How to be a Safe Driver

Instruction Set

Only for those that still have hope and dont drive BMWS.

WARNING
Driving an automobile is serious business and clowning around is not acceptable.
Never get behind the wheel of a car if you are not in the frame of mind to safely
operate the vehicle. This instruction set teaches you the basics of driving and
does not cover every scenario on the road. Follow the laws of the road to ensure
that you are putting yourself in the best position possible to be proficient behind
the wheel.

Car Diagram
Steering Wheel

Side view mirror

Rear turn
signal

Front
turn
signal
Accelerator
Brake

Light Switch

Before Becoming a Safe Driver

Background Information and What you Need

Make sure that you are a registered driver in your state.

Obtain a car.
Make sure that the car is not stolen to avoid possible legal issues down
the line.
Buckle up!

Step 1
Buckle Up

Pull on the end of the seat belt and insert the metal end into the pocket area until
firmly latched. It is important that you buckle up before driving because you are
safer when in a crash.

Step 1
Buckle Up

Step 2
Turn on your Lights

Locate the light knob or switch in your car. The lights are normally indicated by a
near the steering wheel. This step is only necessary at night, but safe drivers get into
the habit of using their lights regardless of the time of day.

Step 2
Turn on your Lights

Step 3
Check Mirrors

Adjust your side and rearview mirror(s) so that you have a clear view of the
objects behind you on the road. A button is normally located on the door. This
button allows you to adjust the mirror up and down, as well as left and right.

Step 3
Check Mirrors

Step 4
Putting the Car in Drive

Make sure that your foot is on the brake, and the road is clear in your front and in
your rear. Shift the car into the desired gear, remembering to keep your foot on
the brake and off the accelerator. Take your foot off the brake when you have
successfully shifted gears and are ready to accelerate.

Step 4
Putting the Car in Drive

Step 5
Using the Accelerator

The accelerator is located below the steering wheel, next to your foot. There
are two pedals in this location. The accelerator is always on the right and
brake on the left. When accelerating from rest, make sure that you gradually
press down on the pedal so the car does not launch forward at a rapid and
unsafe rate. Remember you are not competing in a formula one race, you are
obeying the laws of the road.

Step 5
Using the Accelerator

Step 6
Braking

As you come to a point where you need to stop or turn your vehicle, you apply
your brakes to slow the car down. Begin applying your brakes approximately 200
feet before you reach your halting/turning point. When applying the brakes, make
sure to gently press the brake pedal with your foot, applying more downward force
as you move closer to your point of interest.

Step 6
Braking

Step 7
Use your Turn Signal

Your turn signal is normally located to the left of your steering wheel. Push the
knob up to turn on the right turn signal and down to turn on the left turn signal.
Using the turn signal is important because it indicates to the drivers behind you
when you will be turning or changing lanes.

Step 7
Use your Turn Signal

Step 8
Turning

Start by placing your hands on the steering wheel at a 9 and 3 position. Firmly
grasping the steering wheel, pull and rotate to the right to turn right, and pull and
rotate to the left to turn left. Never use your palm to rotate the wheel. Both hands
should be wrapped tightly around the steering wheel when turning.

Step 8
Turning

Troubleshooting Scenarios
1. Car breaks down: Pull off the road if possible. Turn on your hazard
lights/flashers. The flasher button is normally located behind the steering
wheel or on the dashboard and is indicated by
. Call 911 or a towing
service if you cannot fix the problem. Make sure that you have your drivers
license and car insurance information when help arrives.
2. Pulled over by police: Pull off the road when there is an open shoulder. Stay
in the car. Do not get out. Wait for the officer to come up to your window.
Provide them with your license and registration. Treat them with respect.
3. Accident: Get out of your car if you can. Make sure that the other(s) involved
in the accident are living and in good condition. Call 911. Exchange insurance
information to avoid discrepancies.

Glossary
Accelerator- Pedal on the floor of the car that makes the car move when pressed. It is located on the drivers side.
Brake- Pedal on the floor of the car that makes the car stop or slow down when pressed. It is also located on the
drivers side, to the left of the accelerator.
Gear- Mechanisms that control which direction you drive and differentiate how you drive.
Lane- An area marked by lines that separates one section of road from another.
Light knob/switch- Knob located on the drivers side near the steering wheel that turns on the lights.

Rearview mirror- Mirror located inside the car above center console. Used for backing up and viewing objects
directly behind the car.
Seat belt- Safety device that keeps you locked in your seat when in a crash.

Side-view mirror- Mirrors located on each side of the car. Used for checking blind spots when changing lanes.
Turning point- Point on the road where you plan on turning.
Turn signal- Device used to indicate to other drivers when you will be turning or changing lanes.

References
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Blue Car Lights [Online Image]. (2016).
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Buckling seat belt [Online Image]. (2016).
Retrieved April 6, 2016 from http://ia.zerofatalities.com/prevention/buckle-up/

Helioshammer. (2016). Car mirror set. [Online Image].

Retrieved April 8, 2016 from http://depositphotos.com/15771115/stock-illustration-car-mirror-set.html

Lamborghini Aventador [Online Image]. (2015).

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[Untitled illustration of BMW performance brakes] (2015).

[Untitled illustration of a flasher button]

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https://www.google.com/search?q=flasher+symbol&espv=2&biw=1440&bih=729&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ve

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%3A

[Untitled image of a steering wheel] (2016)

Retrieved from http://www.letslearn2drive.com/learner_tutorials/Steering%20wheel.html