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You have a license and you know the rules of the road but how many of us follow them all each and every time we sit down behind the wheel? Straying from these guidelines is what causes accidents and there are steps that we can take to ensure if there is an accident it then you’re not at fault.

Don’t speed – Even when others tear up the pavement and burn right by you; resist the urge to speed.

Let them go ahead – Stay to the slow lane and allow faster cars to pass you by.

Check the weather – Plan your trips out ahead of time. If you do have to drive try to leave early so that you will be ahead of the storm. If you do get caught in the storm slow down. Stay on the protected side of the road; this is the curb side or the side with the shallowest ditch.

Seatbelt safety – Always wear a seatbelt. Your children learn by watching. Show them that you do care.

Never mix cars and alcohol – Don’t drive if you have been drinking or allow others to drive after drinking. You may not be over the legal limit but is it really worth finding out?

Outfit your car – Check fluids and lights often to ensure they are in full working order. It is not a bad idea to carry a jug of water, some extra oil, and a road side safety kit.

Keep a safe distance – There is enough room on the road for many cars. You don’t have to be close to the car in front of you to know that they are there. Count 1,1000,2,1000 as the car in front of you passes a telephone pole or other object until you pass it. You should leave at least one to two car lengths between you and them to allow you time to react if you need to change lanes or stop. The counting is how many seconds you would have to react to something. If you need more time to react then leave more space.

Use the eyes in the back of your head – This is not just a phrase for mothers. Your eyes should be moving from mirror to mirror in your car. You should always have at least two outs out of the place where you are at. This maybe restricted to the other lane and the ditch if it is a narrow road but you should still take inventory of them incase. It is easier to drive a car back out of ditch when you plan where to go in. Stay away from concrete, telephone poles, drainage pipes, and transformers. You have one option up and out if anything is in the way it could damage your car further.

Don’t be a jerk – There is no need to do things to aggravate other drivers. It just makes your driving less enjoyable for all. Keep your lights dim while driving over hills at night. Do not pass only to hurry and stop to turn. Use your turn signals that is what they were installed for.

Avoid distractions – We all work and play far too hard. Try to focus on driving while driving. You will have time to put your makeup on, finish lunch, and talk on your cell phone later. Keep your music at a reasonable level so that you can hear emergency vehicles that maybe nearby. It could be your family in the ambulance some day so pull off the road like it personally counts to you and let them by. Find something to entertain your children in the car so they don’t take your attention from where it should be. If all else fails one short blast of the radio on high will quiet them immediately and should not distract you because you’re the one causing it.