Buckle up – every time – It’s the law and it saves lives.  

Pay attention while driving.  Almost all collisions are the result of driver inattention.

Things that can cause someone to lose attention while driving:  

• Daydreaming or not thinking about what you are doing
• Distractions – cell phone use, texting, putting on make-up, eating, etc.
• Sleepiness
• Fatigue
• Talking
• Illness
• “highway hypnosis”

Drive defensively – this means paying attention to see, recognize and avoid hazards on the road.  Pay attention to what is happening as this gives you time to recognize a hazard and, most likely, avoid a collision. 

Be aware of what other drivers are doing and leave yourself plenty of room to react to an unsafe situation.  Think about what you could do to avoid an accident if the other driver does something you don't expect. 

Avoid following too closely – leave enough room between vehicles to stop safely if the driver in front stops suddenly. 

Use extra caution when driving in snow, freezing rain and slush, and be especially careful when approaching intersections and shaded areas.  On the mainland, use caution on bridges and overpasses as they ice up quickly.

Don’t use cell phones – talking or texting while driving takes your attention away from driving and may result in a collision.

Fatigue makes driving very dangerous - don’t drive when you’re tired.  Some medications cause drowsiness and driving should be avoided while you are taking them.

Obey speed limits – speeding can result in costly tickets and the consequences of driving above the speed limit may include fines, court appearances, loss or suspension of driving privileges and possibly higher insurance rates.  Be especially cautious in school zones.