Driver inattention is a primary cause of crashes. Distractions, such as interacting with passengers, talking on the phone, or adjusting the stereo system, are especially dangerous for young drivers. Limit distractions by pulling off the road to perform activities not related to the driving task.

Following is a list of common problems and guidelines to avoid them during driving:

Fatigue - Fatigue severely limits your reaction time and decision-making ability, and is caused by lack of sleep, the body’s circadian rhythm, and driving for long periods of time. Circadian rhythm is the body’s natural ‘downtime’, which for most people is between 1 and 5 p.m. and around your normal bedtime. To avoid fatigue, take breaks, keep the vehicle cool, and be aware of your ‘downtime’.

Glare: Sources of glare include headlights of oncoming or following vehicles, misaligned headlights, improperly loaded vehicles, a dirty windshield, paper on the dashboard, facing the sun at dusk or dawn, snow-covered landscapes, and traditional versus contemporary side mirror settings. To combat glare, wear polarized sunglasses during the day only, adjust sun visor as needed, keep windows clean, reduce speed, and look to the right-hand side of the road when meeting a vehicle with high beam headlights on.

Fog: During foggy conditions, reduce speed, use low beams, windshield wipers, and defroster/defogger and flashers if needed, and look for a safe area to pull off the road.

Heavy Smoke, Rain, or Snow: Reduce speed, turn on low-beam headlights, emergency flashers, and windshield wipers; make gentle steering, accelerating, or braking actions; be alert for stopped vehicles on the highway, and be prepared for wind gusts or strong steady crosswinds; turn on the radio to monitor weather and road conditions, and if possible, leave the highway.

Low water crossing: Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle related, in severe rainstorms watch for flooding at bridges and low areas. Driving too fast through low water will cause the vehicle to hydroplane and lose contact with the road surface.

Strong wind conditions: Strong wind conditions create a problem called buffeting. This condition occurs on bridges, through mountain passes and ravines, and when being passed by large trucks. Reduce speed, check traffic, be prepared to steer windward, and counter steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go.

Changing traction conditions: Traction or adhesion is the grip the tires have on the road surface, which allows the vehicle to start, stop, and/or change directions. As speed increases, traction between the tires and the road decreases. Three kinds of traction influence motor vehicle control: static, rolling (dynamic), and sliding. Road surface conditions that decrease the level of traction are ice, snow or frost, wet surfaces or standing water, mud or wet leaves, uneven surfaces, sand, gravel, and curves. Speed should be reduced in such conditions.

By following above guidelines, you’ll be able to keep your driving safe and pleasant.