The number one cause of death or injury (whether on or off the job) is motor vehicle accidents.  Driving can present all kinds of hazards, but the greatest potential hazard is the driver.  The following safety tips will help you avoid motor vehicle accidents.

1. Check your vehicle frequently.  Be sure that brakes, accelerator, belts, radiator, oil, battery, tires, headlights and brake lights are all in good working condition.
2. Obey the speed limit.
3. Follow traffic rules.
4. Watch out for the other driver.  Stay away from vehicles that swerve in and out of traffic, fail to signal, or are driving very fast or very slow.
5. Road and weather conditions can affect the way you drive.
6. Stay alert and aware while driving. 
7. Always wear seatbelts.
8. Use car phones sparingly or not at all while driving.
9. Keep headlights on low beam during the day.
10. Don’t drink or take drugs.  Some prescription drugs will impair driving ability.
11. Don’t tailgate.  Stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.
12. Pass on the left only.
13. Yield right of way.
14. Don’t overload vehicle.
15. Be especially cautious in heavy traffic.
16. Never pass a stopped school bus.
17. Be a defensive driver.
18. Keep your eyes on the road, your mind on driving, and your hands on the wheel.
19. Keep an eye out for changes in road and traffic conditions, pedestrians, bicycles and animals.

More than half of motor vehicle deaths occur after dark.  Here are some night safe driving tips:

·                     Let your eyes adjust to the dark when leaving building.

·                     Make sure your headlights are working and turn them on as soon as it starts to get dark.

·                     Keep more of a distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

·                     Stop and rest if you're tired.  Walk around, get some fresh air.  Have a cup of coffee.

To be a good defensive driver, expect the unexpected and the worse from other drivers.