As someone who taught Driver’s Ed to high school students for 4 years, this topic is always in the back of my mind…filling your tanks at the gas station (or filling station as my Grandma used to say…lol).

These are a few tips to keep in mind especially during the cold winter weather to keep you and others around you safe at the gas pump:

1. Turn off your car – no matter how cold it is outside.

2. Leave your cellphone in the car and do not use it while pumping gas.

3. Touch the side of your car (something metal) before reaching for the nozzle.

4. Do not get back into your car – no matter how cold it is. If you ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO, again, be sure to touch the side of your car before touching the nozzle.

5. Do not top off your tank.

These can all be ways to start a fire at the gas pump. I had to show my students a safety video about gas pumps where people started fires at their cars by not following some of these tips, and some of them died at the hospital from their injuries. So whether you still call it SOHIO or not, please do your part in keeping everyone safe at the gas station.