Control of a Vehicle

DRIVING AND OPERATING 205 ‌‌‌‌

. Become familiar with vehicle

features before driving, such as programming favorite radio

stations and adjusting climate

control and seat settings. Program all trip information into any

navigation device prior to driving.

. Wait until the vehicle is parked to retrieve items that have fallen to

the floor.

. Stop or park the vehicle to tend to children.

. Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or restraint.

. Avoid stressful conversations while driving, whether with a passenger or on a cell phone.

{ Warning

Taking your eyes off the road too long or too often could cause a

crash resulting in injury or death. Focus your attention on driving.

Refer to the infotainment section for more information on using that

system and the navigation system, if equipped, including pairing and using a cell phone.

Defensive Driving

Defensive driving means “always

expect the unexpected.” The first step

. Assume that other road users

(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be careless

and make mistakes. Anticipate

what they might do and be ready.

. Allow enough following distance between you and the driver in

front of you.

. Focus on the task of driving.

Drunk Driving

Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a global

tragedy.

{ Warning

Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes,

perceptions, attentiveness, and

judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You can

have a serious — or even fatal —

collision if you drive after drinking.

Do not drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking.

Ride home in a cab; or if you are with a group, designate a driver who will not drink.

Control of a Vehicle

Braking, steering, and accelerating are

important factors in helping to control a vehicle while driving.

Braking (Gasoline Only)

Braking action involves perception

time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception

time. Actually doing it is reaction time.