SIPDE
It's very important to pay attention to the conditions on the road.
Use SIPDE to help you see problems and react when you are driving.
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Stay at least 3 seconds away from other cars.
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How far you travel before you stop is different depending on what the road is like.
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Night Driving
When you are driving at night, you need to use headlights.
Don't overdrive your headlights.
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How to use your headlights.
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Switch low beams when you are 200 ft or less behind a car OR when you are 1,000 ft from a car in the lane coming towards you.
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Freeway Driving
Driving on the freeway has special rules.
Enter and exit the freeway safely.
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Buses can ride on the shoulder.
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Message signs can warn you about what's ahead.
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Use HOV lanes if there are two or more people in your car.
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Don't drive distracted.
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Use a DDI.
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Aggressive Driving
It's important to keep a safe distance between you and other vehicles whether you are upset or simply towing something behind you.
Increase your following distance when you see aggressive drivers.
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Check the weight and brakes on your vehicle when you are towing a camper or trailer.
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Make sure the load you are carrying doesn't stick out from your vehicle more than 3 feet. In the back, you need a flag to mark loads sticking out more than 3 feet.
When you pull a trailer, make sure it meets these requirements.
Winter Driving
Driving in the winter in Minnesota is dangerous.
Know where to park.
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Get your car ready.
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Equipment Failure and Other Problems on the Road
Car accidents aren't the only danger to driving. Other things can go wrong.
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Your car makes carbon monoxide.
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Your tires might blow out.
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Sometimes parts of your car stop working. You need to be ready.
Your engine might stop working.
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Your brakes might stop working.
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Your gas pedal might stop working.
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Sometimes the danger is on the road.
Rain might make you hydroplane.
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Deer and other animals might cross the road.
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You might get stuck on railroad tracks.
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