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Driving is a risk, think about it. A simple trip to the store can change your life forever. And with the prevalence of red-light cameras and stricter penalties, motorists are learning it saves to be safe. The following driving safety tips may save you money, but more importantly, they could save your life.

This is a big one. People are constantly fighting to get ahead on the highways and unseen conditions may cause traffic in front of you to come to a sudden stop. Covering your brake involves hovering your foot above the brake or between the brake and accelerator in preparation to stop. So remember to cover your brake when approaching intersections and in any area of traffic where a sudden stop is likely.

One of the most common statements over-confident drivers make is “I know what I am doing” or “I am not being reckless”. But here’s the thing – even if what you say is true, what about others? You can’t rely on the safety of other drivers so it is always best to drive defensively or as if you always have to “defend” your own safety. Scan ahead and to the sides of your vehicle to anticipate the actions of others sharing the road.

Yes, it’s that simple. If you want to shorten the reaction time between your car braking and hitting something on the road, then don’t exceed the speed limit. Speed limits are set by certain standards and are there for a reason. Even adverse weather conditions can lower a speed limit, and you as a driver should realize that driving comes with risks whether rain, snow, wind, ice or shine.

The right of way isn’t actually a “right” according to the law. People must give up or yield the right of way. Examples of yielding the right of way are to pedestrians at a crosswalk, when turning left, returning to the roadway, etc. The purpose of right of way is to try and control areas that aren’t controlled by signs, roadway markings or intersection lights. You should never assume you have the right of way, rather, wait for the traffic conditions and motorists to yield it to you.

This area of vision is called “blind” for a reason. Mirrors are useful for checking points around your vehicle, but they can only do so much. Drivers tend to overlook their blind spot and simply rely on memory (no one was there a second ago!) and mirrors to do the trick. Remember to know and check your blind spot when backing out, changing lanes, and approaching intersections.

Bold statement, yes, but they are. Intersections are the scenes of some of the most deadly accidents. If your light says green, it doesn’t mean “Go!”. In traffic it always means “Move forward with caution.”. Know that at any moment another driver could try to motor through a red light or miss the light completely. Be especially cautious if you are at the front of the line. Remember the saying “Look both ways before you cross.”? That statement holds true inside the car, as well as out.

Now for anyone who might think “Yikes, I am afraid to get on the road!” don’t worry. These methods, like driving, are taught to be incorporated into your every day driving routine. For example, when you turn on the car, put on your seat belt, check your mirrors, look over your shoulder, put the car in gear, use your blinker – all of these are ingrained in us to the point we don’t even realize we are doing it. Driving cautiously relies on these same instincts and reflexes. To be aware, know your environment and avoid hazards on the road.