It is bound to happen sometime. Despite the best planning, and the safest driving, at some point nearly every motorist has to deal with a vehicle breakdown on the roadway, or even worse, a crash.

There are some common sense guidelines every motorist should follow when they experience some type of problem to ensure their own safety while traveling throughout Ohio.

Vehicle safety actually begins before you even start your vehicle’s engine. Following the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule can go a long way toward preventing potential problems.

It is a good idea to have seven basic safety items in each vehicle at all times.

The Safe Seven items include: CB radio or cellular phone; flares or reflectors; Send Help or Call Police signs; white flag or handkerchief; first-aid kit; flashlight; and reflective tape.

Depending upon on the weather conditions and location of travel, other items may also prove useful.

While enroute, staying safe in your vehicle should be of primary concern. Be sure to obey all traffic laws, not exceed the speed limit, not drink and drive, and always wear a safety belt.

Although troopers say it on a daily basis, it merits repeating again because too many people are still not getting the message: safety belts are your single best defense against serious injury or death resulting from a motor vehicle crash. It just takes a couple seconds to buckle up, but those couple seconds could be the difference between life and death.

Remember, as a motorist you have a direct link to the State Patrol to report drunk or dangerous drivers by calling toll-free 1-800-GRAB-DUI (1-800-472-2384). Cellular phone users can also reach the Patrol at no cost by dialing *DUI (*384).

Since 1-800-GRAB-DUI was instituted on August 1, 1991, over 33,000 motorists called to report a suspected impaired driver. Many of the GRAB-DUI calls in 1998 contributed to troopers arresting and removing 24,667 impaired drivers from Ohio roads.

Safe driving also means being alert while at the wheel, and stopping periodically to stretch or even rest if needed.

There are 149 rest areas in Ohio. Common sense and caution should be used when stopping at any rest area. State troopers routinely patrol and monitor Ohio’s rest areas and parks. Although over 80 percent of Ohio rest areas are staffed at least 16 hours a day, and over 30 percent are staffed 24-hours a day, rest areas can still be dangerous places because many are located in isolated areas.

No matter how careful you are, and how detailed your vehicle maintenance is, vehicle breakdowns can and do occur. In the event of a breakdown, if possible pull your vehicle well off the road. Activate the emergency flashers on the vehicle, and place reflective tape on your clothing.

Place flares or reflectors 100 to 200 feet behind your car. Remember that when walking near the highway, stay as far off the road as possible.

Tie a white flag or handkerchief to the antenna or driver’s side door, raise the hood, and place a Help sign in the rear window.

It is generally a good idea to stay with your car, keep your safety belt fastened, keep the doors locked, and partially open your window.

A good number to remember to reach the Patrol in the event of a vehicle breakdown or other highway need is 1-877-7-PATROL (1-877-772-8765).

This toll-free telephone number goes directly to a nearby Patrol post, and troopers will be able to quickly respond to the problem. In 1998, troopers assisted 588,783 motorists.

Regrettably, becoming involved in a motor vehicle crash is a possibility anytime you are driving. In 1998, state troopers investigated 79,920 crashes on Ohio roadways.

There are several things to remember if you are involved in a crash.

First, turn off the ignition of your vehicle. If you have a cellular phone dial 9-1-1 in an emergency, or again you can call 1-877-7-PATROL. Otherwise make sure someone else at the scene places a call for assistance.

Warn other traffic using the emergency flashers on your vehicle, use reflectors or flares if necessary, and place the Help sign in your vehicle’s rear window if possible. Also, check on the condition of any injured people.

It is important that you not leave the crash scene, but find a safe place to wait until law enforcement and emergency personnel arrive.

Be sure to obtain information from other drivers and vehicles involved in the crash, as well as insurance information.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is committed to ensuring safe travel for all motorists on Ohio roadways. A big part of the Patrol’s mission includes statewide emergency response and support services to the public.

There continues to be increasing numbers of motor vehicles sharing the roads, and the increase in cars has made the roads more dangerous.

By following the basic guidelines provided in this article, motorists can help troopers ensure the safety of everyone traveling Ohio’s roadways.