Car Driving and Safety

The reasons for auto recalls can range from mundane to potentially life-threatening. But every recall should be taken seriously. Here's how to keep yourself safe and get your vehicle back on the road.

By Cherise Threewitt

You watch somebody zip right through an obvious speed trap — but there are CDs all over the dash and the hubcaps are covered in foil. Is that car really ticket-proof?

By Cherise Threewitt

Time changes can cause you lose or gain an hour of sleep. It can also be dangerous for drivers.

By Cherise Threewitt

So you've been pulled over by the police, and they've put a breathalyzer in your face. Your friends once said you could beat it by sticking a penny in your mouth. Does it really work?

By Cherise Threewitt

We don't give them a second thought now, but when airbags were first introduced, they were controversial. But did they actually make cars less safe?

By Cherise Threewitt

Holidays often bring on auto accidents with their mix of high traffic and high alcohol consumption. But is New Year's Eve the most dangerous day of the year?

By Cherise Threewitt

Ugh! Driving in the rain is the worst. Visibility drops down to nothing, and windshield wipers don't really seem to help. A friend once told you that wearing sunglasses in such a situation would help. That's just crazy talk. Right?

By Cherise Threewitt

There's no doubt that airbags are one of the great achievements in automotive safety technology. But could they actually end up hurting or killing the people they're supposed to protect?

By Jamie Page Deaton

Seatbelts are a way of life for most of us, but some think it's safer to go without them. Could following the rules and wearing a seatbelt actually end up killing you?

By Jamie Page Deaton

Many cars today have all-wheel-drive systems, which you might think would help cars handle better on ice. But while all-wheel drive can help you get started on icy roads, it doesn't improve traction, which is what you really need.

By Jamie Page Deaton

Car ads show all-wheel-drive vehicles plowing through snowy roads and fields, thanks to their "extra grip" and "secure handling." Is all-wheel drive all we need to stay safe on snowy roads?

By Jamie Page Deaton

One winter driving trick that some people swear by is underinflating tires. It gives you more traction, which is what you need on snowy roads. But is this a solid strategy or a tip you can skip?

By Jamie Page Deaton

Cell phones have long been thought to be a possible cause of gas-station fires. But there's actually another culprit ... and another reason you should keep your phone holstered while you're at the pump.

By Jamie Page Deaton

You might have heard that a firefighter in Ohio was injured (or maybe even killed) after accidentally deploying a side-impact airbag while using a slim jim to unlock a car door. But is the tale true? Is that even possible?

By Cherise Threewitt

Getting rear-ended or T-boned in a car crash isn't quite the same as getting shot at, is it? Find out if a stray bullet to the fuel tank will turn your vehicle into the car-b-que you imagine it will.

By Cherise Threewitt

At a time when the typical car took 43 months to design and build, the Pinto was ready in just 25. Sure, mistakes were made — but did the subcompact car from Ford really explode when hit from behind?

By Cherise Threewitt

When you've got to get somewhere, it's easy to make some rash decisions, but is switching lanes a reliable one?

By Bambi Turner

Few would argue that being sleep-deprived is more fun than being drunk. But when it comes to functioning and not fun, which condition messes you up more?

By Kate Kershner

Some worry that more flexible marijuana laws will cause a spate of stoned drivers taking to the roadways. While driving impaired is dangerous regardless of the substance or amount taken, stoned driving is not the same as drunk driving.

By Laurie L. Dove

Do you dream of buying your little girl an adorable vintage convertible Beetle (maybe in pink?). Or restoring an old Camaro while you bond over Bondo? Well snap out of it. There's a better way to choose your kid's first car.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

They're less experienced. They chronically underestimate dangerous situations, and some feel the need to speed or drink and drive. But does that mean more teens perish behind the wheel?

By John Perritano

It used to be a rite of passage in America: turn 16 and get your driver's license. But the number of teen drivers has decreased as license requirements have gotten stricter. If your teen passes them, does that mean he or she is ready to drive solo?

By Julia Layton

Vehicle fires account for nearly one of every eight fires reported. But cars don't just burst into flames like we see in the movies. So how do they catch fire?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler & Cherise Threewitt

Most safety and regulatory devices within your car or truck operate so seamlessly that you may never even know that they're active. So how do you know when your vehicle's traction control system is working?

By Jamie Page Deaton & Kristen Hall-Geisler

Generally speaking, a well-maintained, modern car is safe to drive. But what if something fails? What happens if road or weather conditions quickly change? Do you know what to do?

By Christopher Lampton