Q&A for How to Drive a Car Safely

Yes. The tires are the only thing between the car and the road. Make sure that if the tread on the tire is worn out that you replace them or you will not have any grip for acceleration, turning, and most importantly braking.

You may be able to recharge it with a can you can get from an auto parts store, but if that doesn't work, you'll need to take the car to a mechanic.

Pull the car over and buckle the child back in. Make sure your child is always buckled in and make severe consequences for unhooking the seatbelt while the car is moving.

Yes, street racing is illegal. By racing with another car, your speed can put you and others in danger.

Use the six second rule, and always be aware of when a bus or truck is going turn or brake.

Pull over immediately to the side of the road or wherever it is possible/safe to do so. Even if there is no gas in the car, you should be able to put it in neutral and drift to the side. Then call AAA or a friend/family member and ask them if they can bring you gas. You can avoid having this happen by not waiting until the last minute to refill your tank.

Pull over if it is safe to do so and let the emergency vehicle pass. If it is not safe to pull over, it may be okay to just stop and allow cars elsewhere in the lanes to move out of the way. At the very least, slow down. Stay alert and maneuver out of the way as best you can.

This depends on the states/provinces and countries you are in. In some places, you can only use an instruction vehicle for your driving test, while in others, you can use your own car - provided it passes the driving test safety checks.

No. Touching radio controls is an example of manual distraction, since your hands are taken off the wheel and thus need more time to respond to hazards ahead. Best to adjust mirrors or the radio while the car is stopped.

The best thing to do is not to assume that other road users will follow the rules of the road and that a pedestrian may cross anywhere at anytime even if it is not safe. Although technically jaywalking is illegal, in practice it is seldom enforced. At the end of the day, governments put the onus on drivers to avoiding collisions, not pedestrians.

Although you should pull over to make a call or send a text, many governments leave exemptions in laws regarding cell phone use for contacting emergency dispatchers (i.e. 911, 112, etc.). That does not mean you should do it, though; your eyes should be on the road first, and it is best to only use handheld communication devices when your vehicle is stopped.

Even the best drivers still end up in occasional collisions. However, by practicing safe driving habits, you greatly reduce your odds of getting into a serious collision.

The best cure for nervousness and confusion is practice. Ask someone with a calming influence on you to ride with you and help you deal with the uncertainties of the road. As you drive, inhale deeply and exhale slowly to help you stay calm. Direct your attention to the road and surroundings. Avoid any distractions, and concentrate on driving safely. Maintain plenty of distance between you and cars ahead of you. Brake gently. Avoid slamming on the brakes, because this can lead to skidding and loss of control. Pick quiet areas to drive in while you're still learning.