DON'T TAILGATE - Following too closely is a leading cause of rear-end accidents, the most common type of crash we investigate.  A good rule of thumb is to leave 1 car-length per 10 mph you are traveling.  So at 50 mph, you should have at least 5 car lengths between your car and the one directly in front of you (a car length is about 20 feet).  Alternatively, the 3-second rule may be used to judge the spacing between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of yours.  Note the time it takes to pass a landmark (i.e., utility pole) after the car ahead of you has passed it.  If it is less than 3 seconds, YOU ARE TOO CLOSE.  Remember, if a car stops short in front of you, you must have left adequate stopping distance between that car and your own.  If not, expect a crash, and probably a ticket as well!

ADJUST YOUR SPEED FOR ROAD CONDITIONS - This includes traffic volume, road condition and weather.  In a nutshell, you need to SLOW DOWN in heavy traffic, during inclement weather, and on roadways in poor condition.

MAINTAIN YOUR VEHICLE IN SAFE CONDITION - Worn tires and faulty brakes or steering components can result in a serious collision.  The money you spend on vehicle maintenance could help you avoid spending on auto body repair, or worse, medical bills.

AVOID DOING THE UNEXPECTED - Stopping at an intersection when you are not supposed to, traveling exceedingly slowly on the highway, or stopping in the middle of the street to say hello to a friend are all examples of unexpected driver actions that often result in collisions.

PAY ATTENTION - Just as you should avoid committing unexpected maneuvers on the road, you should expect them from other motorists.  Don't assume other people will stop or yield when they are supposed to.  Distractions such as talking on a cell phone, eating, drinking or reading a map are all common contributors to collisions.  If you need to perform any of these activities, pull over to the shoulder or find a parking lot in which to do them.