Seat Belts

• It's common knowledge that seat belts save lives, but since some people still choose not to use them, the information is always worth repeating. Seat belts with shoulder straps are better at preventing injuries, and you can purchase kits to add a shoulder strap to the older style of belts that some cars have in the back seat, which only go across the lap. Never place the shoulder strap under your arm or behind you; always keep it stretched across your chest and shoulder.
  
  

Car Seats

• Keep in mind that there are different types of car seats based on a child's age, height and weight. Infant car seats should always be placed in the back seat, facing the rear of the vehicle with a seat belt holding it firmly in place. It is never a good idea to put an infant in the front seat of a car, especially when there are air bags nearby. For toddlers, the car seat should go in the back seat and face forward. When young children begin to outgrow their car seats, you can use a booster seat instead. Make sure the lap and shoulder straps fit securely around both the booster seat and the child.
  
  

Air Bags

• If used properly, air bags save lives while causing very few negative side effects. Almost all air bag related deaths have resulted from people being either unrestrained or improperly restrained. Air bags are a valuable safety feature for adults, but they can cause injuries to children who are 12 years of age or younger, so it is recommended that these children sit in the back seat. In order for air bags to provide maximum protection, drivers should sit at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel and keep their hands on the wheel at the 10- and 2-o'clock positions.
  
  

Fatigue

• No one ever plans on falling asleep while driving, but fatigued drivers can do just that, causing serious injuries and fatalities to themselves and other drivers around them. Some signs that you may be too tired to safely drive include continuous yawning, trouble keeping your eyes open and your head up, disconnected thoughts, lane drifting, tailgating other vehicles and missing traffic signs. Many people will try to push past these symptoms and keep driving, but it is better to pull off the road and find a safe place to rest for a while.
  
  

Under the Influence

• Drivers with a high blood-alcohol concentration are much more likely to be involved in a car accident. The relevant risk of death for drunk drivers in a single-vehicle crash is 385 times greater than someone with no alcohol in their system. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the risk for male drivers is 707 times greater. While information on drunk driving dangers is relatively widespread, fewer people are aware that over-the-counter medication can also lead to auto crashes. Doctors recommend not driving after taking antihistamines or allergy medications---or at least driving with extreme caution. Always read the labels on medication to see if drowsiness is a common side effect.