Life Kit: Car Safety 101 – Crashes, Road Rage, Weather and More

Released on March 24, 2025

Hosted by Marielle Segarra, this episode of NPR's Life Kit delves into comprehensive car safety strategies, addressing everything from handling road rage to navigating extreme weather conditions. Marielle converses with Hector Corias, an officer with the California Highway Patrol, to uncover expert advice aimed at enhancing drivers' preparedness and safety on the road.

1. Understanding Common Driving Mistakes

Marielle opens the discussion by asking Hector about frequent errors drivers make. Hector emphasizes that speeding is a predominant issue:

Hector Corias (04:44): "Speeding can contribute to not only not being able to avoid a potential hazard safely but also be a determining factor in the severity of a crash."

He highlights that adhering to speed limits is crucial as they are established based on traffic studies to ensure safety.

2. Managing Road Rage

The conversation shifts to dealing with aggressive drivers. Marielle shares a personal anecdote about encountering an angry motorist, prompting Hector to provide practical advice:

Hector Corias (05:26): "If someone's tailgating right trying to push you forward, I always say, hey, let them by. There's no reason for you to try to speed up or compensate for somebody else's impatience."

Hector advises drivers to remain calm, avoid engagement, and allow aggressive drivers to pass. In cases where aggression escalates, such as threats or potential violence, Hector recommends:

Hector Corias (07:12): "Contact 911. More often than not, our dispatch will stay on the phone and we'll give you direction."

Takeaway 1:
Don't speed and avoid engaging with road-raging individuals. If threatened, safely distance yourself and call 911.

3. Handling Vehicle Malfunctions

When a car stalls or runs out of gas, especially on highways, knowing the right steps can prevent further danger:

Hector Corias (09:14): "Release the accelerator, veer to the shoulder, put on your hazard lights, and contact 911 or roadside assistance."

He underscores the importance of staying buckled in and, if alone, moving to the passenger side for added safety. In cases of potential fire:

Hector Corias (10:21): "If you start seeing smoke or possible flames, exit the vehicle immediately and contact emergency personnel."

Takeaway 2:
If your car malfunctions, safely exit the traffic lane, activate hazard signals, secure yourself in a safe spot, and call for assistance.

4. Navigating Accidents

Accidents can range from minor fender benders to severe crashes. Hector distinguishes between them:

• Minor Collisions:
  No injuries imply an exchange of contact information, including driver's license, insurance, and vehicle details. Hector clarifies:

  Hector Corias (11:50): "If it's a minor traffic collision... provide the other person your contact information and vehicle details."

• Serious Accidents:
  Involves injuries or incapacitating situations, necessitating immediate 911 calls and waiting for emergency services.

Takeaway 3:
For minor accidents, exchange necessary information. For major crashes, prioritize safety and call 911.

5. Driving in Extreme Weather

Extreme weather poses significant risks. Hector offers strategies for various conditions:

• Heavy Rain:
  Slow down, ensure vehicle maintenance (lights, wipers, tires), and use headlights.

  Hector Corias (15:07): "If you're out on the road in extreme rainy conditions, slow down and ensure your headlights are on."

• Winter Ice Skids:
  Use appropriate tires, avoid panicking, and gently steer in the direction of the skid without braking harshly.

  Hector Corias (16:12): "If you start to slide, try not to panic and avoid accelerating out of it."

• Heavy Fog:
  Reduce speed, use fog lamps instead of high beams, and keep headlights on to increase visibility.

  Hector Corias (16:55): "Turn on your fog lamps and avoid high beams as they can reflect off the fog, impairing visibility."

Additionally, Hector advises maintaining an emergency kit to handle unforeseen situations:

Hector Corias (19:43): "Keep a first aid kit, water, jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, and a window punch in your car."

Takeaway 4:
Avoid driving in extreme weather when possible. If necessary, slow down, use appropriate vehicle features, and ensure your car is well-maintained with essential emergency supplies.

6. Escaping a Submerged Vehicle

One of the most frightening scenarios addressed is a car submerging in water. Hector provides crucial steps:

Hector Corias (18:43): "Unbuckle yourself, start to roll down your windows, and exit the vehicle. If you can't roll down the windows, use a window punch to break the glass."

He emphasizes the use of window punches as a proactive measure:

Hector Corias (19:13): "You can buy window punches... it's a device that fits in your hand and shatters the glass swiftly."

Takeaway 5:
In the event of a submerged vehicle, act quickly to unbuckle, open or break windows, and escape. Equip your car with a window punch for emergencies.

7. Final Recap

Marielle summarizes the key takeaways from the episode:

1. Avoid Speeding and Road Rage: Maintain safe speeds and disengage from aggressive drivers.
2. Handle Mechanical Issues Safely: Pull over, use hazard signals, and call for help.
3. Accident Protocols: Exchange information for minor accidents; call 911 for serious ones.
4. Extreme Weather Precautions: Drive cautiously, maintain your vehicle, and be prepared with emergency supplies.
5. Emergency Preparedness: Keep essential tools and devices like a window punch accessible.

Marielle also teases future episodes on maintaining vehicle health and responding to flash flood warnings while driving.

Production Credits

This episode was produced by Margaret Serino, with contributions from Beck Harlan (Visuals Editor), Malika Garib (Digital Editor), Megan Keane (Supervising Editor), and Beth Donovan (Executive Producer). The production team included Andy Tagle, Claire Marie Schneider, Sam Yella, Horse Kessler, and Sylvie Douglas, with engineering support from Patrick Murray.

For more insightful episodes on car safety and other life skills, visit npr.org/LifeKit and subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter at npr.org/LifeKitnewsletter.