Archive

Holiday Safety: Tip No. 8

Dec. 12, 2000

A list of tips to remind drivers that a little preparation goes a long way in staying safe this time of year.

As millions of Americans take to the highways this holiday season, Shell Oil Co. has compiled a list of tips to remind drivers that a little preparation goes a long way in staying safe this time of year.

Before you leave home, make sure your vehicle is up for the task. Check tires for proper inflation. Check all fluid levels, belts and refill and replace as necessary.
Always use seatbelts.
Make sure your trunk is properly stocked with items that will come in handy in the event of an emergency. These include a fire extinguisher, flares, spare tire, flashlight, jumper cables, blankets and an umbrella.
If your tire blows out, don''t slam on the brakes. Instead, take your foot off the gas and concentrate on staying in your lane. Slow down gradually and pull off the road to a safe location.
Avoid being cut off. Make sure you''re not driving in another driver''s blind spot.
Get out of a skid by taking your foot off the gas, and then turning the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
Trucks need room to maneuver, so give them some space. Stay 100 to 250 feet behind the trailer.
Prevent driver fatigue on long trips by keeping the car temperature cool, taking frequent breaks and having plenty of snacks.
In you''re involved in an accident, stay calm, move out of traffic and find a safe place to wait for the police and emergency crews. Warn other motorists by turning on your flashers and raising your hood or trunk, and watch for traffic, fire and wires.

by Virginia Sutcliffe

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.