If your vehicle leaves the roadway, hold the steering wheel firmly, release the gas pedal, and gently apply the brakes. Wait until your speed has reduced, check the traffic, and look for a place to safely return to the roadway by merging back into traffic. Overcompensating by jerking the wheel to return to the roadway can cause you to lose control of your vehicle or may cause your car to go into other lanes of traffic.

It is important that you are able to see clearly through all of your vehicle's windows, including the windshield. Remove all snow, ice, and frost from your vehicle's windows and mirrors before you start to drive.

Glancing back and forth between the right side of the road and the road directly ahead allows you to avoid the glare of oncoming headlights while still staying safely in your lane.

Two solid yellow lines down the center of a two-way road mean that neither lane of traffic may cross the lines, unless they are turning off of the roadway. A driver can cross double yellow lines when turning into or out of a driveway or entrance to a business. No passing is allowed over a solid yellow line.

Do not drive in someone else’s blind spot. Move forward or drop back so that the other driver can see you.

If a steady yellow light appears when you are already within an intersection, you should continue through the intersection carefully.

Circular traffic signs indicate upcoming railroad crossings. This sign tells drivers that they are approaching a railroad crossing and should be looking for signs of an oncoming train.

A flashing yellow traffic light means drivers must slow down, be more aware, and proceed with caution. Be alert to crossing traffic and pedestrians.

White lines are used to separate traffic moving in the same direction. Solid lines indicate that drivers are not permitted to pass.

When entering any roadway, you must be aware of traffic conditions. Use your side mirror and look over your shoulder to help you see and anticipate traffic when entering a freeway.

It is estimated that drivers make 200 decisions for every mile traveled, making it vital that drivers focus their full attention on the task of driving. Performing any additional task can create a dangerous distraction.

District of Columbia law requires drivers and all passengers to wear seat belts in passenger cars, trucks, tractors, multi-purpose vehicles, and passenger buses. These vehicles may not be operated unless the driver and each occupant is wearing a seat belt.

You should never pass if there is an oncoming vehicle in the passing lane, if your view is blocked by a curve or hill, at an intersection, before or on a railroad crossing or bridge, or in any other no passing zone. Unless you are on the opposite side of a multilane roadway with a median or shared center turn lane, you may not pass a stopped school bus that has its flashing red lights activated.

When entering the interstate on a short entrance ramp where there is no acceleration lane, speed up only after you have identified a gap in traffic. In general, you should be stopped while waiting for a gap to appear.

This sign (with the arrow below) indicates the location of a bicycle crossing/path. Drive with caution around this sign because bicycles likely regularly cross or ride beside traffic in the area.

When passing, you should not return to your original lane until you can see both headlights of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror. Always check your blind spots before moving back into your original lane.

A solid yellow line next to your lane means that passing is not permitted from your direction.

If stopped by law enforcement, you should stay in your vehicle with both hands clearly in sight on the steering wheel.

Children on bicycles are sometimes unpredictable. Young bicyclists are especially likely to make surprising changes in direction. Remember that children and bicycles are both small in stature and may become difficult to see.

As you drive on a wet road, your tires may start to ride up on the surface of water, causing you to lose control of your vehicle. This is called hydroplaning. The best way to avoid hydroplaning is to lower your speed when driving under wet conditions.

"Highway hypnosis” happens when you stare straight ahead at the roadway for long periods of time and stop actively scanning ahead, behind, and around your vehicle. This can lead you to zone out, making you very likely to crash into traffic slowing or stopping ahead of you.

Reduce your speed and be prepared to slow down or stop for highway equipment. Driving carefully through work zones improves safety for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and road workers.

To avoid the dangers of fatigued driving, take breaks every hour or so during a long trip. If possible, share driving responsibilities with another person so you can each sleep while the other person drives.

Pedestrians who use guide dogs or white canes (with or without a red tip) must be given the right-of-way at all times.

Decrease your speed as you approach an intersection with a yield sign. Prepare to stop and yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection or crossroad. You must come to a full stop at a yield sign if traffic conditions require it.