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Defensive driving by definition conveys the idea of safe driving. We all have an idea of what unsafe driving looks like when we see it.

If you have spent any significant time out on the roads, you know there are plenty of people who drive poorly. Some routinely break posted speed limits. Other drivers wander into another lane because they aren’t paying attention. There are drivers who may tailgate another car, make sudden turns without signaling, or weave in and out of traffic.

We cannot control reckless actions taken by other drivers around us. Learning and applying defensive driving skills, though, can help us avoid any potential dangers created throught the actions of other bad drivers.

Before you get behind the wheel, remember these defensive driving tips:

• Stay focused.

There are plenty of things you need to worry about while driving. Your attention should be focused on road conditions, following traffic laws, and being aware of the cars around you. Staying focused on your driving and what other drivers are doing around you is essential.

Avoid distractions in all forms. Whether it is talking or texting on your cell phone or eating fast food, anything that draws your attention away from driving is a recipie for disaster. Distracted drivers are less likely to see potential problems unfold and react to them in time to avoid an accident.

• Stay alert.

Being alert improves your reaction time, so you can respond swiftly to potential problems — like if the driver in the car ahead of you slams on the brakes at a moment’s notice. Using alcohol or drugs will have a seriously negative effect on your reaction time and judgement. You should never drink and drive and you should check warning labels on all prescription drugs to see if they cause drowsiness.

Driving while sleepy is as dangerous as driving under the influence. You should always make sure to get plenty of rest before embarking on a long road trip.

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Getting stuck in traffic congestion that is common during rush hour can be a huge headache. Unfortunately, it can lead to road rage and potentially fatal accidents as drivers let stress build up to unhealthy levels. So what should you do the next time you find yourself stuck in rush hour traffic?

Here are a few ideas on how to survive rush hour:

• Allow yourself extra travel time.

If you need to make an important meeting or an appointment, or even just get to work on time, it is important to leave a few minutes early.

• Relax.

You should eat a good breakfast, get plenty of sleep and take a few deep breaths before tackling rush hour traffic each morning. Leaving calm and alert can help you stay that way during your commute.

• Use turn signals.

If you are turning or changing lanes, make sure other drivers around you are aware ahead of time. It gives them time to react to you. Signaling also prevents potential fender benders which occur when two drivers pull into the same lane at the same time.

• Don’t tailgate.

No one likes a person who follows too closely to another car. It can cause road rage or lead to an accident if the driver ahead slams on their brakes. Going faster than the flow of traffic will not shave time off your commute.

• Take your mind off the traffic

Listen to a book on tape or put on some soothing music. Take advantage of this time to enrich your life or learn something new. It is private time where you can take time to better yourself.

• Be careful

Remember to always be careful of the other drivers. Anticipate what actions they might take on the road. Be prepared for road rage and do not reciprocate. If another driver honks aggressively, makes a rude gesture or yells at you, just smile and drive on.

Using a cell phone while driving a car can be flat out dangerous. The University of Utah  conducted a recent study which demonstrated that driving with a cell phone posed just as much danger as driving drunk because driver distraction when using a cell phone is greatly increased.

There are four specific reasons why driving while using cell phones is so unsafe:

1. Poor Reaction Time

The University of Utah study showed that cell-phone users demonstrate a slower reaction time than the average driver. On average, they hit their brakes nine percent slower and resumed normal driving speeds after using their brakes at a rate 19 percent slower. They also showed 24 percent more variation in the distance used in following other vehicles.

2. Inattentiveness

Talking on a cell phone can quickly divert a driver from focusing their attention on the road. They suffer from what is called, “inattention blindness.” What that means is they could look right at a hazardous road condition and not see it or react to it until it is too late. Most drivers on cell phones are not even aware they are in this state.

3. Intense Conversations

Any conversation beyond a casual chat is going to dramatically decrease a driver’s reaction times because they will need to use greater concentration just to stay involved in the conversation. As a result, being involved in an emotional or intense conversations can pose an even greater risk to a driver and those around them because their awareness outside the conversation is limited.

4. Increased Accident Risk

A statistical analysis done by the University of Utah showed that drivers who use cell phones are 5.36 times more likely to become involved in a serious accident than a driver who does not use a cell phone on the road. In the United States, for example, cell phone usage is responsible for 2,600 fatalities and 12,000 serious each year alone.

Driving while drowsy is as dangerous as driving while under the influence. No matter how short of a distance you are traveling or how many methods you employ to keep yourself awake, drowsy driving can lead serious accidents, even fatalities, while on the road.

Why is driving while fighting off sleep so dangerous? Simply put, when a driver is sleepy, it lowers their reaction time behind the wheel. They make poor decisions, lose concentration and even risk falling asleep. That not only puts them in danger, but endangers other vehicles as well.

Once drowsiness starts to overtake you, it is nearly impossible to fight it off. Still, there are things you can do to keep from ending up on the long list of people injured or killed by drowsy driving –

1. Plan ahead:

If you know you will need to hit the road and are low on sleep, carve out time to take a nap. Even if you take just a 10 or 15 minute power nap, it should be enough to give you an extra boost of energy on the road.

2. Move around:

One reason drowsiness can overtake us on the road is that our muscles remain stationary for extended periods. Tap your fingers, shuffle your foot not on the gas pedal. Movement helps increase blood flow through the body which, in turn, strengthens muscles and helps a person stay more alert and fresh.

3. Yield the wheel:

If you are traveling with someone else, there is no harm in letting them drive as long as they can drive safely. Yielding the wheel can be helpful and allow you an opportunity to recharge your batteries.

4. Pull over:

If you are alone and feel the effects of sleep overtaking you, sometimes it is just best to get off the road quickly. Find the nearest lodging or rest area and stay there until you are rested enough to continue on to your destination.

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Driving in snowy weather can be dangerous and difficult for even the most careful drivers. When you are caught on the road in a snowstorm or shortly after one, it is important to know how to reach your destination safe and sound.

Here are some travel tips that can help you drive safe during the winter months:

Go slow:

When snow or ice is blanketing the road, reduce your normal speed to fit the conditions. This will help you prevent spinouts and help prevent your vehicle from sliding off the road.

Leave home early:

It is always a good idea to allow yourself extra travel time if the weather is bad. It will help lessen stress as you drive and limit the temptation to travel at excess speeds and endanger yourself or others through reckless driving.

Use headlights:

You are more visible to other drivers when you use headlights. In a poor visibility situation like a snowstorm, that can literally make a life-or-death difference.

Identify dangerous roads:

If certain roads pose a safety risk in adverse weather, consider choosing an alternate route. Be aware of which roads are cleared and plowed frequently in snowy weather and incorporate those into your route.

Keep a clear line of sight:

If you can’t see out of your windows and mirrors, an accident could be brewing. Clean your windows regularly and replace wiper blades when they wear out.

Use winter tires:

In snowy or icy conditions, having enough traction can help you keep your vehicle on the road. Be careful to purchase and use tires specifically designed for winter weather.

Use brakes effectively:

Slamming on your brakes in bad weather will make your car lose control. Always press on them gently to stop.

Watch out for black ice:

Black ice is clear ice on roads that is dangerously slick. If you hit black ice, ease off the gas and reduce your speed when your tires regain traction.