Category Archives: Safety and Security Issues

Being Prepared: What to Pack in Your Emergency Car Kit

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Adventures on the open road often bring a sense of freedom and exhilaration. However, life is unpredictable, and unexpected breakdowns or accidents can happen. That’s where an emergency car kit proves very useful. It can be your lifeline in a critical situation, providing you with essential tools and resources when you need them most.

So, what should you pack in your emergency car kit? Let’s look at the essentials.

1. First aid kit

A first aid kit is paramount in any emergency situation as the accident lawyers at Villarreal Law Firm will tell you – and they’ve dealt with a lot of incidents. Stock it with band-aids, gauze pads, adhesive tape, a pair of tweezers, antiseptic wipes, a digital thermometer, aspirin, a first-aid manual, and any essential medication.

2. A jumper kit

A dead battery can leave you stranded who knows where. Jumper cables, also known as booster cables, are an invaluable tool that can help you jumpstart your vehicle using another car’s battery.

3. Spare tire, jack and lug wrench

A flat tire is one of the most enduring car issues. Having a spare tire, along with the necessary tools like a jack and lug wrench, will allow you to replace a punctured tire without professional help.

4. Flashlight and extra batteries

If you’re stranded at night, a flashlight will be vital. LED flashlights are the best choice due to their longevity. Don’t forget to pack extra batteries.

5. Multi-tool

A multi-tool – something like a Swiss army knife – can come in handy in a lot of different car-based situations. It combines numerous practical tools, including a knife, screwdriver, scissors, can opener, and more. So, whether you need to remove a bolt or open an emergency can of food, it will have you covered.

6. Food and water

Include non-perishable food items and water in your emergency kit. Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits are good options, and bottled water can be a lifesaver during long waits.

7. Warm blanket

If you’re stranded in cold weather, a warm blanket can protect against hypothermia. So, consider investing in a thermal blanket designed for survival situations or one of those emergency blankets that looks like metal foil.

8. Road flares or reflective triangle

To increase your visibility during a breakdown or accident, especially at night, pack road flares or a reflective triangle. These items can alert other drivers, keeping you and your vehicle safe.

9. Portable phone charger

In the age of smartphones, having the means to charge your phone is critical. A portable phone charger can ensure you’re able to call for help or access online resources when in need.

10. Basic fire extinguisher

A fire extinguisher rated for Class B and Class C fires is suitable for automotive use. It can combat fires caused by combustible gas and electrical equipment in your car.

Taking the time to prepare an emergency car kit can provide peace of mind and may prove crucial in an unexpected event. While we hope you’ll never need to use it, it’s better to be safe than sorry. So before you set off on your next road trip, make sure you’re well prepared with a fully stocked emergency car kit.

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Navigating the Milestone of Your Teenager Learning to Drive

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Seeing your teen take their first tentative steps behind the wheel can be thrilling and nerve-wracking for a parent. You see this as a sign of your teen’s maturation and excitement over the wide open road ahead of them. However, you are concerned about their ability to handle the responsibility of driving and their personal safety. Insist at all times that we visit the car dealership as soon as they get their license.

Luckily, there are a number of things you can do as a parent to help your teen out as they get behind the wheel for the first time. Some advice to help you through this significant transition:

Be patient and encouraging: Teaching your teen to drive can be stressful, so it’s important to be understanding and encouraging. You should make an effort not to become frustrated with them when they make mistakes or take longer to learn certain skills. Always keep in mind that everyone learns at their own pace, and the encouragement you provide can go a long way towards boosting their confidence.

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Establish ground rules: Before allowing your teen to get behind the wheel for the first time, you should sit down with them and establish some ground rules. Some examples of such restrictions would be a maximum number of passengers, a driving curfew, and a ban on the use of handheld electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. You can assist your adolescent in maintaining a safe driving record by outlining your expectations from the very beginning of their driving career.

Practice with them: Practicing with them is one of the most effective ways to assist your teen in learning to drive. To begin, have them practice the fundamentals with you in a quiet area, such as a parking lot or residential street. As they continue to improve their self-assurance, you will be able to gradually advance them to more difficult roads and situations.

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Encourage them to take a driver’s education course: Many high schools offer driver’s education courses that can help your teenager learn the rules of the road and gain valuable driving experience. If your teen is interested in this subject and their school doesn’t offer it, you may want to look into enrolling them in an outside programme.

Show the way: Last but not least, you should lead by example when you’re behind the wheel. If you want to stay safe on the road, you need to do things like buckle up and stay focused on the road. You can assist your adolescent in comprehending the significance of responsible driving if you operate your vehicle in a manner that serves as a role model for them.

Understanding how to operate a motor vehicle is a significant accomplishment for any adolescent, and it is only natural for parents to experience a range of emotions in relation to this new phase of their child’s development. You can help your teen drive responsibly and safely by following these guidelines.

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Protecting Your Home Against Break-ins, Internally!

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Home invasions and break-ins are never a laughing matter, but it’s important to talk about them so we know how to prevent them with strength and reliability. 

When it comes to securing your home from intruders, the first thing that comes to mind is often high-tech gadgets, alarms, and cameras. These are important, but you’ve likely read advise for their use countless times before. There are several simple, yet effective ways to deter break-ins that don’t require an army of security personnel or an electronics degree. 

In this post, we’ll explore three easy ways to keep your home safe, sans the high-tech wizardry.

A Dog Is Man’s Best Friend

Sure, a dog can be man’s best friend – but they can also be a thief’s worst enemy! A “Beware of Dog” sign can go a long way in keeping burglars at bay. Remember – often it’s the bark that’s worth as much as the bite in this instance, and a very protective smaller dog can be just as effective as a trained German Shepard.

However, it can also be a worthwhile effort to find a dog with some size, enough so their presence is enough to deter anyone silly enough to try and break in, or to regret the day they did if they chose to do that.

Lighting Is Everything

Illumination is key when it comes to home security. Keep your house well-lit, especially during the evenings and nighttime if you’re not in. Use motion-sensor lights that turn on when anyone comes near your home also.

For added effect, install timers for your lights so that it looks like someone is always home, even when you’re out. As for those who are camera-shy, you can always use a fake security camera that’ll make any intruders think twice before breaking in. Thieves are hyper-aware of security systems like this thanks to them becoming cheaper, and the mere presence of one can tell them, in bright glowing letters – “NOT WORTH IT!”

Home Maintenance Also Counts

If you’re a fan of home décor, then this tip is right up your alley. A well-maintained home sends a message to potential intruders that someone is keeping an eye on things and won’t take kindly to any troublemakers.

Keep your lawn trimmed, your windows clean, and your doors in good condition. A well-maintained home not only adds to your home’s value, but it also sends a message to burglars that someone is keeping an eye on things and won’t take kindly to any troublemakers. A sticker in the window showing that you’re part of the local neighborhood watch scheme can showcase that people are looking at the property at all times – or at least that’s what a nervous thief might assume. Of course, this is just a perceptual measure, but it does count, and from there you can implement more stringent protections like Browning Safes for your most valuable of items. That in itself can benefit you more than you might realize.

With this advice, you’re sure to protect your home against break-ins, even if that approach can seem a bit intense to plan out and deal with. In the long run, we hope you can deter any chance of theft you may have experienced.

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Smart Steps Every Business Owner Should Make To Protect Their Business

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When you run a business, there’s a lot that you need to think about and take into consideration. You have a constant slew of things on your mind, from how well your business is doing to what steps you can take to grow it further. The reality is that as a business owner there’s often a lot that you need to think about and take into account. 

Wondering what it takes to protect your business and ensure that it runs as smoothly as possible? Below is a guide to some of the ins and outs of the steps that every business owner should take to protect their business and give it the best chances of succeeding as possible. 

Photo source: Pixabay

Read on for everything that you need to know. 

Take security threats seriously 

When it comes to your business’s security, it’s important that you take security threats seriously. It’s easy to assume that your business won’t be impacted by these kinds of threats – after all, we all like to assume that bad things will never happen to us – but the truth is that any business – big or small – is always at risk of security threats, which is why taking the time to protect your business from them is so important. 

This means thinking about the alarm systems that you have in place at your premises and the CCTV cameras that you have fitted both inside and outside of your premises, and considering how well it actually works. It’s also important to think about cyber security and ensure that you have adequate cyber security in place across your business’s entire network of computers. 

Make IT support a priority 

Another key area to focus on should be your IT setup and systems. The truth is that you never know when an IT issue may appear, and having IT support on hand at all times is important, as Kenny Natiss explains. 

So, it’s definitely worth taking the time to make investing in IT support for your business a priority. Otherwise, should your systems go down or a security breach occur, you won’t have access to the support that’s needed to effectively deal with the problem quickly and efficiently. 

Make team training a priority 

Far too often, business security breaches occur as a result of team members who have not been properly trained in terms of how to reduce the risk of causing breaches or what to do should they click on something that perhaps they shouldn’t have done. 

So, it pays to make sure that employee training on the ins and outs of protecting your business are made a business priority, allowing you to arm your team with all of the key knowledge that they need to keep your business – and your team members – safe. 

In addition to making online safety a priority, you might also want to consider training for on-site safety and security too. 

There you have it, a guide to the steps that every business owner should take in order to better protect their business. 

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What to Do if Someone is Driving Under the Influence

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If you suspect that someone else on the road is driving under the influence, it can be a stressful situation. However, there is a proper way to deal with it. Here is some expert advice.

First, Call Emergency Services

You can call the police if you think someone is driving while drunk or high, or if you see it happening on the road. Other people’s lives are at risk when drunk or high drivers are on the road. Your information could help stop a car accident or even save lives. During certain times of the year, like Christmas, this is often worse. But you can help make sure the worst doesn’t happen by staying vigilant on the roads, and in bars and restaurants.

Try to Convince Someone Not to Do It

Quite often, the police are alerted to drunk drivers by bar staff and other customers of establishments that serve alcohol, such as restaurants. Sometimes people can make poor decisions and get behind the wheel. However, you can help make a difference by trying to convince them not to do it. If you can, try to convince them to give them the keys or distract them for long enough for the police to arrive. Of course, be aware of drunken confrontations.

Driving Under the Influence Includes Drugs

Around 30 people per day die because of drunk driving in the United States alone. Yet there is an increase in driving while high on drugs. Most commonly, these are cocaine, methamphetamine, and even cannabis. Fortunately, it is easier for police to catch these people these days. Unlike in the past when drugs were suspected, police can administer a roadside drug test, much like an alcohol test. Any drugs are just as likely to cause an accident as alcohol.

Don’t Follow a Drunk Driver

It is commendable to report a drunk driver when on the road or to try to stop someone from getting behind the wheel. But in the case where someone has managed to get on the road, don’t follow them. Instead, take down the vehicle details and call the police, who will swiftly deal with the situation. If you follow the drunk driver, you could put yourself at risk since their actions are likely to be chaotic and unpredictable. Which isn’t what you want when driving at speed.

If You are Having Personal Issues

Finally, it’s possible you will find yourself driving under the influence. If you do this, then you have a problem that must be addressed. Driving while intoxicated, no matter what it is, is selfish and dangerous. So rather than put yourself and others at risk, think twice. If you believe you have an issue, then speak to a drink and drug counselor for the help you need. Going to meetings is also an excellent way to connect with others and talk about working through it.

Summary

You shouldn’t put yourself at risk if someone is driving under the influence. But you should call the police whether it’s drink or drugs. And seek the help you need if you feel you have an issue.

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4 Tips To Ensure You’re Safe On Your Motorcycle

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4 Tips To Ensure You’re Safe On Your Motorcycle 

Motorcycles are awesome, exciting, and economical. However, it’s also true that motorcycle riding is more dangerous than car driving. Motorcycle accidents are over 30 times more likely to result in death than car accidents.

Many riders are successful in avoiding accidents and having fun on their bikes without incident because they adhere to standard motorcycle safety procedures. Here are some tips to help you maintain a safe riding style and avoid accidents.

Photo by Guduru Ajay bhargav

Wear A Helmet

Not only is it required by law, but wearing a helmet is also the best way to protect your head while riding a motorcycle. Motorcycle riders frequently suffer fatal head injuries in accidents. 

Also, check that your helmet fits properly. Unfortunately, there are many retailers offering low-priced helmets that only serve as a fashion accessory without providing any real safety benefits. Always go for a helmet that has been approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT), as these have been proven to meet certain safety requirements.

You must also check if your helmet is a good fit. It needs to be just right, neither too tight nor too loose. It should cover most of your head without interfering with your vision. Choose a helmet that covers your ears, nose, and mouth, as well as your face, for maximum safety. 

Learn How To Ride

You can greatly increase your chances of arriving at your destination safely by taking your CBT training or full motorcycle license exam seriously. Studying for the test is only the first step; you must also master the theory and skill of riding safely on public roads. This is something you should learn at any respectable motorcycle riding school.

Inspect Your Motorcycle 

Prior to hitting the road, give your bike a thorough check to make sure it’s in top shape for your safety. Be sure to inspect the vehicle’s lights, signals, brakes, gas, oil, tires, mirrors, controls, and horn.

You should also ensure you keep your motorcycle well-maintained. If there is a problem, it should be dealt with immediately. You can take it to a mechanic, or, in some cases, you can do the work yourself. For example, you can buy motorcycle mufflers by Purpose Built Moto and install them yourself if you’re confident. 

Be Mindful Of The Weather 

Riding a motorcycle in the rain is a lot more dangerous than driving a car since bikes aren’t as stable. When driving on two wheels, you’re only getting about one-fifth as much traction as you would with four. Furthermore, your visibility will be impaired if you do not have windshield wipers. Last but not least, it can be unpleasant to ride through heavy rain.Check the forecast before setting out on a ride. If heavy rain, snow, or ice is predicted, leave the motorcycle at home. If you absolutely must ride in the rain, don’t ride shortly after the storm starts. Oil and other leftovers are brought to the surface by the first raindrops, making the road dangerously slippery. The oil and slimy substances it stirred up will be washed away by the rain if you give it some time. Wait for the road to dry out a bit after the rain. Following that, exercise extreme caution while traveling.

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4 Quick Tips to Keep You Safe on the Road

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In the United States, more than 30 million people drive to work alone daily- about one out of every 10 workers. Whether you commute to work in a city or a small town, driving by yourself daily can be isolating and stressful. Even with the stress and dangers of commuting, most people choose not to give up their car and instead drive to work by themselves. Fortunately, there are ways to make your commute safer. If you are among those who must drive alone to work, you should know a few things. Following these tips will help keep you safe on the road:

Pay attention to the speed limit.

Being a safe driver means keeping within speeding limits and changing your driving habits to accommodate different weather and changes in road surfaces. It’s essential to keep your driving speed within the posted speed limit at all times. Speed limits exist for a reason, and breaking them can lead to serious consequences. The least serious being a fine, and the most severe causing a serious accident leading to loss of life or devastating life-changing injuries. Speeding can also affect your driving record, hamper career prospects and leave you with criminal speeding on your record, increasing your insurance premiums.

Avoid driving too close to other drivers.

Always keep a safe following distance between your car and other vehicles. You should avoid tailgating and keep a safe distance between yourself and other drivers to give yourself enough time to react in an emergency or change in situation and road conditions. You should aim to keep a two-second distance between yourself and other drivers. If someone drives too close to you, avoid speeding up to get out of their way. Instead, drive steadily and don’t react to the situation. If possible, move out of their way or even pull over if you feel threatened or intimidated and let them pass safely.

Don’t use your phone.

Using your phone while driving is dangerous and illegal in most states. Hands-free technology is your best bet to avoid getting a ticket. If you must use your phone while commuting, put it on speaker and do not use your hands to type or scroll. Many people think that they aren’t distracted if they are not holding their phones. However, it only takes two seconds to look down at your phone. This brief glance can take your eyes off the road for long enough to cause a severe accident.

Avoid driving distracted

Driving distracted means you are doing something that is distracting you from paying attention to the road. Driving distracted can lead to an accident. It can lead to an accident the same way driving too close to the car in front of you or while using your phone does. Driving distracted can be almost anything – eating in the car, putting on makeup, reading, going when angry, etc. Try to have a clear head when driving and put issues aside to avoid increasing the risk of an accident on the road.

Conclusion

Commuting is a necessary part of daily life. Unfortunately, it can also be a very stressful and dangerous time. Fortunately, there are ways to make your time on the road safer. By paying attention to the speed limit, avoiding driving too close to other drivers, avoiding using your phone, avoiding driving distracted, and staying alert, you can help keep yourself safe on the road.

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How To Reduce The Risk While You Drive

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It has to be said that injuries on the road are more common than you might think. Reckless driving and a variety of other risk factors that can increase your chances of losing control while out on the road, so it’s important that you can take the time to reduce the risk while you drive if you want to reach your destination safely. 

Fortunately, this guide contains a number of proactive steps that you can follow to stay safe while you’re driving, and implementing these ideas can provide you and your passengers with ultimate peace of mind no matter where in the world you might be headed. 

So, what are you waiting for? If you’re interested in finding out more, then simply read on! 

Image Source – Pexels 

Visit A Garage Regularly

One of the most important steps that you must follow to become a safe and secure driver is to take your car to a garage regularly. When you take your car to the garage, an expert is able to ensure that it’s in the best condition possible. This will give you total confidence while you drive, while minimizing the likelihood of dangerous scenarios and situations.Experiencing even a minor fault with your vehicle could send you off the road and lead to extreme injuries or even fatalities, so it’s a good idea to take your car in for a check up every now and then to ensure everything is in great working order. 

If ever your mechanic does find a fault, get this fixed immediately – you simply cannot afford to wait around and ‘hope’ that nothing bad will happen, as in reality you will be dicing with death driving inside an accident waiting to happen. It’s a good idea to learn more about your options when it comes to taking your car to a garage, as you might be covered under your insurance to get it fixed. This should mean that the cost of any mechanical or body work is considerably lower!

Never Get Distracted

When you’re driving, all of your attention has to be on the road in front of you. You simply cannot allow yourself to get distracted by anything that’s going on around you, as taking your eyes away from the road ahead for just a second could lead to catastrophe. Do not look at your smartphone while at the wheel – if you receive a phone call that you need to answer, use the hands free feature that allows you to speak without the need to hold your phone or pull over to answer in a safe place. Discourage any other passengers from wreaking havoc in your vehicle, too, as your kids can easily take your attention away from the road. If you do find that your children are becoming a little too loud and boisterous in the car, then pull over and deal with the situation away from the main roadway. 

There’s no time like the present to become a safer driver, so get out there and improve your skills today.

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Five Tips To Feel Safe When Driving In A Busy Area

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Driving is a dangerous activity and no matter how many years on the road you have, there’s always the possibility of road collision or accident.

By following the rules on the road, it can help make better drivers in general. Once a driving test has been passed, drivers tend to bend the rules slightly to make it fit the behaviors of others on the road. While this might be necessary in some cases, it’s good to adhere to as much of what was taught when driving the first time.

Here are five tips needed to feel safe when driving in a busy area.

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Take it slow – don’t rush

First and foremost don’t rush. Take it slowly because chances are, there are plenty of people in a rush already. It’s one of those habits that can easily be picked up and when others are speeding, we often find ourselves doing the same.

Try to bring down the speed as that’s going to help in scenarios where a quick reaction time is crucial. By not rushing, it gives the driver enough time to think and prevent an accident from happening. 

Be alert and avoid driving when tired

Concentration on the road is key when driving in a busy area. Even if it’s relatively quiet, a car or pedestrian could come out of nowhere and take the driver by surprise.

Be alert when it comes to driving in a busy area and when it comes to being alert, that means avoiding any drives where one feels tired. Feeling tired is one thing but driving while tired is an opportunity for a crash to occur.

Make accommodations for other drivers

When driving on the road, sadly not everyone has the same level of experience driving and some make a person wonder how they acquired their driving license in the first place.

As a result, it’s crucial that a driver is making accommodations for other drivers when out on the road. Be attentive to everyone and everything so that any dangers are avoided.

Have insurers and attorneys at the ready

There are always accidents happening on the road and it’s important to try and avoid being one of them. However, when it comes to accidents, it’s good to have insurers and attorneys at the ready if it does happen.

For example, attorneys who focus on trucking wrecks are going to be extremely helpful in managing what can often be a traumatic experience when involved.

Pay attention to weather conditions

Weather conditions are an important one, especially as the weather can be unpredictable at times. Whenever a driver finds themselves out on the road, pay attention to what the conditions are like. This will affect how quickly or slowly a person drives and scenarios where driving may be more dangerous than it’s worth.

If there’s any cause for concern when it comes to driving, try to avoid it if the weather conditions are too severe.

Feeling safe on the road is something all drivers want, so use these tips to help when it comes to driving in busy areas.

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Tips for New Drivers: How to Best Prevent a Car Accident

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Car accidents are, unfortunately, all too common. In 2019 alone, there were over six million car accidents in the United States. While some car accidents are caused by factors beyond our control, such as weather or road conditions, there are many steps we can take to help prevent them. 

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As a new driver, you must be aware of what you can do to reduce your risk of being in an accident. This blog post will share tips on the best ways to prevent a car accident. Following these tips will help keep yourself and others safe on the road. 

Drive Defensively

This means being aware of other drivers around you and being prepared for their actions. It also means staying focused on driving and not letting yourself be distracted by things inside or outside the car. If you see another driver behaving erratically, give them a wide berth and don’t engage with them in any way. 

Don’t Speed

Follow the speed limit and drive at a speed that is appropriate for the conditions. 

Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents. When driving, always follow the posted speed limit and adjust your speed based on weather, visibility, and traffic. 

Don’t Drink And Drive

Never get behind the wheel of a car if you’ve been drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Even if you think you’re okay to drive, it’s not worth the risk. If you need to get somewhere and can’t find a sober driver, call a cab or Uber/Lyft. 

Wear Your Seatbelt

Make sure everyone in the car is buckled up before you start driving. Seatbelts are one of the most effective ways to prevent severe injuries in a car accident. 

Keep Your Eyes On The Road 

Distracted driving is another leading cause of car accidents. Avoid using your phone while driving, and don’t let yourself be distracted by things inside or outside the car. Pull over to a safe location if you need to do something that will take your attention away from driving. 

Know How To Act Quickly In An Emergency

If you are in an accident, staying calm and acting quickly is essential. Check for injuries and call 911 if necessary. If you can, move your car to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic. Once the police arrive, they will take over and handle the situation. You also must take steps after the car wreck to ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve.

Following these tips can help prevent you from being in a car accident. Remember that even if you’re a careful driver, there’s always the potential for another driver to make an error that could cause an accident, so always stay alert and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary. And finally, if you ever doubt whether or not it’s safe to drive, err on the side of caution and don’t get behind the wheel until you’re absolutely sure it’s safe to do so.

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