When you take hold of your car's steering wheel, you are primarily charged with the safe departure and arrival while traveling. Bear in mind that as a driver, you must at all times be vigilant, alert and focused as you drive along toward selected destination. One wrong move and all else would end in a disaster. To avoid worst case scenarios when driving, always remember the following:

1. Fasten your seatbelt.

Once inside the vehicle, it is mandatory that all seatbelts be tightly fastened. Lock the doors accordingly, make sure that the youngest passenger is secured. Drivers reduce the risk of accidents on the road if they follow all traffic rules and regulations, be courteous and give way whenever warranted by the situation. Always keep proper distance from other vehicles while driving on the road. Exercise due caution whenever changing lanes. Use your signal lights and have your brakes examined regularly to be sure its working accordingly. Once you reach an intersection, slow down. Watch for traffic lights, pedestrian crossing and other vehicles going through your direction.

2. Don't Rush When Driving

I know, there are times when you need to drive fast to be where you need to be. But don't be too reckless. When all people seem to rush, don't do the same. Remain focused and stay calm. Be keen, always pay attention and concentrate on the road. Put off cellular phones, laptops or ipods when driving. If it's really urgent to answer a call or message, simply stop a while and do so. Or better yet, get a headset so you can drive and talk at the same time.

3. Always avoid eating or drinking while on the road.

Eating or drinking while on the road can make you loose grip of the steering well or divert your focus off the road. You may be more conscious of the food getting all messed up in your car than paying due attention on the road.

4. Don't drive if you are sleepy or dizzy.

When there's a need to drive during night time, be sure you're not driving while sleepy or dizzy. If you are sleepy, your eyelids become heavy and you yawn constantly, thus you are in danger of falling asleep while driving! This is one of the most dangerous situations experienced by drivers and it often leads to several accidents on the road. Whenever you feel sleepy, the brain starts to black out and shut down, it then affects your concentration and your thinking. Be sure to remain awake while driving.

5. Do not drink and drive.

As a cardinal rule, we always hear ‘don't drink and drive.' Drunk driving is the cause of many accidents and deaths that is why state laws penalize this omission heavily.

6. Never take medicines with drowsy effect before you hit the road.

Do not drink and eat much when you know you will be driving yourself home. Do not take medicines with drowsy effects before hitting the road. Be sure to have somebody to accompany you to keep you engaged and awake while your drive on the road. If possible, try to get a nap once in a while during long road trips. If feeling sleepy or drowsy, best to stop in a safe spot and take power naps.

Moreover, other personal safety tips will include your mood, physical and overall emotional condition. Eyesight or regular visual check is always necessary. Regularly glancing at your blind spot will help you in determining traffic and other motorists surrounding you, making you more updated with their movements. The most important of all safety rules is to avoid driving aggressively and quarrelling while on the road.

Lastly, enjoy driving with all these helpful tips and guidelines in mind.

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