Running The Vehicle While Parked; Driving Your Vehicle Defensive Driving - Pontiac 2009 Vibe Owner's Manual

Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with the
engine running. But if you ever have
to, here are some things to know.
{
CAUTION
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed
area with poor ventilation is
dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust
contains Carbon Monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness
and even death. Never run the
engine in an enclosed area that
has no fresh air ventilation. For
more information, see Engine
Exhaust Engine Exhaust on
page 8-16.
{
CAUTION
It can be dangerous to get out
of the vehicle if the automatic
transmission shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the 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 the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake and move the shift
lever to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be
sure the vehicle will not move.
See Shifting Into Park on page 8-13.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Towing a Trailer
on page 9-77.
Driving and Operating
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 1-8.
{
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.
8-17