Car Safety

It´s obvious that personal safety is very important for every individual. It´s necessary to feel safe not only at home but also in the street, especially while driving a car. There are special organizations (for ex., NHTSA) which try to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on roadways by getting drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to change their behaviors once they get behind the wheel on the streets. It is proved that the number of motor vehicle crashes has decreased greatly and motor driving is now the safest on record.
Government-collected data from Fatality Analysis Reporting System shows the safety improvements in different countries.

	1979 Fatalities	2002 Fatalities	Percent Change
United States	51,093	42,815	-16.2%
Great Britain	6,352	3,431	-46.0%
Canada	5,863	2,936	-49.9%
Australia	3,508	1,715	-51.1%

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Auto_fatalities.svg �(graphic display) One of the most acute issues of nowadays is safeguard of your child safety. Thousands of children are injured in car accidents every year. Many of these accidents could have been prevented by the use of a correctly installed car seat. So, take your time to buy and install the seat which is the most effective thing to protect your child in a crash.
Besides personal and child safety, a person should be concerned about his own car safety. Unfortunately, car crimes seem to be a fact of life. As vehicle security becomes more sophisticated, so do the techniques of the professional thief, with the measures they use to break into, steel or sell-on cars becoming more and more ingenious. Nevertheless there are many things that may be done to deter thieves and criminals, including immobilizers, deadlocks, tracking systems, locking wheel nuts and even specially designed number plates. One´s driving and parking habits can also minimize risks.
So, remember that whilst driving you are responsible not only for other people but for your own safety!

Driving in the USA

It´s almost impossible to imagine American life without a car. You need it to get to the shop, cafe, etc. You can understand by the size of any car park that a car is essential.
The first thing you can understand about driving in the USA is that it is more relaxed than in Europe. The road conditions are usually of a good standard. Driving speeds are lower. Drivers are more polite and they show respect for the laws. Though there are a few differences between European and American driving, the similarities outbid the differences.
If you want to drive legally in the USA you must have a full driving license. As well as this, you need your insurance documents and car registration papers. U.S. Drink Driving law is very strict and you will be charged if caught and spend a night in the cells. So think twice before driving drunk. Always remember buckle up. Besides, it´s illegal not to wear a seatbelt in both the front and rear of vehicles. Wearing a seatbelt is a golden rule of American driving.
If you are a newcomer to the USA and going to reside here, you can get a U.S. driving license, but it may take you several months. Once you receive a U.S. driving license from a state motor vehicles department, you are permitted to drive in all other U.S. states though the laws differ a little bit from state to state. It is your responsibility to know and obey the laws of each state while driving. As the USA has a high number of road related deaths each year, the driving rules are controlled strictly.
One of the most common issues on U.S. roads are lengthy traffic jams and areas of congestion around major cities. Try to avoid major cities at peak traffic hours and to plan your route in advance.
Another frequent problem on American freeways is undertaking. As you get to the busier areas, you can notice locals "flying" on all sides. They change lanes so quickly and frequently that it seems to be a random ballet.
What concerns turning left at a traffic light it is quite easy on any road. Most major road junctions have a left turn lane controlled by a left turn light. It may be up in the air but not so high that you can´t see it through your window.
As for turning right, you may turn right against the Traffic Light. But be sure that the coast is clear. For this you should come to a complete halt, only then proceed driving.
If you arrive at a crossroad, the driver who arrived first is allowed to drive first. If two arrive at the same time, give way to the right all the time.
What concerns parking, it is accessible in most states in America, but be ready to pay high fees for parking in a Central Business District. Make sure you check the signs before parking and look for payment machines. Check for closing times also.
If you are concerned about your personal safety as well as that of other drivers while driving, you are strongly encouraged to review all the traffic laws of each U.S. state.

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