SAFETY > TRIP > PRE-START

Pre-Start

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Starting your car is more than just turning the key, it's your first opportunity to take control of the drive and set the stage for a safe, focused journey. Taking a few moments before the engine starts can make all the difference in how smoothly your trip unfolds. From checking your surroundings to ensuring everything inside the vehicle is in place, these habits lay the groundwork for confident and defensive driving.

What essential checks should you perform before starting your vehicle? How do you make sure your seat and mirrors are adjusted for comfort and visibility? Why is it important to confirm that all doors are securely closed? How can dashboard warning lights alert you to issues before you drive? What steps can help reduce distractions the moment the engine starts?

This page offers a clear guide to building a reliable pre-start routine that supports both vehicle safety and driver awareness. By focusing on these simple yet important habits, it helps you prevent mechanical problems, stay focused behind the wheel, and drive with greater confidence and control from the very beginning.

Before starting the vehicle, follow this routine.

• ⮟ Doors

• ⮟ Positioning

• ⮟ Seat Belt

• ⮟ Mirrors

• ⮟ Dashboard

• ⮟ Controls

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Doors

• Close.

• Lock. Locked doors are less likely to open in a crash.

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Positioning

Passengers:

• Do not put any children under the age of 12 or smaller in stature in the passenger seat. 

• Parents do not let your toddlers or young children stand on the passenger seat. PEOPLE, PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS. BE AWARE OF JUST HOW DANGEROUS THIS IS!!!!!!!!!! Use a safety seat.

Seat:

• Angle:

• We all have different physiques, therefore, whatever is most comfortable for you.

• Distance to controls:

• Not too far so that your limbs have limited movement.

• Not too close to the airbag. The further the better.

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Seat Belt

• The very FIRST thing to do is to put on your seat belt. This will prevent you impacting the dashboard or windshield in the event of a frontal collision, or being flung from the vehicle in the case of a side collision.

• Check that all other occupants have their seat belts on.

• Put on seat belt for even short trips.

• See Seat Belt for proper use.

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Mirrors

• A quick glance into the rear view and side mirrors to ensure that they are still properly aligned and not knocked out of position.

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Dashboard

• Make sure there are no items on the top of the dashboard:

• These can slide off and be a distraction or cause you to lose control if you try and catch it.

• Could reflect off the inside of the windshield and obscure your visibility.

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Controls

• Make sure there is nothing obstructing use of any of the vehicle controls. E.g., a soda can rolled under one of the foot pedals.

• Check that gear is in 'Neutral' or 'Park.'

• If a stick shift, press in the clutch. 

• Note: If this is the first time that you are driving the vehicle, have a look at Tips before driving an unfamiliar vehicle.

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