Health Topics for Personal Safety

Department of Emergency Medicine

Emergency Medical Services Learning Resources Center

Before you take the wheel

Injury as a result of car crashes is the most common injury problem for people under age 44. Safety practices greatly reduce the risk of a crash and can make you more comfortable in the event of a mechanical breakdown.

Follow these safety tips:

1. Never drive a vehicle after drinking alcohol, or while under the influence of mind-altering drugs. If you plan to drink, pick a non-drinking designated driver, or use a cab.

2. Make wearing your safety belt a habit. Place the belt low across the hips. The shoulder strap should cross your chest and go over your shoulder. You may need to adjust it so that it does not cross your neck.

3. All children 4 years or less, or weighing less than 40 pounds, should ride in a child safety seat. Match the car safety seat with your child's weight:

• Birth to 20 pounds: Use a rear-facing infant seat until your child weighs more than 20 pounds and is able to sit up alone. Keep your child facing backward as long as possible because it protects against neck injuries.
• More than 20 pounds: Use a convertible car seat in the forward-facing position. Keep it rear-facing if the child is less than 12 months old.
• More than 40 pounds and more than 40 inches tall: Use a booster safety seat. A booster safety seat is needed once a child has outgrown the convertible safety seat, but is too small to fit properly into the car's regular seat belt.
• The back seat of the car is the best location for the child safety seat. Front passenger-side airbags, when released during an accident, can seriously injure or kill a child or infant, so keep the child safe in the back seat.

4. Buckle everyone. All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat.

5. Many car crashes are caused by drivers who follow too close to the car in front of them and cannot stop in time when that car suddenly brakes to slow down or stop. Allow at least one car length for every 10 miles per hour of your speed.

6. When approaching an intersection, make it a practice to stop when a traffic signal turns yellow, rather than speeding up to make it through the intersection before the light turns red.

7. Teenagers have many more car crashes than older drivers. Set rules for your teenage driver. Do not allow your teen to drive at night, have other teens as passengers, or to drive on high-speed roads without adult supervision.

8. Do not drive faster than the speed limit. Driving at high speed makes it more difficult to react and results in greater impact should there be a crash.

9. Do not drive when you are sleepy. If you are tired, pull off the road to a safe spot and take a nap, or trade drivers. Sleepy drivers cause many serious accidents.

10. Keep your trunk stocked with a road emergency kit that includes a flashlight, flares, a spare tire, a jack, and a first aid kit. In case you break down, keep a spare blanket, a gallon of water, and some granola bars stowed, as well.

11. Follow the maintenance plan for your car. Be sure the tires are in good condition and properly inflated. Have the brakes inspected twice a year and keep the windshield wiper blades, signal lights, headlights, and mirrors in good working order. Following these important action steps will help ensure your safe arrival to your destination.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File PERS4871.rf2 VRS# 4871 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2002-2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.