would've survived had they been wearing a seat belt.