Drivers, pedestrians, and others on the road need to follow rules to stay safe.

Drivers, pedestrians, and others on the road need to follow rules to stay safe.

vehicular safetygraduated licensingroad ragedefensive driving

Auto Safety

Paying attention and following the rules of the road are the keys to safe driving.

Young drivers are more than twice as likely to be involved in a vehicle crash as the rest of the population.

Auto Safety

Vehicular safety is an important issue for teens because motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 20.

Vehicular safetyObeying the rules of the road and exercising common sense and good judgment while driving

Auto Safety

The most important rule of driving safety is: Pay attention.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), at least 25 percent of car crashes happen when a driver is distracted.

Auto Safety

Position the seat and mirrors, fasten your safety belt, and adjust the radio and temperature controls before starting the engine.

Auto Safety

Pay attention to other drivers. Be aware of the cars around you and how they’re moving.

Make sure other drivers can see you by switching on your headlights at night and in bad weather.

Auto Safety

Reduce your speed if

the road is icy or wet.

heavy snow or rain is limiting your vision.

a lane narrows.

there are sharp curves ahead.

there is construction or heavy traffic.

Auto Safety

Pay attention to your physical state. Never drive when you’re tired.

Drowsiness can impair your reaction time and your judgment.

Auto Safety

Passengers must also take responsibility for their own safety.

Avoid getting into a vehicle with an impaired driver.

Avoid doing anything that might distract the driver’s attention.

Teen Drivers

Young drivers may be more likely to get into an accident for these reasons.

They lack driving experience and skills.

They are more likely to underestimate the hazards of the road.

They may take more risks.

Teen Drivers

To help protect young drivers and others on the road, most states have graduated licensing programs.

Graduated licensingA system that gradually increases driving privileges over time

Teen Drivers

Getting lessons from an experienced driver will help you improve your driving skills.

Teen Drivers

Many graduated licensing programs have three stages.

Learner driver’s license

Provisional driver’s license

Full driver’s license

Teen Drivers

Never try to retaliate against drivers who exhibit road rage behaviors, or the conflict could turn deadly.

Road rageResponding to a driving incident with violence

Teen Drivers

Examples of Road Rage

Honking, shouting, gesturing, or flashing lights

Chasing or tailgating another vehicle

Cutting off another car or forcing it off the road

Deliberately hitting or bumping another car

Threatening or physically attacking another driver

Being a Responsible Driver

Defensive driving will help you protect yourself from others.

Defensive drivingBeing aware of potential hazards on the road and taking action to avoid them

Being a Responsible Driver

Being a Responsible Driver

Sharing the Road

Everyone on the road shares a responsibility to follow traffic laws.

You share the road with other motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and people on skates, scooters, or small motor vehicles.

Sharing the Road

When you’re driving, watch for other vehicles and pedestrians.

When you’re on foot, on a bike, or skating, be aware of vehicles and follow the rules of the road.

Pedestrian Safety

Always use the sidewalk.

If there is no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic.

Before you cross a street, look left, then right, then left again.

Cross only at marked crosswalks, or at a corner.

Make sure the cars have seen you and stopped before you step into the street.

Bicycle Safety

Always wear a safety-approved helmet that fits properly.

Follow the rules of the road, and obey traffic laws.

Ride single file, and keep to the far right side of the road.

Watch out for obstacles such as opening car doors, sewer gratings, soft shoulders, and cars pulling into traffic.

Signal turns about half a block before reaching the intersection.

Bicycle Safety

Extend your left arm straight out to the side to signal a left turn.

Bend your left arm upward at the elbow to signal a right turn.

Do not tailgate motor vehicles or ride closely behind a moving vehicle.

Look left, right, and left again before riding into the stream of traffic.

Wear bright colors in the daytime and reflective clothing at night. Place reflectors on the front and rear of your bike.

Bicycle Safety

Skating Safety

Wear a helmet, knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, and gloves.

If you’re a beginner, avoid skating in high traffic areas.

Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, and others on the road.

Skating Safety

Avoid skating in the street, and cross streets safely when you come to them.

If you lose your balance, crouch down so that you won’t have as far to fall.

Try to keep your body loose and roll, rather than absorbing the force of the fall with your arms, which can cause wrist injuries.

Small Motor Vehicle Safety

Small motor vehicles include motorcycles, mopeds, and all-terrain vehicles.

Motorcyclists must have a special license in addition to their driver’s license.

Small Motor Vehicle Safety

According to the NHTSA, motorcyclists and passengers are 32 times more likely to die in a crash than automobile drivers and passengers.

Head injuries cause the most deaths in motorcycle accidents.

Small Motor Vehicle Safety

In 20 states, all motorcyclists and passengers must wear protective helmets.

In another 27 states, motorcyclists and passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet.

Small Motor Vehicle Safety

Wearing sturdy clothing that covers the arms and legs provides some protection.

Passengers should avoid riding with a motorcyclist who is impaired by drug or alcohol use.

Small Motor Vehicle Safety

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) are off-road vehicles used for recreation, as well as for work on farms and ranches.

About 46 percent of all injuries and deaths from ATV use occur among children and teens under age 16.

Small Motor Vehicle Safety

ATVs are intended for off-road use.

Small Motor Vehicle Safety

Only one person should ride on an ATV at a time.

Avoid using attachments that will reduce the stability and braking of the ATV.

Wear appropriate gear when riding an ATV.

Small Motor Vehicle Safety

Wear a DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, and boots that cover your ankles.

Avoid taking an ATV out on paved roads.

Avoid ATV drivers who have been using alcohol or drugs.

After You ReadReviewing Facts and Vocabulary

Pay attention to what you’re doing.

1. What is the most important rule of driving safety?

After You ReadReviewing Facts and Vocabulary

2. Identify three behaviors associated with road rage.

Sample answer: Chasing another vehicle, tailgating, and forcing a car off the road

After You ReadReviewing Facts and Vocabulary

3. What piece of safety equipment is required for both cycling and in-line skating?

Helmet