53
Driving your vehicle
Before entering vehicle
• Be sure that all windows, outside mir-
ror(s), and outside lights are clean.
• Visually check the tires for uneven
wear and damage.
• Check under the vehicle for any sign of
leaks.
• Be sure there are no obstacles behind
you if you intend to back up.
Before starting
• Make sure the hood, the tailgate, and
the doors are securely closed and
locked.
• Adjust the position of the seat and
steering wheel.
• Adjust the inside and outside rearview
mirrors.
• Verify all lights work.
• Fasten your seatbelt. Check that all
passengers have fastened their seat-
belts.
• Check the gauges and indicators in the
instrument panel and the messages on
the instrument display when the igni-
tion switch is in the ON position.
• Check that any items you are carrying
are stored properly or fastened down
securely.
BEFORE DRIVING
WARNING
All passengers must be properly
belted whenever the vehicle is mov-
ing. Refer to “Seat belts” in chapter
3 for more information on their
proper use.
WARNING- Driving under
the influence of alcohol or
drugs
NEVER drink or take drugs and
drive. Drinking or taking drugs and
driving is dangerous and may
result in an accident and SERIOUS
INJURY or DEATH.
Drunk driving is the number one
contributor to the highway death
toll each year. Even a small amount
of alcohol will affect your reflexes,
perceptions and judgment. Just
one drink can reduce your ability to
respond to changing conditions
and emergencies and your reaction
time gets worse with each addition-
al drink.
Driving while under the influence of
drugs is as dangerous or more dan-
gerous than driving under the influ-
ence of alcohol.
You are much more likely to have a
serious accident if you drink or
take drugs and drive. If you are
drinking or taking drugs, don't
drive. Do not ride with a driver who
has been drinking or taking drugs.
Choose a designated driver or call
a taxi.
