Do's and Don'ts

DO…

…pay attention. Take your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel for even a second and next thing you know, your car could be wrapped around a telephone pole and you could be sitting in a jail cell.

…buckle up. 2 out of 3 teens that die in car accidents aren't wearing seat belts, even though it only takes a half-second to make it click. Plus, Florida cops can now pull you over just because you're not wearing it.

…limit in-car distractions. Too much noise and movement around you can keep you from seeing the important stuff on the road. Hey, your friends don't have to act like mannequins, but ask them to bring it down a level.

…use turn signals. Using your blinkers makes sure that everyone knows where you're going without any surprises.

…use your head. Make smart decisions, use common sense, follow the rules of the road and you'll be a safer driver.

DON'T…

drink or do drugs and drive. Duh! Even if you think you're probably OK to drive, you might not be. Why take the chance of losing your license or killing yourself or someone else? Sleep it off, call a cab, call a friend or call a parent.

…use your cell. Talking and/or texting takes your eyes off the road and slows your reaction time. The next thing you'll be calling could be a tow truck or an ambulance.

…mess with the stereo. Just like your cell, messing with the stereo or MP3 player takes your eyes off the road. Let your friend change the station or wait until you get to a stoplight. And keep the volume reasonable so you can still hear horns and sirens and such.

…speed. Tickets, higher insurance costs, medical bills…we could be talking thousands of dollars. Just so you could get to the next stoplight before the car next to you? Relax, take your time and enjoy the drive.

…run yellow (or red!) lights. It's dangerous out there and other drivers may not be looking out for you. Don't push your luck, slow and stop at yellow lights.

>> Learn more about Distracted Driving