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Driving Safe

All passengers should wear seat belts during the entire trip -- Always use lap and shoulder belts together, and never share a seat belt. Kids less than twelve years old should ride in the back.
Use child safety seats, and use them correctly -- Make sure to use a seat that has a label indicating that it has met Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. If you buy a used car seat, do not buy one that is more than 10 years old or is in poor condition. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has inspection stations throughout the country that will check to make sure that your child safety seat is correctly installed.
Children and other passengers need to remain calm -- Teach children from the beginning that yelling, getting out of the car seat, and throwing things will not be tolerated. It would be better to stop the car for a time out than to risk injury or death to any of the vehicle's occupants.
Obey the traffic laws -- This may seem elementary, but speeding, improperly changing lanes, and turning into oncoming traffic without looking have all caused many accidents. Stop fully at stop signs and look both ways before turning. Do not run red lights. If a light has been green for a while, be prepared to slow down and stop. It may be turning yellow soon.
Be an attentive driver -- This can be difficult to do with children in the car, but it must be done. Teach children early about how important it is for you and other drivers to pay attention while driving so everyone can be kept safe. Do not eat, drink, or use a cell phone while driving.
Do not ever leave a child alone in a car -- Leaving a child alone in a car places them at risk- to cause injury to themselves, for someone else to cause injury to them, and/or for the environment (i.e. heat) to cause injury to them.

Car Safety Checklist

Owners should routinely inspect their car (once monthly and before long trips) to ensure that the car is safe and functioning well.

Turn signals, wipers, and headlights are all in good working order.
Tires are inflated to the recommended pressure and have been checked for wear and tear.
Rearview and side mirrors are clean and all windows offer unobstructed views.
Belts and hoses are not wearing or fraying.
Fluids are at appropriate levels (transmission, brake, powersteering, antifreeze, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid).
Air filter is clean

Other Safety Tips

Airbags - Airbags have been proven to reduce traffic accident fatalities. However, they must be used correctly. It is dangerous for a child or small adult to sit in a seat where an airbag will deploy in an auto accident.
Use daytime running lights - Daytime running lights help other drivers see your vehicle and can prevent accidents. If your car doesn't have daytime running lights, try using your low beam headlights during the day.
Antilock breaks - Antilock breaks can be lifesavers while driving on wet or slick roads, but it is important to know how to use them. Antilock brakes should not be pumped. Rather, steady pressure is applied to the brake pedal.
Crumble Zones - Crumble zones confine damage from a car accident by absorbing energy and allowing the car to "give" in the area of impact.