PUT THE CELL PHONE AWAY!
Distracted driving, even for a quick look, can be a death sentence. It only takes a few seconds- yes, seconds of diverted attention on the road to put you at risk for loss of life, loss of property, loss of a career, or all three.

Your messages and alerts will still be there when you've arrived at your destination. So don't risk it- put it away!

Tips for Handling All Weather Conditions

· Check the weather forecast before you start your trip and plan accordingly. Refrain from driving in severe weather if possible or postpone your trip until the conditions improve.

· Reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Driving too fast or too close to the vehicle in front of you can increase the risk of skidding, hydroplaning, or colliding. Just as a reminder there is only four inches of tire tread between you and the road below. Just 1/10 of an inch of rain, standing water and oil will cause hydroplaning.

· Turn on your headlights, windshield wipers, and defroster as needed. These will help you see and be seen by other road users.

· Extra caution when driving on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas. These places tend to freeze first and remain icy longer than other parts of the road.

· Do not use cruise control or overdrive when driving on slippery roads. These features can cause you to lose control of your vehicle if you need to brake or accelerate suddenly.

❄️ SNOW & ICE: If you are driving in snow or ice, use snow tires or chains as required by law or recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have enough tread depth.

Be alert for black ice, which is a thin layer of ice that forms on the road surface and is difficult to see. If you encounter black ice, do not brake or steer abruptly. Instead, ease off the gas and keep your steering wheel steady until you regain traction. Never hard brake on black ice or during a skid. It will only create more issues.

☁️ FOG: If you are driving in fog, use low beam headlights or fog lights. Do not use high beam headlights, as they will reflect off the fog and reduce your visibility.

🪁 WIND: If you are driving in the wind, keep a firm grip (both hands) on the steering wheel and be prepared for sudden gusts. Watch out for flying debris, fallen trees, or power lines.

🌡️ HEAT: If you are driving in extreme heat, keep your engine cool by checking the coolant level and avoiding prolonged idling. Also, keep yourself and your passengers hydrated and avoid leaving children or pets inside a parked car.

Tips for Navigating Road Hazards

· Scan the road ahead and look for signs of potential hazards. If you see a hazard, slow down and steer around it if possible. If you cannot avoid it, brake gently and drive over it at a low speed.

· Do not swerve or brake suddenly to avoid a hazard, as this can cause you to lose control or hit another vehicle. If you must swerve, do so smoothly and gradually, and return to your lane as soon as it is safe.

· If you hit a pothole or a debris, check your tires, wheels, and suspension for damage as soon as you can. If you notice any problems, pull over to a safe place and call for assistance.

· If you encounter an animal on the road, slow down and honk your horn to scare it off. If the animal does not move. Do not get out of your vehicle or approach the animal, as it may be frightened or aggressive.

· If you are driving in a construction zone, follow the signs and signals, and obey the flaggers and workers. Reduce your speed and be prepared to stop or change lanes. Do not tailgate or pass other vehicles in the zone. Be patient and courteous and expect delays.

· If you are driving on an uneven or unpaved road, drive slowly and carefully. Avoid sudden turns, stops, or accelerations. Watch out for rocks, ruts, or holes that can damage your vehicle or cause you to lose control.

Tips for Navigating Traffic Hazards

· Check the traffic conditions before you start your trip and plan your route accordingly. Refrain from driving in peak hours, high-traffic areas, or known trouble spots if possible, or use alternative modes of transportation.

· Adjust your speed and lane position according to the traffic situation. Do not drive too fast or too slowly or change lanes too often or too abruptly. Maintain a safe following distance and a buffer space around your vehicle.

· Be aware of the actions and intentions of other drivers and road users. Use your mirrors, signals, and horn as needed. Make eye contact and communicate with other drivers. Anticipate potential conflicts and avoid them.

· If you engage in or witness an accident, pull over to a safe place and call 911. Do not leave the scene unless instructed by the authorities. Exchange information with the other parties and cooperate with the investigation.

· If you encounter a road rage incident, do not engage, or provoke the aggressor. Stay calm and ignore any gestures, insults, or threats. If you feel threatened, drive to a public place or a police station and report the incident. Please immediately (when safe to do so) call dispatch.

· If you see a distracted driver, such as someone who is texting, talking, eating, or grooming, keep your distance and avoid passing them. If they are endangering themselves or others, report them to the authorities.

· If you see an impaired driver, such as someone who is drunk, drugged, or sleepy, stay away from them and do not try to stop them. Note their license plate number, vehicle description, and location, and report them to the authorities.

· If you see an emergency vehicle, such as a police car, fire truck, or ambulance, pull over to the right and stop as soon as it is safe. Do not block their path or follow them too closely. Wait until they pass or clear the scene before you resume driving.