Safe Driving and Car Maintenance

Driving is the lifeblood of the United States. It fosters commerce, recreation and a way of life that's uniquely American. Cognizant that a mobile nation is a happy nation, the U.S. government understands the importance of promoting driving safety through brochures, publications and websites.

One such website, sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), provides up to the minute road conditions throughout the nation. This site is especially useful during winter when storms create risky driving conditions, allowing drivers to make prudent travel decisions. The FHWA also helps fund the nation's 511 travelers phone system, allowing motorists to access current road conditions, weather forecasts, traffic updates, public transportation, routes, schedules and more.

Promoting driver safety takes front-page precedence with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This department addresses all safety topics, furnishing comprehensive information on teen driving, seat belt use, child safety, senior driving, motorcycle safety and the dangers of driving while impaired. The NHTSA also provides sweeping data on 5-Star Safety Ratings, helping drivers shop for vehicles that rate high in crash and rollover tests.

The issue of safety-related vehicle defects and recalls is also fully addressed by the NHTSA. A downloadable 15-page brochure touches on everything about recalls, including examples of vehicle defects, how to file a defect report and the needed steps for receiving repair reimbursement.

Drivers unfamiliar with the pulsing nature of anti-lock brakes (ABS) can find an instructional brochure explaining proper use and the advantages of driving in a vehicle with ABS.

Need help on selecting tires? The NHTSA offers a 13-page brochure on tire selection, safety and maintenance. Drivers can learn about the importance of proper tire pressure, load limitations and the regular need for tire rotation.

Motorists can also read up on less obvious safety devices like head restraints. The NHTSA provides in-depth documentation on head restraint regulations, designs and effectiveness.

Vehicle theft prevention receives plenty of government attention as well. Websites and brochures provide a wealth of preventive tips and suggestions, including the importance of parking in well-lighted areas, using the parking brake to deter towing, and not using the glove compartment as a file cabinet for the title and registration. In addition, motorists can find a full listing of anti-theft devices as recommended by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

The government also extends its emphasis on safety by providing drivers with auto safety checklists. Instead of focusing on mileage ratings or sound systems like most other car checklists, the government focuses on educating drivers on the importance of regularly checking wiper-blades, tire tread wear, engine fluids, headlights and brake lights.

And, in addition, the government furnishes defensive driving advise, including rollover prevention. Rollovers have the highest fatality rate out of any car crash. To address this problem there's a full range of information on how to minimize rollover risks, with emphasis on proper maneuvering techniques and avoiding panic-like steering.