Ten Ways to Avoid Car Accidents -- From AutoTrader.com.

Business Editors/Automotive Writers

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 31, 2001

A National Safety Council study released in May 2001 reported that seat belt use varies widely from state to state and the lack of drivers buckling up continues to be a leading cause of traffic accidents across America. In 1999, experts estimate that 9,500 people died unnecessarily because they were not wearing seat belts. As more and more Americans hit roadways and increase highway congestion this busy summer season, AutoTrader.com, the Internet's leading automotive classifieds marketplace, reminds consumers to slow down and follow these 10 tips to keep accidents to a minimum.

-- Pulling into traffic: Stop, Look, Listen. Be aware of blind spots, including
those in rear view mirrors and behind windshield pillars or highway road signs.
Also, when at an intersection making a right-hand turn, look both directions at
least twice before proceeding. Vehicles can appear almost out of nowhere very
quickly, so exercise caution when pulling into a busy intersection.

-- Watch for red light runners. Count to three before entering an intersection
on a green light. Look both ways and be sure no one is trying to speed through
a yellow light.

-- Exercise caution when passing semis. Truck drivers have a large blind spot
on their right-hand side, so be especially careful when driving next to an
18-wheeler. If you cannot see the truck's side mirrors, the truck driver cannot
see you.

-- Keep at least one hand on the steering wheel. Reduce in-car distractions
such as changing radio stations or CDs, cell phones, eating or momentarily
taking a hand off the wheel. A gust of wind, pothole or a blown tire could send
the vehicle into another lane and cause a serious accident.

-- Watch for kids. Children and animals have a habit of suddenly popping out
from between parked cars and into roadways. If you are driving in a residential
neighborhood with kids present, watch carefully and slow down.

-- Perform engine maintenance regularly. Avoid sudden stalls or other vehicle
failure by changing the oil regularly and keeping tires properly inflated.

-- Scan 12 seconds ahead. Always concentrate on the area where you will be
driving in 10-12 seconds. For highway driving, keep positioned far enough from
other cars so if someone were to suddenly stop or swerve, you could avoid them.


-- Look backwards when backing out. Fender benders in parking lots are all too
common, so look out for cars leaving parking spaces. Don't depend on mirrors
alone -- physically look over your right shoulder while steering to alleviate
blind spots mirrors can create.

-- Do not tailgate. Leave a three-second cushion between you and the car in
front of you and begin your journey early enough so you don't speed to make up
time. As tempting as it may be when in a hurry, tailgating is a major cause of
accidents.

-- Be courteous to other drivers. No one owns the roads, so treat others with
respect and report any suspicious driving activity to authorities.

After achieving critical mass in 2000, AutoTrader.com has established itself as the main source for consumers to visit when making a new or used vehicle purchase, sale or seeking information such as price comparisons, safety tips, financing, insurance or warranty information. For more information on AutoTrader.com or if you would like to schedule an interview with an executive, please contact David Cumpston at 415/844-6237 or [e-mail].