Unless you live, work, and shop in a fully functioning metropolitan area, driving is most likely an everyday necessity. Millions of American's take to the road for everything from work to leisure out of convince. Buses aren't always reliable, taxis can be expensive, and walking isn't always feasible. With the convenience of the car comes danger as well. Car crashes are prevalent, and while some are sheer accidents, many can be prevented with a few simple precautions and a little bit of knowledge of the part of drivers.

• Carry the Essentials: Whether you're planning on driving a mile or 100 miles, it's important that you always have emergency essentials in your vehicle. Accidents can happen when you least expect and being prepared can often mean the difference between a safe or disastrous trip. Even if you've gone years without having to change a tire or light a flare when the time comes that you do, you'll be happy you made an effort to pack your care with these emergency necessities:
  • Flares
  • Spare Tire
  • Tire Jack
  • Tire Iron
  • First Aid Kit
  • Cell Phone Charger
• Just Pull Over: Driving requires your entire attention and anything less can land you, your passengers, or other drives in the hospital. If you need to make a call, read a map, or secure junior in the back seat, pull over. While this may set your travel plans back a few minutes your safety is well worth the time. Even if you pride your self on your driving skills and believe you are more than capable of driving while multitasking, you are not alone on the road and are often at the mercy of other drivers. Pull over if you need to take your focus off the road.
• Never Drive Tired: Thinking of driving straight through to your vacation destination? Need to be somewhere in the wee hours of the morning so you've decided to just pull an all nighters? Driving tired can be just as hazardous as driving drunk. Not only are your senses dulled and you're reaction time slower, you also are in the position to fall asleep at the wheel. Before you get on the road make sure you have enough rest and if you are driving a long way, be sure to take breaks to help you clear your mind.
• Be Aware of Medication Side Affects: Taking medication is often something you can't get around, but before you take your allergy medicine and get behind the wheel read the label. If one of the side affects is drowsiness think again before you drive. Even if you don't feel extremely fatigued you're motor skills can be significantly impaired. If driving is a must in your life, ask your doctor about prescription alternatives that won't cause drowsiness.
• Care for Your Car: Getting your car maintenanced is an important part of road safety. When your car isn't running properly you increase your risk of an accident. Make it a habit to take your car for a checkup, change oil regularly, and get inspections when you need them.