Before Driving; Before Entering The Vehicle; Before Starting - Hyundai Santa Cruz Owner's Manual

Driving Your Vehicle

BEFORE DRIVING

Before Entering the Vehicle

• Be sure all windows, outside mirror(s),
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed.
• Remove frost, snow, or ice.
• Visually check the tires for uneven
wear and damage.
• Check under the vehicle for any sign
of leaks.
• Be sure there are no obstacles behind
you if you intend to back up.

Before Starting

• Make sure the hood and all doors are
securely closed and locked. Unless
absolutely necessary for hauling
cargo, etc. close the liftgate before
driving your vehicle.
• If you are driving with the liftgate
down use extra caution when backing
up.
• Adjust the position of the seat and
steering wheel.
• Adjust the inside and side view
mirrors.
• Verify all the lights work.
• Fasten your seat belt. Check that all
passengers have fastened their seat
belts.
• Check the gauges and indicators
in the instrument panel and the
messages on the instrument display
when the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
• Check that any items you are carrying
are stored properly or fastened down
securely.
6-4
WARNING
To reduce the risk of SERIOUS INJURY or
DEATH, take the following precautions:
• ALWAYS wear your seat belt. All
passengers must be properly belted
whenever the vehicle is moving.
For more information, refer to "Seat
Belts" section in chapter 3.
• Always drive defensively. Assume
other drivers or pedestrians may be
careless and make mistakes.
• Stay focused on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause
accidents.
• Leave plenty of space between you
and the vehicle in front of you.
WARNING
NEVER drink or take drugs and drive.
Drinking or taking drugs and driving
is dangerous and may result in an
accident and SERIOUS INJURY or
DEATH.
Drunk driving is the number one
contributor to the highway death
toll each year. Even a small amount
of alcohol will affect your reflexes,
perceptions and judgment. Just
one drink can reduce your ability to
respond to changing conditions and
emergencies and your reaction time
gets worse with each additional drink.
Driving while under the influence
of drugs is as dangerous as or more
dangerous than driving under the
influence of alcohol.
You are much more likely to have a
serious accident if you drink or take
drugs and drive. If you are drinking or
taking drugs, don't drive. Do not ride
with a driver who has been drinking
or taking drugs. Choose a designated
driver or call a taxi.