While driving, you must be constantly watchful for hazards. Not only do you have to worry about potential dangers, you must also make sure the vehicle you are operating is properly maintained. And even with taking all the necessary precautions, unexpected problems still arise. Although the dangers of driving can not be eliminated completely, you can improve the odds of avoiding accidents and other driving perils. You are in control.

Everyday Driving:

• Drive defensively - always expect the unexpected.
• Stay focused at the wheel. Driving requires your full attention, it is not the time to eat, talk, read, take notes, etc. If you have to do any of these things, pull off to the side of the road, or wait until you are stopped in traffic or at a red light.
• Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel at all times. Don’t focus on the car in from of you, watch all around.
• Be sure that you and all of your passengers are buckled up. In most states, it’s the law!
• Don’t tailgate. Tailgating won’t get you to where you are going any faster. An adequate distance between your and the car in front of you is one car length for every 10 miles per hour.
• Signal your intention to turn at least 100 feet before your turn; or 5 seconds before you change lanes.
• Don’t rely solely on your mirrors, there may be a car in your blind spot. Conversely, don’t ride alongside another car in the driver’s blind spot.
• Green does mean GO...but always make sure the intersection is clear before you enter. When a traffic light turns green, and you are first in line, look both ways before proceeding.
• While waiting to make a turn into a street or driveway from a roadway, be sure to keep the wheels pointing straight ahead. Do not turn the wheels until you are executing your turn.
• When driving in the rain, or other adverse weather conditions, turn your headlights on.
• Children 12 and under should be in the back seat, especially if there are front-seat airbags.

Mobile Phones:

• Keep a mobile phone with you; it can be a good safety device. Mobile phones can be used to call 911 in an emergency; report an accident or DUI driver; summon a tow truck, taxi, or friend; or get directions; all of which can make you feel more safe.
• When using your phone, make sure the car is stopped, either in traffic, at a stop light, in a parking lot, or on the side of the road.
• Be sure to pre-program numbers into your phone so that you can use the speed-dial feature.
• Use the voice recognition and hands-free options if available.
• If it is not safe to answer the phone, let the voice mail pick up, or have the passenger handle the call.
• Do not use use your phone while driving in difficult conditions such as rain, snow, or ice, etc.

Routine Vehicle Maintenance:

• Know some basic auto maintenance.
• Don’t let your gas fall below 1/4 tank.
• Keep your windows clean and clear and repair any damage.
• Check your tire pressure and tread depth regularly.

General Safety Precautions:

• If you travel with small children, install and use child safety seats in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Keep basic safety equipment in the car at all times such as:: a flashlight, flares, tire jack and spare tire (check often to make sure it is properly inflated), maps, warm clothing and a blanket, a first aid kit, and an empty gas can.
• Plan your route ahead of time.
• Do not put anything on the outside of the car that you’d like to keep.
• Never put your keys down inside of the car.
• Make sure that you are well rested, especially before long trips.
• Select a designated driver before you and your friends leave the house.
• If a driver exhibits an aggressive driving behavior toward you, back off and be courteous. Do not worsen the situation by returning unpleasantries such as tailgating, blocking a passing lane, beeping the horn excessively or using high beams to blind the other driver.

Accidents:

• If you are injured, do not move, you could worsen your injury!
• Call the police to make an accident report. Although some very minor accidents can be settled without law enforcement, be wary of people who insist the police are not needed.
• If possible, move your vehicles out of traffic.
• Be sure to document the other driver's personal and vehicle information.
  
  

  Personal:	Vehicle:
  Name	Year
  Address	Make
  Phone Number	Model
  Date of Birth	Color
  Driver's License Number	VIN
  and State	Tag Number and State
  	Insurance Company
  	Policy Number

  
  
• Never hand anyone your wallet. When you provide your information to another party, remove your credentials from your wallet and give him/her only what is needed.
• Notify your insurance carrier at the first available opportunity.