Get out your tire gauge

When cold temps hit, tires can become underinflated

Safe driving is more than technique - it's also making sure your car is safe to drive. Checking your tires' air pressure is one of the first things young drivers should learn - especially right now.

As temperatures cool down, your tires can become dangerously underinflated in cold weather. 

Underinflated tires increase friction as you drive, causing overheating and upping the risk of a blowout. Nearly 11,000 crashes and 200 fatalities annually are tire-related in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The best time to check your tires is after you haven't driven on them for three hours. The handy decal on the edge of the driver’s door will tell what psi (pounds per square inch) is appropriate for your tires. 

And keep a tire gauge in your vehicle. You never know when you may hit a pothole or curb - another event that can suddenly deflate your tire.

Teens sign 'no distracted driving' pledge

In the Distraction-Free Detroit contest that concluded Oct. 12, high-schoolers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties had the opportunity to take a stand against distracted driving and win $2,500 for their school, provided by The Sam Bernstein Law Firm. In addition, more than 2,500 parents, school faculty, staff and supporters took a quiz on the topic. Winners were selected in the four enrollment-based classifications:  Class A – Marion HS (Bloomfield Hills) Class B – South Lake HS (St. Clair Shores) Class C – Memphis HS Class D – Universal Academy (Detroit) Congrats to the winners! Watch videos about distracted driving and get tips and more information here.

Don't veer for deer

My office participated in a Holt High School rally to encourage teens to take special care driving this fall, when many car-deer crashes occur. Nancy Dayton told students about how her son, Alfred White, was killed after the driver of the car he was in swerved to avoid a deer and hit a tree. That’s why we advise: “Don’t Veer for Deer.”  One deer often signals more are nearby, so slow down. Don’t rely on gimmicks. Flashing your high-beam headlights or honking your horn won’t deter deer. The best advice? Don’t swerve. Brake firmly, hold onto the steering wheel and stay in your lane. Then bring your vehicle to a controlled stop. - Ruth Johnson, Secretary of State

The biggest turn-offs on a 1st date? Bad driving

We aren't accustomed to giving out dating advice, but we couldn't ignore this study in Britain, which asked participants about the biggest turn-offs on a first date.

Hint: Start honing your driving knowledge and skills.

Four of the biggest turn-offs were:

- Talking on a cell phone while driving

- Texting while driving

- Road rage

- A dirty car

And one of the biggest turn-ons? Good driving skills.