Green driving, also known as Smart Driving is a way of driving that is environmentally friendly. It lowers vehicle emissions and conserves fuel.

To prevent possible carbon monoxide poisoning you should open the windows when starting the engine.

Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include dull headache, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath during mild effort.

Late signs include vomiting, blurred vision, loss of consciousness and death.

During an enforcement stop you first need to turn on your right turn signal. This step is important because it lets the officer know that you are not avoiding his request to stop.

The second step is to move to the right shoulder of the road, even if you are in a carpool lane. Pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible and come to a complete stop.

The third step is to turn off the radio and end any phone conversation in order to be able to give full attention to the officer.

The fourth step is to remain in your vehicle unless directed to leave it by the officer.

The fifth step is to place your hands in clear view (for example on the steering wheel or on your lap), your passengers should also place their hands in clear view. This step is important as it reduces the officer’s feelings of being threatened.

If you start to skid on a slippery road, you should take your foot off the gas pedal, take your foot off the braks and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. If you can not control the car, try to find a dry pavement, snow bank or bushes to help stop the car.

To prevent skidding on slippery roads you should increase the following distance in order to prevent sudden quick stops if the car in front of you suddenly braks.

If your brakes get wet and don’t work well, you should lightly press the brake and gas pedal at the same time in order to dry them.

If your wheels accidentally drive off the pavement onto the shoulder of the road you should grasp the steering wheel firmly, ease your foot off the gas pedal and brake gradually while moving onto the shoulder. After checking for traffic slowly steer back onto the road.

When your wheels first drive off the pavement you MUST NOT turn the steering wheel sharply back because it may cause you to drive into oncoming traffic.

An acceleration skid occurs when you step hard on the gas pedal, this causes the wheels to lose traction on the road and begin to slide.

To maintain control during an acceleration skid you should ease off the gas pedal, don’t brake and straighten the front wheels as the vehicle begins to straighten itself.

A locked wheel skid is caused by braking hard at a high speed causing all the wheels to lock. A locked wheel skid causes the vehicle to slide out of control. Turning the steering wheel while the wheels are locked does not affect the skid.

To maintain control of your car in a locked wheel skid, you should take your foot off the brakes to unlock the wheels, then straighten the front wheels to allow the car to straighten out.

In cars without anti-lock brakes that enter a locked wheel skid, press on the brakes gradually until you reach a safe speed to continue driving. If the brake pedal sinks to the floor, you should pump it and shift to a lower gear or neutral to slow the car down, then try using the parking brakes to stop the car.

If the car’s gas pedal gets stuck in the acceleration position, you should do the following:

Shift to neutral, apply the brakes, keep your eyes on the road and look for a route away from traffic, warn other drivers by turning on the emergency lights and by honking. Try to drive safely off the road, stop the car and turn off the ignition.

Don’t turn the ignition off while the car is moving because it may lock the steering wheel and you will lose control of the car.

Driver distractions are the most common cause of collisions followed by driving on the wrong side of the road, improper turns, violating the right of way rules, stop signs and light signals.

If you are involved in a collision that does not result in injury or death you should do the following:

Stop your car, move your vehicle out of traffic and exchange information with the other persons involved (names, addresses, telephone numbers, driver’s license, registration and insurance). If the damage is greater than $1000 you must make a written report to the DMV within 10 days of the collision.

if you hit a parked vehicle or other property, leave a note with your name, phone number and address attached to the vehicle or property and report the incident to the city police or CHP (in unincorporated areas).

If you injure or kill an animal, don’t try to move it. Call the nearest humane society, police or CHP. Do not leave an injured animal to die.

If you are involved in a collision with injury or death you should take the following steps:

• Stop your vehicle. If you don’t stop you may be convicted of a “hit and run” with severe punishment.

• Call 911

• Show your driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, current address and phone to a peace officer and persons involved.

• Make a written report to the police withing 24 hours of the collision and to the DMV within 10 days of the collision.

If you don’t report a collision that results in injury, death or damage above $1000, within 10 days, your driving privilege will be suspended for up to 4 years. During the last 3 years, your driver’s license may be returned if you provide proof of insurance during the 3 year period.

Safety steps if your car breaks down on a freeway include:

• Pulling over to the right shoulder.

• Turning on the emergency lights.

• Exiting and entering the vehicle from the right side, away from traffic.

• Waiting for assistance inside your vehicle with the seat belts on, or outside if there’s a safe area far from traffic.