Know Your Vehicle

Know your vehicle’s safety features

Automotive engineers have learned a lot about vehicles and occupant safety over the past half century. Safety is a key design consideration today but it’s important that you know how to use your vehicle’s safety features to help protect you when you drive.

Are you taking advantage of your vehicle’s safety features? Find out where you stand. Look at each of the following six statements. If you would respond “No” to any of these statements, click on those statements and read the safety tips. Knowing how to use your vehicle’s safety features will maximize your protection — an important key to your safety when you drive.

  • I always ensure that my lap belt is low over my pelvic bones (hips) and my shoulder belt goes over my shoulder and is snug across my chest.

    • Properly positioned seat belts are the best way to reduce injuries and prevent fatalities in a crash. In fact, an improperly positioned seat belt can even cause injuries in a crash. And remember — even if you are only driving a short distance under ideal conditions, it always makes sense to fasten your seat belt.

    • Ensure that the lap belt is low over your pelvic bones (hips). The shoulder belt should go over your shoulder and be snug across your chest. Serious injuries can occur if your seat belt is worn improperly.
    • Make sure that your seat belt fits snugly around you at all times.
    • Never tuck the shoulder belt behind you or under your arm.
    • Remind your passengers to buckle up, too. And, if you are a passenger, don’t forget to buckle up.
    • If your seat belt is uncomfortable or cannot be properly fastened, take it to a competent mechanic or to your auto dealership for adjustment.

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  • I always make sure that the top of my head rest is at least as high as the top of my ears.

    • The name “head rest” is a misleading name. Its main function is not as rest for your head. Rather, it is designed to protect you from injury, particularly in a rear-end collision. In order for it to do its job, it must be adjusted to the correct height.

    • Ensure that the top of the head rest is at least level with the top of your ears. Higher is even better.
    • If you share the car with another driver, make sure you check that the head rest is high enough each time you get in the car to drive.
    • Correct head rest positioning is also important for your passengers and when you are a passenger in someone else's car.

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  • I always sit so that my chest is at least 10 inches (25 cm) from the air bag unit in my steering wheel.

    • If your chest is less than 10 inches (25 cm) from the steering wheel, you are at high risk of serious injury in the event of a crash.

    • Try making some adjustments to your seating position to get yourself out of the air bag deployment zone. Make sure you can still reach and operate the pedals. Always wear the lap/shoulder belt system, which will hold you back, away from the air bag.
    • If you are buying a vehicle, make sure you “test drive” the driver’s seat to ensure you can sit far enough away from the air bag deployment zone. Your positioning can vary from vehicle to vehicle, so make sure you buy the vehicle that fits you best.
    • If you can’t adjust your position so that you are at least 10 inches (25 cm) away, ask your dealer for advice and read the latest information on air bag deactivation to determine if you are eligible.
    • Seat belts must always be used with air bags. You can’t rely on airbags alone to protect you in a crash. Make sure you use your seat belt correctly.

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  • I know how to take advantage of my vehicle’s anti-lock braking system.

    • Anti-lock brakes (ABS) keep your wheels from locking when you have to brake in emergency situations. They allow you to brake and steer at the same time. Not all cars are equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), however. Look for an indicator light on your dash or check your owner’s manual to find out if your vehicle has them.

    Vehicles with ABS also have regular brakes. The ABS only activates when you press heavily on the brake pedal as you would if you needed to stop your vehicle quickly. It’s important to know how to use them properly.

    • Read your owner’s manual for more information about your vehicle’s braking system and to ensure that you are using your anti-lock brakes correctly.
    • If your car has ABS and you do have to stop in an emergency situation, apply continuous, hard pressure on your brakes until your vehicle has come to a stop.

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  • I ensure that my tires are in good condition and my vehicle receives regular maintenance.

    • A well-maintained vehicle is critical to ensuring your safety on the road. If your vehicle and tires are in good condition, your vehicle will handle as you want it and expect it to handle. You’re much less likely to have to deal with nasty surprises such as brake failure or a tire blow out. And, your vehicle will also handle better in tricky conditions such as rain and snow or on a gravel road.

    • Do a periodic check to ensure that your engine oil, coolant and other fluid levels are where they should be. If you are not able to check, a service station or mechanic will be able to help you.
    • Make sure your vehicle is serviced regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Check your owner’s manual. Take it to a certified mechanic who can ensure that your brakes and other important parts are in top shape.
    • Periodically check your tires to ensure they are inflated properly (check your owner’s manual). Make sure there is adequate tread and that there are no cracks, cuts or bulges. If your tires are worn or if there are cracks or bulges, it’s time to replace your tires.
    • As winter approaches, make sure your vehicle is prepared for winter driving conditions. A certified mechanic can help make sure your vehicle won’t let you down in the colder weather.
    • As summer approaches, make sure your vehicle is prepared for hot weather driving.

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  • I always make sure my side and rear-view mirrors are properly adjusted before I begin to drive.

    • Your vehicle’s mirrors are important safety features. Safe drivers know what’s behind and beside their vehicle at all times. They check their side and rear-view mirrors several times each minute. But in order to see what’s behind and beside you, your mirrors need to be properly adjusted.

    Make sure your rear-view mirror is adjusted so that you can see behind your vehicle as much as possible.

    • Make sure your side-view mirrors are adjusted to minimize your “blind” spots. You want to be able to see as much as possible with these mirrors.
    • Park your car in a safe place and check to see what areas you can’t see. Adjust your mirrors so that you can see as much as possible.
    • If you share your vehicle with another driver, you will need to check that your mirrors are adjusted to suit you each time you drive.
    • Remember that side and rear-view mirrors are NOT a substitute for doing a proper shoulder check each time you turn, change lanes, merge or back up. See Safe Driving Tips (Question 10) for more information on shoulder checking.

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