Assume Responsibility—check all functions.

Before you get in the driver’s seat, you should have a checklist; be in a capable(good/alert) state of mind, there should not be any type of distractions(mental/physical). You should know your capability and your vehicles’ functionality. I would suggest that to be well rested and fully awake, you can achieve this by(depending on you), stretching/exercising, taking a cold shower, avoiding consuming greasy food, and eating foods that will not reduce mental clarity.

Check your car; you can start with the bumpers or anything that might create an unsafe road or distraction, make sure your windshield is clean inside out, tires(front 4/32 inch and all others 2/32 inch in depth), no cracks or bubbles/bulging, correct air pressure, no cut or cracked valve stems, rims(no serious rust, welds, missing parts and cracks), brakes(no fluid leaks, thin pads, missing or loose pads, and cracked drums), and inspect your lights(high and low beams, brake, turning signal, and hazards). On the inside of the car(given the engine is running optimally), make sure your seat belt is working, horn, and always use [all] your senses to check for; the smell of leaking coolant/antifreeze which smells like syrup(sweet) —-oil burning, or any other thing that can catch fire (wires and jumper cables[never touch both wires]), inspect your gauges and drivers panel for any warning signals/lights. Make sure all seatbelts are functioning properly.

Any strange noise(metal on metal) is never good, and is usually a warning signal for faultiness (especially in the steering wheel and suspension), cracked/soft/bulging hoses, leaks of any sort, and make sure your fluid levels are normal[never open your radiator cap when vehicle is hot or running]. Carry fuses, flares, and a spare tire and the tools needed to change it safely on level/flat ground and out of danger in a safe location—if you have reflective triangles or flares place them within 10, 100, and 200 feet of your vehicle when on the side of the road, using common sense, if around a sharp turn to place them where people will notice, allowing for plenty of time to react. When driving, look for any potential hazards in front of you and ahead(15-20 seconds ahead, a block ahead in the city, and ¼ mile on highway), as well as checking all mirrors when possible. Leave space between you and the car in front of you, for emergency stops, so that the driver behind you does not slam into you, practice this on the highway, city, and in a turning lane.

I once ended up in a turning lane, I did not want to be in, by Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, around a sharp curve, and wanted to get back into the non turning lane, I signaled, checked my mirrors, as I was moving into the ongoing lane to the right of me, suddenly— boom! I was hit!, my car (1995 Honda Civic) was lifted off of the ground and blasted back into the lane I was previously in; I came within inches of a [newer] pearl white Cadillac, but because —-I always keep a distance of at least two cars or about 16-20 feet, I did not crash into the car in front of me. I came close to the cement barricade that separates the two lanes from oncoming traffic. I was frightened and in shock! The driver in front of me came out of his car to inspect the rear of his car, after hearing the impact. His car was not struck. I thought to myself, if this wreck did not kill me, this big buff guy in front of me is going to. I then safely followed the driver of the suv (who was speeding) that hit me to the nearest cross street. We inspected his suv and did not find any noticeable damage or dents. Upon further investigation, I noticed a small two—to—four inch scratch on his 20 inch rims. My wheel studs, which had two longer studs, set up diagonally from each other, were lifted up by his large and flat surface chrome rims, picked my car up off the ground and shot me back into the lane I was exiting. We exchanged information and moved on with our lives. My car was pulling to one side slightly, the steering wheel was misaligned, and my heart was still beating fast. I am grateful to be alive. I got home safely, fixed my car shortly after the accident. Till this day, I try to keep a safe distance away from cars, and constantly check my mirrors. It is good to always have space between vehicles, in case something goes wrong. When a change occurs while driving; people braking, slowing down, or I do not know what lies ahead of me, I take my foot off the accelerator pedal and put it over my brake pedal, especially in residential areas, busy intersections, and sketchy situations.

Do not use your phone while driving—-especially to text message or have to look at your phone, accidents occur in milliseconds and your attention must be allocated on what lies ahead of you on the road. If it is important, find a safe and convenient location, preferably out of danger, not on the side of the highway or road, use rest stops, gas stations, restaurants, and well lit shopping centers. Vehicles are like bullets speeding by, do not hit or get in front them, look out for pedestrians, bikers, scooters, and try to predict the unpredictable, look at the front wheels of buses, trucks and larger vehicles for signs of a lane change when riding along side of them, which is not the safest place to be. Hold your steering wheel firmly while driving (nine and three o’clock position), if you happen to get a flat or worse a blow out, you can maintain control; never slam on the brakes, gently let your foot off the accelerator instead, safely, then get off of the highway or to a safe location. Always take caution, responsibility, and take your time (do not rush). Speed limits are there for your safety— speeding is dangerous, and you usually do not save much time by speeding.