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1. Fasten your seatbelt. This is the single most important safety.
2. Check your surroundings. Before starting your car, take a moment to check your surroundings.
- Make sure that there are no pedestrians or other cars in your immediate area.
- Check your mirrors and blind spots.
3. Turn the key to the "ON" position. Do not start the engine yet.
4. Check your lights. Turn on your headlights and taillights. This will help other drivers to see you, especially at night.
5. Check your mirrors again. Make sure that there are still no pedestrians or other cars in your immediate area.
6. Press down the clutch pedal (if you have a manual transmission). This will disengage the engine from the transmission, making it easier to start the car.
7. Start the engine. Turn the key to the "START" position and hold it there until the engine starts.
8. Release the clutch pedal (if you have a manual transmission).
- Do this slowly and smoothly, to avoid stalling the engine.
9. Shift into first gear (if you have a manual transmission). This will allow you to start moving.
10. Accelerate gradually. Do not press down on the accelerator pedal too hard, as this could cause you to lose control of the car.
11. Turn off your high-beam headlights. If you have your high-beam headlights on, turn them off once you are driving. High-beam headlights can blind oncoming drivers.
12. Drive safely. Always obey the speed limit and drive defensively.
