Stay aware of upcoming obstacles and hazards by consistently watching the road at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle. When traveling at highway speeds, this is equivalent to about a quarter of a mile.

If you must back up, it is safest to back toward the driver's side of the vehicle. This way, as the driver, you will have the best possible view of your path of travel.

Factors that can affect stopping distance include the vehicle's speed, its weight, and the traction provided by the road surface.

The suspension system holds up a vehicle and its load while keeping the axles in place. Defects in this system are extremely dangerous.

Swerving out of the way of a hazard is sometimes safer than trying to stop before reaching the hazard. You can usually turn away from something more quickly than you can come to a complete stop.

When inspecting a vehicle that is equipped with power steering, check the hoses, pumps, and fluid level. In particular, you should look for leaks in the hoses.

Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it is both a mental and physical distraction to the driver. In addition to diverting a driver's mental attention away from the road, texting requires a person to remove at least one hand from the vehicle's controls.

When driving, you should regularly check your mirrors, both to be aware of traffic and to check for problems on your own vehicle.

If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, do not apply the brakes. Instead, slow down by releasing the accelerator and pushing in the clutch.

Be sure to activate the appropriate turn signal well in advance of a turn or lane change. Signal continuously throughout the turn and make sure to cancel the signal after the turn is completed, if your vehicle doesn't have self-canceling signals.

Radial and bias-ply tires should not be used together. All wheels on a vehicle should be the same style and equally-sized.

Always signal before turning or changing lanes to ensure that other drivers are aware of your intentions.

Because air pressure increases with temperature, you should pay special attention to the tire mounting and pressure when traveling in hot weather.

When inspecting your vehicle, you should check the wiper blades for damage, stiff rubber, and proper securement.

Stay as far away from a fire as possible and aim your fire extinguisher at the source or base of the fire, not at the flames. It may be appropriate to extinguish certain fires with water. If you are unsure of how to treat a specific fire, you should wait for trained firefighters to arrive.

It is best to avoid driving through large puddles or moving water. If there is no way to avoid driving through water, you should slow down, shift into a low gear, and gently apply the brakes. Pressing linings against the brake drums or discs will keep water, mud, silt, and sand from getting inside the brake mechanisms.

To travel safely, it is essential that you know what is happening on all sides of your vehicle at all times. Use your mirrors frequently to help you remain aware of your surroundings.

The tire load, or the maximum safe weight that a tire can carry at a given pressure, is stated on the side of each tire.

Lane changes should be made slowly and smoothly.

When inspecting your tires, verify that there is tread depth of at least 4/32 of an inch in every major groove on the front tires and tread depth of at least 2/32 of an inch in grooves on the other tires. Be sure that your tires are not too worn, are not cracked, have proper air pressure, and are all equally sized.