Final answer:
Before driving, ensure route planning is done and familiarize yourself with vehicle braking performance by testing at 50 mph, recording stopping distance and time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before putting the vehicle in drive, you should ensure that you have properly planned your route, especially if it's your first time driving to a new destination such as work. This includes being familiar with the distance you will cover and having accurate time estimates to avoid being late. For safety and to understand the vehicle's braking performance, you should also conduct a test by driving the car at exactly 50 mph and applying the brakes until it comes to a complete stop. During this test, it's crucial to record two things:
- The distance the vehicle covers from the moment the brakes are applied to when it stops completely.
- The time it takes for the vehicle to fully stop after initiating the brakes.
Knowing these measures of braking performance can greatly contribute to safe driving practices and better prepare you for emergencies on the road.