Car Safety Checklist

Volume 4 Issue 42

May 2005

Before a pilot takes off, he goes through a checklist to make sure that everything in his plane is operating correctly so he and his passengers have a safe flight. You should do the same thing with your car. Here is what you should be looking at before going on the road.

Every Time Before You Drive

Check Outside

Are there any leaks under the car? If so, you should not drive your car as you could have an accident due to brake or steering failure.

Check your car’s directional signals, brake, head and tail lights and mirrors. If it is bad weather, are your car lights uncovered? Are any of the lights broken? Your car’s directional signals and lights can keep you out of driving danger.

How are your tires? Is any tire low or even flat? Are the treads of your tires worn? Your tires are your car’s connection to the road. A good connection to the road surface helps keep you out of trouble. A bad connection can get you in deadly automotive danger.

And, are your windshield wipers working? Is there enough window cleaning fluid in the tank? You have to be able to see well to avoid driving danger.

Check Inside

Before you get into your car, check the backseat. Carjackers hide there so you can avoid being carjacked if you spot the carjacker before he can grab you.  While this is not a car driving safety item, it can save your life so you should check every time before entering your car.  Once in your car, you should start by checking the most important part of your vehicle – you. Are you physically and mentally ready to drive?

Did you have a drink before entering your car? You should know that recent research shows that even ONE beer can impair your driving ability. The same goes for just one smoke of marijuana. If you are drinking or doing drugs, do not drive.

That drug warning includes over the counter and prescription medications. Look at the cold medicine you use. There is a reason the drug label warns not to drive after taking that cold medication. The makers of the drug know it affects driving ability. The same warning applies to prescription medications such as antidepressants and pain killers. IF the drug label warns against driving after taking the medication then you should take a cab or have a friend drive you but do not drive yourself.

Of course, drugs are not the only things that can impair your driving abilities. Emotions can do a great job of getting you into a car accident too. Did you just have a fight with your boss or your wife? Did your girlfriend just breakup with you? Are you angry or even sad? Take a while to calm down before heading out on the road.

And, are you tired? A tired driver is as bad as a drunk driver on the road. Of course, stimulants are not the answer! Stimulants can impair your driving abilities  by making you over confident or even causing you to see things which are not there. Your best choice when tired is letting someone else drive such as a well rested friend or use a cab or public transportation.

The next most important precaution is driver and passenger restraint. Are you buckled in correctly? Are your passengers buckled in?

And, be sure all car doors are closed solidly and locked. An accidentally opened car door on the road can be a real killer.

Next, turn off the cell phone. We have all seen these guys driving with one hand on the phone and the other on the steering wheel. Police will tell you about drivers who hold a cup of coffee in one hand and a phone in the other while driving with their elbows. Those drivers are accidents waiting to happen. You do not want to be one of those accident statistics. Remember, driving requires your full attention. So, whatever distracts you from driving, turn it off.

Check that your car’s gauges are working properly and accurately reflect what is going on under the hood. If you smell something, check it out even if the gauge says your car is fine. Of course, you should be maintaining your car regularly so any misbehaving gauges show up and are fixed before you drive.

Also, look at your car mirrors, vents and windows. Can you see out your rear window? We have all seen drivers with back windows full of snow and the front windows cleared just a few inches. Those drivers are accidents waiting to happen. Make sure your windows are clean all the way. Make sure your car vents are working right so your windows do not fog up when you are driving. And, now is the time to adjust the air conditioning or heat in your car. Remember, all your attention needs to be on the road to avoid an accident.

And there are things on your car you do not need to check daily but should be checking regularly.

Check Weekly

Check your car oil level weekly. While the engine is cold (before you start your car), pull out the oil dipstick and wipe it off then reinsert it. Pull out the stick to read the oil level which should be above the lower mark on the stick but below the upper mark. If the oil level is below the lower mark on the stick, add a quart of oil if that is what your car manual calls for. Are you reading your car manual? Do you know where your car manual is? Knowing that manual is an important part of safe driving.

Of course, if your car is using an unusual amount of oil, have it checked by your mechanic. Do you have a regular mechanic? He is another important part of safe driving.

Now is also the time to recheck those tires carefully, Are all tires inflated properly? Since the air hose is there anyway, every time you fill up with gas is another great time to check your tires. Reinflate your tires as needed. Again, in the car manual, you will find the right pressure for your car tires.

And, check the fluid in the window washer tank. A good rule is to fill the tank when it is half full. Another good rule is to check this tank every time you fill up. If you do not have a bottle of wiper fluid in your trunk, the gas station is a great place to buy two bottles and then use one bottle to fill your wiper fluid tank. Put the other bottle in the trunk for emergencies.

Check Monthly

Check the brake and power steering fluid levels. You can find out how from the manual for your car. If the fluids need topping off then do so. If your car uses more of these fluids than your car manual says it should, have your car checked by your mechanic.

Check every six months

Check the power steering fluid levels again and refill if needed.

Replace brittle, cracked or hard windshield wiper blades.

And, rotate your car tires as prescribed in your car owner’s manual.

Conclusion

You and your car being in top shape is the best way to prevent car accidents.

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