You’ve probably done it a countless amount of times. You hop into the driver’s seat, turn the car on, and away you go without a second thought. If this describes you, you’re definitely not alone. However, double checking some aspects of your car is a great way to ensure your safety and the integrity of your vehicle. The next time you’re going on a drive, take these steps before you put the key in the ignition.
Check Your Mirrors
Before you turn the car on, make sure to check all of your mirrors. The last time you exited the vehicle, you may have inadvertently bumped either the side mirror or rear view mirror out of place. If you don’t know how to position your side mirrors, use this handy guide. Once you’ve learned the basics of mirror positioning, you no longer have to worry about that pesky blind spot. Instead, you’ll see the road with clarity, which makes the drive that much easier.
Adjust the Seat
Adjusting the seat is a must, especially if you aren’t the sole driver of a vehicle. To put the seat at the proper height and distance from the steering wheel, make sure you’re no closer than 10 inches from the wheel. This helps prevent an injury if the airbag activates. From there, just make sure you’re comfortable and your arms are slightly bent when driving. As far as seat height, have the steering wheel at about the level of your chest. Not only does this make visibility better, but it’s another precautionary measure so you aren’t injured by the airbag.
Do a Walk-Around
Walking around your car is always a great idea, not only to inspect things such as tires, mirrors, and the body, but also to see if there are any obstacles. You’ve probably heard of people backing over a child with their car. It’s possible that this could’ve been avoided had the driver done just this one thing. Plus, you can see if you have a flat or low tire, as well as checking for damage, which is important if you’re in a crowded parking lot.
Have the Proper Documents
Leaving the house without all of your pertinent information leads to problems, especially if you get pulled over on the way to your destination. Not having your license, registration, or insurance information causes not only a delay, but in some states, you may receive a fine and have to come up with proof of these documents. It’s just a nuisance that doesn’t need to happen, and if you’re diligent about it beforehand, you’ll never have to worry about it.
Put on Your Seat Belt
Putting on your seat belt is a no-brainer, yet it’s surprising how many people fail to do so when getting into the car. Always wear your safety belt, not only for your safety, but also because you can avoid a fine. Insist that all others in the car do so, as well, and don’t move an inch until everyone’s latched.
This seems like a lot to do before going on a drive, but once you get into the habit, you’ll realize that it takes no more than five minutes. That time is definitely worth the hassle.
Image via Toyota.com
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