Pontiac G8 manual Driving Your Vehicle, Defensive Driving, Drunk Driving

Driving and Operating 8-13

{CAUTION

It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to.

If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P).

Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not move. See Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission) on page 8-10.

If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a trailer, also

see Towing a Trailer on page 9-85.

Driving Your Vehicle

Defensive Driving

Defensive driving means “always expect the unexpected.” The

first step in driving defensively is to wear your safety belt, see Safety Belts on page 1-5.

{CAUTION

Assume that other road users (pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do and be ready. In addition:

•Allow enough following distance between you and the driver in front of you.

•Focus on the task of driving.

Driver distraction can cause collisions resulting in injury or possible death. These simple defensive driving techniques could save your life.

Drunk Driving

{CAUTION

Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You can have a serious — or even fatal — collision if you drive after drinking. Do not drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if you are with a group, designate a driver who will not drink.

Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a global tragedy.

Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle: judgment, muscular coordination, vision, and attentiveness.