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Air bags |
- Air bags help save lives, but also can be dangerous to the elderly, to pregnant women and to small adults.
- Elderly and pregnant women should move front seats back as far as possible.
- Small adults should move the front seat back so that their breastbone is at least ten inches from the air bag cover.
- California law requires all children under the age of six or less than 70 pounds to sit in the rear seat and wear a seat belt.
- The law also requires infants to be placed in rear-facing car seats in the back seat.
- If the air bag deploys, you must obtain a new one installed by an authorized dealer.
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Car shopping |
- Safety features should be considered when buying a car, because they affect your insurance premium as well as your security and safety.
- Features to think about include structural design, size and weight, restraint systems, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, injury risks, and crashworthiness.
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Auto breakdown |
- Get your vehicle to a safe place to examine it.
- If involved in an accident, motion the other driver to pull up to a safe spot.
- Turn on your hazard warning lights. Place flares or triangles to mark your location and to give other drivers advance warning.
- If you can’t drive your car, stay inside and wait for help or use a cell phone to summon help.
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Cell phones |
- Several states have enacted laws that prohibit use of cell phones while driving. California has a similar law under consideration.
- Wait until you arrive at your destination or pull over and stop at a safe place before beginning your cell phone conversation.
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Bad weather driving |
- Seek shelter for you and your car instead of trying to drive through any kind of a storm.
- Stay tuned for weather reports on long trips and change your planned route to avoid severe weather.
- If you must drive, proceed slowly, use extra precaution, stay alert for increased dangers, and drive defensively.
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Senior drivers |
- Drivers who are over 55 years old tend to drive less aggressively than younger drivers do and seniors seldom drive too fast.
- Completion of a defensive driving class for seniors may qualify for a discount on insurance premiums.
- Older drivers may have impaired vision or hearing and slower reaction time.
- Common sense should be used to avoid dangerous situations.
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Road rage |
- Do not challenge an aggressive driver.
- Stay as far away from them as possible.
- Consider noting their license plate number and reporting their behavior to police so they will not hurt themselves or others.
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Accidents involving animals |
- Be attentive and alert when driving through animal crossing zones.
- Slow down and sound your car horn to frighten away animals.
- Brake firmly when an animal is spotted in or near your path.
- Watch for other animals after one crosses the road.
- If you hit an animal, do not try to move it. Notify police immediately.
- Contact your insurance agent to report any damage to your car.
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Auto theft/car jacking |
- Theft prevention:
- Record the car VIN with paint or indelible marker under the hood and trunk lid and on the battery.
- Keep your registration card in your wallet instead of in the glove box.
- Leave personal property in the trunk so it cannot be observed.
- Park your car in a locked garage.
- Install a security device on the steering wheel or on the gear shift.
- Theft reporting:
- Notify police and your insurance agent immediately upon discovery.
- Note the approximate time the car was stolen.
- Provide year, make, and model of the vehicle.
- Note the description of anyone observed loitering in the vicinity before the car was stolen.
- Note the identity of any witnesses.
- Carjacking dangers:
- Lock windows and doors whether you are in or out of the car.
- Park in well-lighted and/or attended areas.
- Be alert to anyone loitering around or moving toward your parked car.
- Avoid use of isolated pay phones, cash machines and newspaper dispensers.
- If bumped by another car, stay inside with doors and windows locked and drive to the nearest police station.
- Think first of saving your life.
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Teenage drivers |
- Provide your teenage driver with a stable vehicle that offers good crash protection.
- Avoid vehicles that are too small (less crash protection).
- Avoid cars that encourage reckless driving (high performance sports cars).
- Avoid vehicles that are over ten years old (because of their minimal safety designs).
- It is best to set a good example of safe driving and to discuss dangers with your teenager.
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