Safe Driving Practices

There are many cars on the road.  We must drive safely and be alert at all times.  The first thing we should do when we get into a car is to make sure that your passengers have fastened his or her seat belt.  Children less than 5 years old should be in a child safety seat.  If your car has air bags, small children must sit in the backseat.

All drivers should regularly inspect their cars to make sure that everything is working properly.  Make sure all tires have enough air, that the brakes are working properly, that the horn sounds, and that all of the lights work.

Always observe the speed limit and keep a safe distance behind the car in front of you.  Do not eat, drink, smoke, or talk on your cell phone while driving.  Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel at all times.

Don’t forget to turn your head lights on at night.  If it begins to rain during the day, you must turn on your lights.  It is a good idea to have your headlights on when it is foggy outside.

Always yield right of way to pedestrians.  This means that you must stop and let them cross the road.  You must also yield right of way to emergency vehicles such as police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances.  When you see flashing lights and hear sirens, carefully pull to the right side of the road and stop so that they may pass. 

You must always stop for school buses when they have their stop sign out.  Never pass a stopped school bus.  You will get a ticket.

You must slow down at railroad crossings and work zones.  Stay alert.  Watch for construction workers, flaggers, and other vehicles.

When changing lanes on the highway or interstate, always use caution and look to see if a car is already there.

Should, Shouldn’t, and Must 

“must” means necessary, required, or to have 

 

  Example:  You must wear your seat belts.  It is required by law.

“should” and “should not” are used to express opinions or ideas.   Example:  You should not eat while driving.                            (shouldn’t)   Example:  You should fill your car with gas before going on long trips.

Directions:  Read each sentence below and fill in the blank with should, should not, shouldn’t or must.

1. You ______________ stop for a stopped school bus.
2. You _______________ eat, drink, smoke, or talk on the phone while driving.
3. Drivers _____________ make sure that all the tires have enough air.
4. You ______________ yield right of way to pedestrians.
5. You ____________ keep your eyes on the road at all times.
6. You _______________ drive a car that doesn’t have good brakes.
7. Drivers ___________ follow all speed limits.
8. Everyone _____________ turn on their headlights when it is foggy.
9. We ______________ turn on our headlights at night.
10. You _____________ keep your hand on the steering wheel at all times.
11. All drivers ___________ stay alert at all times.
12. We ____________ slow down in work zones.
13. Parents _______________ let their children ride in the front seat if the car has air bags.
14. When it is raining, you ___________ turn on your headlights.
15. You ___________ make sure that all of your lights work.
16. You _______________ change lanes if there is a car already there.
17. Everyone __________ slow down at railroad crossings.
18. You _______________ ride in a car with your seatbelt fastened.
19. Children less than five years old _____________ be in a child safety seat.
20. You ________________ follow the car in front of you too closely. 

Read and match 

Tips for safer driving