Step 1: Get a handle on basic car maintenance[]
Basic Maintenance Skills[]
· Changing a flat tire
· Checking tire pressure and wear
· Changing windshield wiper blades
· Using jumper cables to restart a car with a dead battery
· Checking levels and replacing fluids (brake, radiator, oil, transmission, power steering, windshield wiper)
Changing air filters
Step 2: Investigate vehicle safety[]
The national Highway Traffic Safety Administration is a great resource for gathering accident statistics and learning about features that make cars safer. Once you’ve completed your choice, share your knowledge with your peers.
Recommended Safety Technologies
- Electronic stability control
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure warning
Distracted-Driving Statistics
Of nearly 2,000 drivers ages 16 to 19 surveyed by AAA and Seventeenmagazine, 86% admitted to driving while distracted, even though most knew it was dangerous.
The dangerous and distracting activities included:
Adjusting radio/CD/MP3 player 73%
Eating food 61%
Talking on a cell phone 60%
Texting 51.4%
Passenger Alert:
38% of the teens were afraid they were going to get hurt because they were the passengers of a distracted driver.
STAT:
It takes just two seconds of taking your eyes off the road to double your risk of getting into an accident.
Instead, take two seconds to turn off your phone before starting your car.
Step 5: Drive for a greener world[]
You can boost the fuel efficiency of a car by as much as 30% through simple vehicle maintenance and attention to your driving style.
Compare car efficiencies. Choose three cars with high fuel efficiency ratings, including one hybrid or electric vehicle. If you were going to recommend purchasing one of the cars, what are the top three selling points you’d tell the potential buyer?
Drive less.Almost half the trips we make are to locations within 3 miles of our homes. On a map, draw a three-mile radius around your home. Come up with at least 3 ways to cut your number of car trips by half.
Energy-Efficient-Driving Tips[]
- Empty your car of unnecessary stuff. Lighter cars use less fuel.
- Check your tires. Are they inflated to the correct pressure? Are they worn?
- Check your air filters. Clogged filters will make your car run less efficiently.
- Drive at a steady pace. Anticipate traffic flows. Avoid sudden stops and accelerations.
- Don’t speed. Cars run most efficiently between 30 and 60 mph.
- Use air-conditioning sparingly in city driving. On the highway, roll up the windows, and use the AC if needed.
- Avoid rush-hour traffic.
Gold Award Project Starter?[]
Teen Research Unlimited studied more than 1,000 teens. They found:
- Girls are more likely than boys to drive 10 mph over the speed limit
- Girls are more likely than boys to text while driving