CHAPTER SEVEN

DEFENSIVE DRIVING TECHNIQUES / SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Collision Causation

Collisions are usually caused by negligent driving. Preventing collisions involve knowledge of the road, the vehicle's own position on the road, and safe driving techniques. You should be aware of the areas that you travel most often, as well as the areas that you know are more likely to have collisions or the highest volume of traffic. Avoid these risky areas as discretion should alter your travel plans. Some of the following contribute to collisions:

A. Driving Too Closely - Maintaining proper following distance is one of the most important factors in preventing collisions. Leaving one car length for every ten miles per hour of speed is a good rule to follow. It must be understood that increased speed requires increased stopping distance. Driving too closely will lead to rear end crashes.

1. Stopping Distance - Any regular passenger vehicle traveling at a speed of 20 mph should stop within a distance of 25 feet, once the brake is applied. At 35 mph, the distance will be approximately 106 feet. At 55 mph, it will be approximately 228 feet. An increase in speed will always result in longer stopping distances. In addition, factors including road conditions, weather conditions and traffic density also affect the required stopping distance.

2. Space Cushion

a. You should adequately position your car away from other vehicles to allow ample stopping distance in case of an emergency. As speeds increase, the distance between cars must also increase. Again, one car length of spacing for every ten miles per hour of speed is a good rule to follow. At 55 mph, you should be no less than 5 1/2 car lengths behind the vehicle you immediately follow.

b. On multi-lane streets, it is important to avoid, whenever possible, driving alongside or parallel with other cars. A space cushion on both sides of the car (an “escape hole”) allows for an immediate lane change if another vehicle were to unexpectedly cross over into your lane.

c. On multi-lane streets, opposing vehicles driving too closely to the double yellow lane dividing lines can easily conflict. Therefore, it is best to stay out of the lane closest to the center line. This will allow for more space between opposing oncoming traffic.

d. Two-Second Rule - Following the two-second rule allows for a two-second gap between vehicles. This allows you to see clear of the vehicle ahead and keeps you a safe distance back in case of an emergency or unexpected traffic situation. To establish the two-second gap, locate a fixed point on the side of the roadway, and wait for the vehicle ahead to pass the fixed point at least two seconds ahead of your vehicle. This is achieved by counting "one thousand one, one thousand two," and then assessing the following distance.

e. Three-Second Rule - Although the two-second rule is normally a safe following distance, some road variables often require you to increase following distance to three seconds or more. Some of these include:

• When being tailgated.
• When your vision of the road is blocked.
• When vision is impaired behind a large van or truck.
• When driving at high speeds.
• If generally poor road conditions exist.
• If bad weather dictates.

Remember, in all these situations, it is a good idea to leave more of a space cushion between all vehicles. The easiest way to stop your vehicle in a safe manner, no matter the situation, is to leave adequate room to stop. Extreme situations require you to use extra caution and to heighten awareness on the road. Increasing the following distance to three seconds or more will allow you more room to cope with any factors adversely affecting the driving task.

B. Bad Drivers - You can avoid a bad driver with proper vehicle positioning and general road awareness. Never assume other drivers will complete certain maneuvers simply because it might appear that way. You should never take the right-of-way or attempt to force your vehicle into traffic. Anticipation of other drivers' actions, in combination with yielding the right-of-way, is important. Forfeiting the right-of-way to other drivers prevents collisions.

C. Improper Lane Choices - Choosing an appropriate and safe lane for travel on roadways will oftentimes help prevent collisions. The less congested lane with less traffic flow is typically safer, as chances for a crash are diminished. The slow lane is often the most congested, as motorists are entering and exiting driveways or their vehicles, and unloading cargo or picking up passengers. Assessing the safest lane to travel in will substantially reduce the risk of a traffic mishap. The safest position in traffic in which to drive is where there are the fewest conflicting objects.

D. Improper Vehicle Positioning

Proper vehicle positioning is also important for safe driving. This includes:

• Awareness of other drivers' blind spots... other cars may not see you and can change lanes into you.
• Avoidance of side-by-side driving without escape options... keep a space cushion to the side so other cars will not try to change lanes, pull into your car, or crowd into your lane.
• Avoiding driving next to other vehicles on multi-lane roads. Someone may crowd your lane or try to change lanes and pull into you. Move ahead or drop behind the other vehicle.
• Keeping as much space as you can between yourself and oncoming vehicles. It is always safest to drive in the center of your lane and not crowd the centerline.
• Making room for vehicles entering on a multi-lane highway. If no one is next to you, move over a lane.
• Keeping space between yourself and parked vehicles. Parked vehicles may pull out in front of you, a pedestrian may step out from between parked cars, or a person may step out of a parked car.
• Giving extra space to pedestrians and bicyclists, especially children. They often move into your lane without warning. Do not share a lane with a pedestrian or bicyclist; wait until you can safely pass in the adjoining lane.
• Keeping up with the flow of traffic (at a legal speed) and leaving room for cars to enter on a freeway.
• Avoiding unsafe or dangerous situations altogether.

Defensive Driving Techniques

Collision prevention involves many factors. The key is to drive defensively. Below are a few ways to avoid getting into a traffic crash.

A. Scanning the Road - Scan the road and keep your eyes moving, never focusing on just one point. This will keep you aware and prepared for oncoming road hazards. For example, when you approach a hill or curve, scanning ahead will allow you to see posted speed limits or observe the speed of any vehicles you are following so you can make the necessary adjustments. You can use one of several methods to help you scan the road. The best-known is probably SIPDE, which stands for the five steps that its developer believed are central to safe driving. Those five steps are:

Search (or Scan) - The first step is to scan the road for possible hazards and traffic conditions.

Identify - Next, identify what those hazards are.

Predict - Anticipate how these hazards will affect your safety.

Decide - Decide how you will act to avoid the hazards.

Execute - Choose a course of action and act on it.

The animation that follows will show you how to properly utilize SIPDE, using a rock slide as an example.

B. Using Your Turn Signal - If you plan to make a maneuver with your vehicle that may affect other vehicles, such as a turn or lane change, you should use your turn signal. It should be given continuously during the last 100 feet traveled before a turn or action.

C. Covering the Brake - Sometimes you need to cover the brake so you can respond appropriately in certain situations. Covering the brake means placing your foot over the brake (but without touching it until needed) for quicker response time. Situations where this action may be necessary include:

• When driving next to parked cars.
• When approaching intersections.
• When approaching signals.
• When driving in a school zone.
• When seeing brake lights of other cars.

Riding the brake (keeping your foot pressed down on the brake slightly) causes more wear and tear on your vehicle. It also gives other drivers the false impression that a stop is imminent. In contrast, covering the brake is often prudent and a safe driving practice.

Tips on Driving Defensively

To avoid being in an accident because of someone else's mistake, you must drive defensively. To be a defensive driver, you must:

• Keep your eyes moving. Be aware of what is happening on the sides of the road, and check your mirrors every few seconds.
• Be prepared for other drivers to make mistakes, and think of what you would do if a mistake does happen.
• Avoid relying on traffic signs or signals to keep others from crossing in front of you. Drivers do not always obey traffic signals.
• Always look to the left and the right at an intersection, even if the opposing traffic has a red light or stop sign.

Proper Driving Posture - The way you drive is affected by how you sit and hold the steering wheel. Proper posture can help you keep full control of your vehicle and stay alert while driving. Keep the following four things in mind when getting behind the wheel:

• Sit with your back straight and relaxed against the seat.
• Sit close enough so you can easily reach the pedals, but far enough away that your elbows are in front of you when you hold the steering wheel.
• Keep both feet within reach of the gas, brake, and clutch.
• Keep both hands on the steering wheel.

Proper Steering Techniques - Both hands should be placed on opposite sides of the steering wheel. If you were looking at a clock, your hands should be placed at either 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock or at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock. These positions are comfortable and allow you to make a turn without taking your hands off the steering wheel. When turning corners, turn the wheel using the hand-over-hand method. Using one hand to turn your vehicle could cause you to lose control of the vehicle. Also do not let the steering wheel slip through your hands. Complete the turn by straightening out the steering wheel by hand.

Safety Equipment

All vehicles come with safety equipment. They are there to protect you and your passengers, so be sure that you utilize them. Check periodically to ensure that they are working properly. Defective safety equipment should be replaced as soon as possible. The following are the safety features that are available in your vehicle.

A. Seat Belts - The effectiveness and need for seat belts is unquestionable. To increase the chances of survival in a crash, it is important that all occupants remain inside the vehicle. There is a 45% greater chance of surviving a collision if buckled in a seat belt. Neck injuries and paralysis are often the result of unbuckled drivers and passengers being thrown "clear" of the collision. The seat belt prevents occupants from being thrown through the windshield and into traffic. Cars are designed to collapse in a crash and disperse the force of the impact, with the inner compartment (buffered by the crumple zone in the front, and sometimes the rear, end) made to withstand the collapsing vehicle, securing and protecting the driver and passengers.

1. Use - Before you start your drive, be sure to fasten your safety belts and make sure all passengers are also buckled up in seat belts or child restraints. If your vehicle has a two-part belt system, always buckle both the lap belt and the shoulder belt. Also, be sure that you and your passengers are wearing the seat belts properly. Do not wear the shoulder belt under your arm.

Many newer vehicles have adjustable upper belts that allow you to change the height of the shoulder strap to accommodate a person's size. This added feature may encourage passengers to wear their belts, as it increases shoulder belt comfort. Most seatbelts have "pretensioners," which retract the belt to remove excess slack in a crash (almost instantly). The seatbelt still needs to be adjusted as snugly as possible, as pretensioners are not strong enough to pull you back in your seat. Pretensioners are good for only one incident and then must be replaced, similar to an airbag.

2. Maintenance - It is important for drivers to periodically check to ensure all seat belts are functioning properly. A quick seat belt check by a mechanic or car dealer will determine whether the belt is at risk of malfunctioning. A minor or slight adjustment to a jammed belt or to the pendulum or ratchet mechanism might be the difference between life and death.

In 2007, approximately half of all highway fatalities in Nevada were people who were not wearing seat belts.

3. The Law in Nevada

a. Generally

• If your vehicle was manufactured in 1968 or later, it must have lap type seat belts.
• If the vehicle was manufactured in 1970 or later, it also must have shoulder harnesses for use in the front seats.
• If the vehicle is equipped with seat belts, the driver and any passengers age six or older must wear safety belts.

b. Child Restraint Law

Children under the age of six who weigh less than 60 pounds must be in an approved child safety seat. Consequences for failure to comply include court-ordered attendance of a training program on the use of child restraints, a fine ranging from $50 to $500, and/or 8 to 50 hours of community service. Effective October 1, 2007, a first offense will result in a fine of $100 to $500 or 10 to 50 hours of community service. Upon conviction for a second offense, you will have to pay a fine of $500 to $1,000 or perform 50 to 100 hours of community service. For a third or subsequent offense, your driver’s license will be suspended for 30 to 180 days. You will not be required to attend a training program, although successful completion may help to reduce your sentence.

c. Child Passenger Safety Tips

• Never hold a child in your lap or strap him or her into the same seat belt as you.
• Never buckle two children into the same safety belt.
• There are three different types of approved child safety seats:
  • An infant seat for children weighing up to 20 pounds.
  • A booster for children between 40 to 60 pounds.
  • A convertible that fits children from birth to 40 pounds.

When using or purchasing a child safety seat, be sure there is a label saying that it has been dynamically crash-tested and was manufactured after 1981. Child safety seats are all installed in different ways; be sure to follow the instruction manual and your vehicle’s owner’s manual before installing a child safety seat.

d. Unsupervised Children

Never leave your child unsupervised in or around your vehicle, even if you only need to run a quick errand. When it is 85 degrees outside, it will take less than 10 minutes for the interior of the vehicle to reach 100 degrees. Now if it were 100 degrees outside, it will quickly become 140 degrees inside the vehicle after just 15 minutes! Hyperthermia (heat stroke) is not the only danger an unsupervised child faces in a vehicle. A child left alone may play with the vehicle controls, setting it in motion and leading to a crash. Other risks include hypothermia, abduction, and trunk entrapment.

It is illegal in Nevada to knowingly and intentionally leave a child who is 7 years of age or younger inside your car without being supervised by someone who is 12 years of age or older if there are conditions that present a significant risk to that child, the engine is running, or the keys are in the ignition. You will be charged with a misdemeanor, and a conviction will result in a term of up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. However, the court may allow you to instead attend an educational program that includes information on the dangers of leaving a child unattended or inadequately supervised in a vehicle if you complete the program by the deadline set forth by the court. If the child is harmed as a result, you may be charged with child abuse or neglect, which is a felony.

e. Other Requirements

Taxicab passengers 18 years of age and older are also required to wear seat belts if the cab is equipped with them. You can be fined $25 if the taxi is stopped and you are found not wearing your seat belt. There are two exceptions: if the taxi is not equipped with them, and if you have a written statement by a physician certifying that you are unable to wear a seat belt for medical or physical reasons.

f. Seat Belt Statistics

• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts saved an estimated 241,789 lives of passenger vehicle occupants over the age of four between 1975 and 2007.
• Before the first seat belt law was passed in 1984, the national average for seat belt usage was 15%; the latest estimate for June 2008 shows a national average of 83%.
• According to data collected by NHTSA, in 2007, 55% of youths between 16 and 20 who died in automobile collisions were not wearing seat belts.
• 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico all have some sort of seat belt law, and all 50 states and D.C. have child safety seat laws.

4. Seat Belt Myths

Many myths exist regarding the use of seat belts, but most of these are simply not true. Some myths and the truths follow:

- Safety belts trap you in the car during a collision.

The safety belt keeps you secured and eliminates the chances of getting knocked unconscious. When conscious, you have a better chance to escape, because it takes only a second or less to take off the safety belt.

- Safety belts are for long drives but not needed for quick, local trips.

50% of all traffic deaths happen within 25 miles of the home. Death can occur when drivers are traveling at speeds of 40 mph or less.

- People thrown clear from a collision are able to walk away from danger.

The chance of surviving a car collision is 45% greater if you are buckled IN the car. If your vehicle is hit from the side, staying in the vehicle will prevent you from being thrown into the path of another car, through the windshield, or onto the pavement.

The truth from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA)... 75% of passenger car occupants in the U.S. who were ejected from the vehicle in a collision did not survive.

B. Airbags - Airbags are considered passive restraints because they are totally automatic. More and more cars are equipped with air bags which inflate automatically in a frontal crash and then deflate again in a fraction of a second, but will not activate from a rear-end or side collision. Airbags only complement properly worn seat belts. Unfortunately many people believe that seat belts are not required when airbags are used. In fact, both systems used together create the optimal safety mechanism for injury prevention. Some facts about airbags include:

• They inflate and start to deflate three times faster than the average person can blink his or her eyes.
• They can inflate at speeds of up to 200 mph, though after 1997, manufacturers were allowed to make airbags that deflated at lower speeds.
• They can only be used one time if ever activated and then must be replaced.
• They are extremely reliable, and the possibility of accidental inflation is very unlikely.
• Inflation will not block your vision as it starts to deflate instantly.
• Crash sensors measure the severity of the crash. If the crash is severe enough, they send a signal to the air bag, which inflates in a fraction of a second.

Some vehicles, particularly the more recent models, offer side airbags as either standard or optional features. They provide additional chest and/or head protection by inflating instantly during many side collisions, and some even protect occupants during rollovers. Side airbags are not required by law, but most manufacturers are still padding or improving door and body structures to meet federal side-impact requirements.

1. Airbags - The Whole Story

(Airbag information and statistics are derived from the NHTSA facts and studies.)

Airbags are safety devices that have proven to be effective. From the time they were introduced in the late 1980s to 2007, airbags have saved the lives of an estimated 25,282 people. As they become more and more common in America, the number of lives saved keeps increasing. Airbags have also proven to be particularly effective in preventing debilitating head and chest injuries. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), finds that a combination of a seat belt and an airbag is 75% effective in preventing serious head injuries and 66% effective in preventing serious chest injuries in a collision. Although airbags save lives, they also are the cause of less severe injuries. Airbag injuries often include minor cuts and bruises. Although rare, airbags have killed close to 284 people (as of January 1, 2008). This number, however, is relatively low, considering there have been more than 3,000,000 airbag deployments in that same time.

2. Using an Airbag

One common factor found in all of the recorded airbag-related deaths is the person was too close to the airbag when it began to deploy. This is caused by either sitting too close to the airbag or by not being restrained by a seat belt. A child safety seat should never be placed in a front passenger seat with an airbag (unless you obtain an on-off switch), as the airbag will hit the seat, and there is a high risk of serious injury or death to the child due to a broken neck with this impact. (Children who need to be restrained in a booster seat or car seat should always be placed in the back seat, except as noted below.) When braking sharply prior to a collision, people are thrown forward into the airbags if they are not restrained. Sitting with the proper space between yourself and the steering wheel or front console will allow for your body to hit the airbag only after it has completely inflated. In this situation, it is able to cushion and protect you from the hard surfaces of the vehicle.

With the changes the federal government made in 1997, manufacturers have been able to develop airbags that deploy with less force while still protecting occupants in the vehicle. Even so, it is still safer to have small adults and children 12 and under to sit in the rear.

Some important safety rules to follow include:

a. Adjust your seating position - If you are an adult in the front seat, leave approximately ten inches between your chest and the center of the steering wheel or console. All children 12 and under should sit in the back seat.

b. Buckle up - Always wear the seat belt and shoulder belt (when available) when in the car. The lap belt should be fitted over your hips, not abdomen, and the shoulder belt should lie on your chest and over your shoulder. Remove any slack from the belts.

c. Adjust steering wheel - Tilt the steering wheel down toward your chest and not up toward you head and neck.

3. On-Off Switch

Since early 1998, some consumers have had the opportunity to have an on-off switch installed in their vehicle for the air bags. This opportunity, however, is limited to the following groups:

a. Those who must drive with infants in the front passenger seat in a rear-facing infant seat.

b. Those who must drive with children one to 12 years old in the front passenger seat.

c. Those who cannot change their driving position to keep the safe ten inch distance between their chest and the center of the steering wheel.

d. Those whose doctors claim that (due to a particular medical condition) the risk of an airbag injury to that person is higher than the risk of hitting his or her head or chest against the steering wheel or front console in a collision.

4. Maintenance

Though you don’t need to regularly maintain your airbags, you should pay attention to the airbag indicator on the dashboard. When you start your vehicle, the light should turn on for a moment and then turn off. If it stays on or turns on while you drive, have your airbags checked.

5. Statistics

Current statistics show the effectiveness of airbags in frontal crashes:

• 31% fatality reduction for car drivers
• 27% fatality reduction for car passengers
• 27% fatality reduction for light truck drivers

Remember to always buckle your seat belt . . .10,000 lives are saved by seat belt usage each year in the United States alone!

C. Signals and Horns

1. Signaling/Turn Signals - Always signal to let other drivers know of your intention to turn or change lanes. Watch for other drivers' signals at all times. Turn signals are located next to the headlights on the front and next to the brake lights on the rear of the vehicle. Turn signals allow other drivers to see your intention to turn. To signal, simply move the lever (which is connected to the steering wheel) up for a right signal or down for a left signal. Some important tips to remember include:

• Check to make sure your turn signals are working.
• Signal before pulling towards or away from the curb.
• Signal before changing lanes.
• Always use arm signals in case other drivers cannot see your signal lamps (especially during daytime hours if it is very bright outside).
• Signal during the last 100 feet before turning and on the freeway, it is best to signal at least five seconds before changing lanes.
• Use brake lights to signal your intention to stop or brake quickly.

2. Horns - Unfortunately, use of the horn has become a spark plug for road rage situations. Use of the horn, however, should not be feared, but used as a means to save lives. As a warning mechanism, there is nothing more effective in your vehicle.

• The horn should be used to warn other drivers simply as a communication tool.
• The horn should be used at any time it is necessary to avoid a crash.
• If the roadway doesn't permit your vehicle to travel completely to the right side of the lane when approaching a curve with an unobstructed view of less than 200 feet, you must give audible warning to other drivers with the horn.
• A horn should not be used to attract the attention of other drivers unless necessary to avoid collisions or for the safe operation of your vehicle. When driving on a mountain road where visibility is impaired and you cannot see at least 200 feet ahead, sound the vehicle's horn to warn other drivers of your vehicle's approach. As a rule, the horn should only be utilized in emergency or distress situations and must be in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible from a distance of at least 200 feet.
• Be sure your horn is working properly. It is illegal to drive without one that functions correctly.

Additional Safety and Vehicle Equipment

Door Locks - Always keep the car doors locked. When locked, the doors are less likely to open in a crash and will prevent you from being thrown out of the vehicle. Locked doors also help prevent strangers from entering your car when stopped at a light or when in traffic. Structurally, locked doors add roof support and structural strength to the roof in case of a flip or roll over wreck.

Head Restraints - Head restraints are standard equipment on front-seat backs and are designed to protect the neck. These padded restraints protect against whiplash, especially when your car is hit from behind. To get the maximum benefit from head restraints, they should be properly adjusted to fit the round part of the back of the head and not on the base of your skull.

Windshields - The purpose of the windshield is to help you see ahead and to protect you from the environment. It stops the wind from flowing into your face and eyes and also protects you from rain, snow, hail, flying objects and bugs. The windshield comes equipped with wipers to remove rainwater or snow for clearer vision. Defrosters and defoggers also assist in ensuring clear vision through the windshield. Windshield obstructions such as stickers or objects hanging from the rear-view mirror are dangerous because they may block your view of other cars or pedestrians in your path. You may be cited if your windshield or rear window is in such a defective condition that your view is obstructed.

All motor vehicles with a windshield, excluding motorcycles, must have properly working windshield wipers. Vehicles may be equipped with either two wipers, one to clear the right side of the windshield and one to clear the left side, or a single wiper that is capable of clearing both sides. Under ordinary weather conditions, wipers should be able to clear fog, snow, or rain.

Stickers, signs, or any other materials may not be placed on a windshield in any place that may obstruct your view. You may display such objects in a five-inch square on the driver's side, or a seven-inch square on the passenger's side. On the rear window, an object may only be placed in a seven-inch square on a corner furthest from the driver's seat. No sun screening devices shall be placed on the front side windows unless you have a letter from a physician, surgeon, or optometrist. Sun screening devices used on the rear window shall not have a reflective quality exceeding 35% on either the inside or the outside.

Lights - Lights are a required safety feature on all cars. Their purpose is to increase your visibility, help you see when you drive, and to increase your car's visibility to others. Your car should be equipped with headlights (high beams and low beams), taillights, turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights, and emergency hazard lights. These lights should be kept clean and in good working condition.

1. Headlights are used to increase your visibility so you can see other vehicles and objects while also helping other drivers see you as well. You must turn on your headlights 30 minutes after sunset and leave them on until 30 minutes before sunrise. Headlights are mainly used at night, but are also used during the daytime in certain situations:

• Fog, rain, snow or any other weather condition which decreases your visibility (use only low beams in fog and snow, because high beams will reflect off and cause glare, making visibility even more difficult).
• On mountain roads or small country roads.
• Driving through canyons or extended tunnels.
• Anytime you have difficulty seeing.

NOTE: Remember, if you have difficulty seeing other vehicles, their drivers probably have the same difficulty seeing you.

Vehicles sold after September 19, 1940 are equipped with multiple beam headlights that have a low beam and high beam. High beams may not be used when an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet. When you are approaching another vehicle from the rear, the high beams must be turned off at 300 feet before the vehicle you are approaching.

2. Brake Lights are located on the back of the vehicle. There is one located on each rear side with most newer vehicles also having a center brake light located on the back window. The purpose of brake lights is to give other vehicles advanced warning that you will be slowing down or stopping. Applying your brakes will activate the brake lights.

3. Taillights are located in the same area as the brake lights at the rear of the vehicle. These lights turn on when you turn on your headlights. The purpose of taillights is to indicate to drivers behind you of your presence at night or any time when visibility is low.

4. Backup or Reverse Lights are located on the back of the vehicle next to the brake lights. These lights are white and usually smaller than the brake and turn signal lights. They go on automatically when you put the car into reverse. Most trucks and some vehicles have a warning or beeping noise that sounds as the light illuminates to give extra notice that the vehicle is backing up.

5. Emergency Hazards are the same lights that are used as brake lights. There is a switch or button inside the vehicle that will activate your hazard lights. These lights, when activated, will flash at a regular interval until turned off. Emergency hazard lights should be turned on whenever you are stranded on the side of the road or when stuck in the middle of traffic with a vehicle problem or emergency. These flashing red lights warn other drivers that you have a problem and imply they should use extra caution around you.

6. Fog Lamps are to be used in conjunction with headlights, not in their place. A vehicle may be equipped with not more than two fog lamps. They must be mounted on the front of the vehicle no lower than 12 inches and not more than 30 inches in height.

Tires - Your tires are the only things that connect you to the road while driving. It is extremely important to keep all four tires in proper condition. You should have a minimum tread depth of one thirty-second (1/32) of an inch in any two adjacent groves at any location on a pneumatic tire. (A pneumatic tire is a tire capable of being inflated by compressed air.) On the side of all tires is the manufacturers recommended inflation pressure. These numbers should be followed and checked regularly. You should also rotate the tires regularly as recommended in your vehicle handbook. This will allow your tires to wear evenly. Tire traction allows your car to brake, stick to the road, and corner better on roads covered with ice or snow. As the commercial says, "There's a lot riding on your tires." So make sure to replace them whenever necessary.