· Be prepared and look ahead

· Maintain the correct speed

· Signal before you turn or change lanes

· Allow space

· Wear your seatbelt

· Do not drive if you are very weary, are on medication or have been drinking beverages that contain alcohol

· Keep your vehicle in good condition

· Do not use hand held mobile devices while driving

You should sit in a comfortable but vertical position and keep both hands on the steering wheel. Traffic conditions change continuously. Always scan the road ahead. Do not use the road or even the vehicle ahead as your only points of focus. Look ahead so you can prevent, or decrease, possible problems.

Keep your eyes moving, notice what is happening at the sides of the road, and check behind you through your mirrors every few seconds. 

Anticipate errors by other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians and think about what you will do if an error occurs. Do no assume that a driver who approaches a STOP or YIELD sign on a side road is actually going to stop or yield. It is better to assume the driver will not stop. 

Lastly, a driver can become distracted from safe driving by using a cell phone. In New York State, it is a traffic infraction to speak into or listen to a hand-held mobile telephone while driving. Exemptions are provided for emergency situations, for police and other law enforcement officers and for fire department personnel and operators of authorized emergency vehicles in the performance of official duties. In New York State, a hands-free mobile telephone allows the user to communicate without the use of either hand. A driver can use a hands-free telephone at any time.