Auto safety is a complicated issue. The safety lobby has forced the manufacturers to incorporate so many safety features into the modern car that many drivers assume there is nothing they should do to make themselves safe. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Foremost among safety precautions is the style of driving. Every time you feel a little out of control you are risking your life. Spinning wheels, cutting in and out of traffic, and driving fast in the snow or rain might all be exhilarating. But these are activities that will greatly increase your chances of wrecking your car and injuring yourself and your passengers. Defensive driving is a subject that few know anything about. But it is so simple to do. Just pretend that everything outside of your windshield is out to get you and you’ll be fine. Maintain respectful distances from other cars and from roadside hazards. Maintain the same rate of speed as the other traffic. And pay attention–no cell phones or map reading on the fly. If you need to do that then pull over to take care of it.
Maintenance is an important issue to consider. Your car won’t stop if the brakes don’t work. It won’t go if there’s no oil in the engine. It won’t turn if the tires are flat. Keeping to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual will go a long way towards preventing problems on the road. Taking responsibility for some of it by checking your oil and your tire pressure regularly is also a good idea. Back up to a storefront and check your lights in the the window glass every now and then. Keep the condition of your car in your mind as you drive and you will rarely be surprised or disappointed.
Then there’s the Boy Scout stuff. Be prepared. Do you have a flashlight in case something happens at night? Are all of the items needed to change the tire, including the spare itself, properly stowed in the trunk where you can find them quickly? If it is winter do you have an ice scraper, some sand or salt, and a small shovel? In cold weather a blanket and a couple of candy bars will go a long way if you get stranded. And never set off on a trip or in bad weather without a full tank of fuel. An older car should have other items aboard such as jumper cables and spare bulbs.
Passenger safety is also the responsibility of the driver. Your passengers should be belted in. They should not distract the driver or engage in horseplay. If they are children they should be fastened in to booster seats or infant carriers appropriate to their size and weight. These items can be pricey, but most local police departments can arrange the loan of donated items. Just remember that safety is the responsibility of the driver and all he needs to do is be firm and vigilant to make it happen.