Before starting
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Make sure the hood, the liftgate, and the doors are securely closed and locked.
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Adjust the position of the seat and steering wheel.
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Adjust the inside and side view mirrors.
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Verify all the lights work.
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Fasten your seat belt. Check that all passengers have fastened their seat belts.
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Check the gauges and indicators in the instrument panel and the messages on the instrument display when the Engine Start/Stop button is in the ON position.
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Check that any items you are carrying are stored properly or fastened down securely.
To reduce the risk of serious injury or death:
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Always wear your seat belt. All passengers must be properly belted whenever the vehicle is moving. For more information, refer to the “Seat belts” section in chapter 3.
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Always drive defensively. Do not assume that the other drivers are seeing your vehicle. They may not act as you expect. Be prepared to react to avoid a possible collision. Plan your movements anticipating the “worst-case” scenario.
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Stay focused on driving. Driver distraction may cause a collision.
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Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Never drink or take drugs while driving.
Drinking or taking drugs while driving is dangerous and may result in a collision, causing serious injury or death.
Drunk driving is the number one contributor to the highway death toll each year. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your reflexes, perceptions, and judgment. Just one drink may reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions and emergencies and your reaction time gets worse with each additional drink.
Driving while under the influence of drugs is as dangerous or more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol.
You are much more likely to have a serious crash if you drink or take drugs while driving. If you are drinking or taking drugs, never drive. Do not ride with a driver who has been drinking or taking drugs. Choose a designated driver or call a taxi.