If you’ve been out on the roads, you know that not everyone drives well. Some people drive aggressively, zipping in and out of traffic erratically. Others don’t keep attention to the road and drift out of their lanes. You’ve most likely seen drivers follow other cars too closely, or make sudden turns without signaling.

Aggressive drivers actually cause more than a third of all car accidents. However, inattentive driving is growing to be more of a problem as cell phones, music, food or even watching TV pull drivers’ attention away from the road.

While we can’t control poor road habits of other drivers, we can take responsibility for our own driving skills and danger avoidance.

Skills that Keep You and Your Car in Control

Stay focused. You’re already supposed to pay attention to quite a bit—road conditions, traffic laws, the speed limit, the vehicles all around you, etc. Don’t let anything else (including phone calls, eating, etc.) distract you from that one thing: driving.

Keep an eye on the other guy. Staying aware of the drivers around you will reduce the likelihood to get caught off guard. Anticipating what other cars may do will prepare you to react quickly and safely if necessary.

Stay alert. If you’re not alert, you can’t react to potential problems. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs (illegal, prescriptions and over-the-counter) Also, driving when you’re sleepy has the same effect as alcohol.

Other Car and Driving Information: