Automotive engineers have learned a lot about vehicles and occupant safety over the past half century. Safety is a key design consideration today but it's important that you know how to use your vehicle's safety features to help protect you when you drive. Here are some basic tips for you. Always ensure that your lap belt is low over your pelvic bones (hips) and your shoulder belt goes over your shoulder and is snug across your chest. Properly positioned seat belts are the best way to reduce injuries and prevent fatalities in a crash. In fact, improperly positioned seat belt can even cause injuries in a crash. Always make sure that the top of your head rest is at least as high as the top of your ears. The name "head rest" is a misleading name. Its main function is not as rest for your head; Rather, it is designed to protect; you from injury, particularly in a rear-end collision. In order for it to do its job, it must be adjusted to the correct height. Always sit so your chest is at least 10 inches form the air bag unit in your steering wheel. If your chest is less than 10 inches from the steering wheel, you are at high risk of serious injury in the even of a crash. Know how to take advantage of your vehicle's anti-lock braking system. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) keep your wheels from locking when you have to brake in emergency situations. They allow you to brake and steer at the same time. Look for an indicator light on your dash to see if your vehicle is equipped with ABS. Vehicles with AABS also have regular brakes. The ABS only activates when you press heavily on the break pedal as you would if you needed to stop your vehicle quickly. It's important to know how to use them properly. If you have to stop in an emergency situation, apply continuous, hard pressure on your brakes until your vehicle has come to a stop. Always ensure that your tires are in good condition and your vehicle receives regular maintenance. A well-maintained vehicle is critical to ensuring your safety on the road. If your vehicle and tires are in good condition, your vehicle will handle as you want it and expect it to handle. You're much less likely to have to deal with nasty surprises such as brake failure or a tire blow out. And, your vehicle will handle better in tricky conditions such as rain or on a gravel road. Make sure you have our service center periodically check your fluid levels to make sure they are where they should be and your tires to ensure they are inflated properly; with adequate tread and that they have no cracks, cuts or bulges. | 
