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Older drivers are some of the most experienced drivers on the road, but they also have to deal with slower reaction times and constantly changing technologies. Here are just a few features that automotive manufacturers have introduced to help senior drivers. Forward Automatic Braking Even if a senior driver isn't tailgating, the diminishing reflex times that come along with the aging process can be dangerous in a car. Forward automatic-braking technology helps avoid the risk of a head-on collision by detecting the presence of another vehicle and applying the brakes to avoid an accident. This useful feature is also known as forward collision alert or forward collision warning, and it works by using laser, camera, or GPS sensors to scan a car's surroundings for nearby obstacles. more Lane Departure Warning We've all seen cars inadvertently swerving out of their lanes on the highway. This can be extremely dangerous, and senior drivers are at an increased risk of this behavior as a result of potentially decreased visual acuity. Fortunately, modern technology allows for a certain degree of automatic correction when this occurs. Also known as road departure mitigation or lane-keeping assistance, lane departure warning systems use visual, audio, and vibration cues to alert drivers that they are swerving outside of their lanes. Some systems can even automatically steer the vehicles back onto the right track. Adaptive Cruise Control Adaptive cruise control, also known as autonomous cruise control or traffic-aware cruise control, goes far beyond the capabilities of standard cruise control systems with which senior drivers are likely to be familiar. This new technology still automatically regulates your speed, but it also uses radar sensors to locate vehicles in front of you and maintain a safe driving distance at all times. Because adaptive cruise control can regulate both your acceleration and braking, it's an important safety feature that is especially handy on long road trips. GPS Navigation Even though mobile phones, and smartphones, in particular, are increasingly more common, plenty of senior drivers don't want to be bothered with the complicated features of these devices. That's why integrated GPS technology is such a convenient inclusion. By incorporating navigation software and displaying driving directions prominently on the dashboard, automotive manufacturers have made this particular element of driving technology as accessible and safe as possible. Rear Backup Cameras If you've ever parallel parked your car in a crowded city environment, you already know that it can be one of the trickiest driving maneuvers. This is especially true for senior drivers who may have limited mobility and be unable to crane their necks around to adequately check their blind spots when parking in this manner. Rear backup cameras provide a handy way to see what's directly behind the car, facilitating an easier and safer parking experience. While these features are both a tremendous convenience and a great way to increase driving safety, they are no substitutes for driving carefully. Be sure to select a vehicle with the safety features you need and always drive with caution.

Older drivers are some of the most experienced drivers on the road, but they also have to deal with slower reaction times and constantly changing technologies. Here are just a few features that automotive manufacturers have introduced to help senior drivers. Forward Automatic Braking Even if a senior driver isn't tailgating, the diminishing reflex times that come along with the aging process can be dangerous in a car. Forward automatic-braking technology helps avoid the risk of a head-on collision by detecting the presence of another vehicle and applying the brakes to avoid an accident. This useful feature is also known as forward collision alert or forward collision warning, and it works by using laser, camera, or GPS sensors to scan a car's surroundings for nearby obstacles. more Lane Departure Warning We've all seen cars inadvertently swerving out of their lanes on the highway. This can be extremely dangerous, and senior drivers are at an increased risk of this behavior as a result of potentially decreased visual acuity. Fortunately, modern technology allows for a certain degree of automatic correction when this occurs. Also known as road departure mitigation or lane-keeping assistance, lane departure warning systems use visual, audio, and vibration cues to alert drivers that they are swerving outside of their lanes. Some systems can even automatically steer the vehicles back onto the right track. Adaptive Cruise Control Adaptive cruise control, also known as autonomous cruise control or traffic-aware cruise control, goes far beyond the capabilities of standard cruise control systems with which senior drivers are likely to be familiar. This new technology still automatically regulates your speed, but it also uses radar sensors to locate vehicles in front of you and maintain a safe driving distance at all times. Because adaptive cruise control can regulate both your acceleration and braking, it's an important safety feature that is especially handy on long road trips. GPS Navigation Even though mobile phones, and smartphones, in particular, are increasingly more common, plenty of senior drivers don't want to be bothered with the complicated features of these devices. That's why integrated GPS technology is such a convenient inclusion. By incorporating navigation software and displaying driving directions prominently on the dashboard, automotive manufacturers have made this particular element of driving technology as accessible and safe as possible. Rear Backup Cameras If you've ever parallel parked your car in a crowded city environment, you already know that it can be one of the trickiest driving maneuvers. This is especially true for senior drivers who may have limited mobility and be unable to crane their necks around to adequately check their blind spots when parking in this manner. Rear backup cameras provide a handy way to see what's directly behind the car, facilitating an easier and safer parking experience. While these features are both a tremendous convenience and a great way to increase driving safety, they are no substitutes for driving carefully. Be sure to select a vehicle with the safety features you need and always drive with caution.

Floridians love the outdoors, and what's not to like with 246 days of sunshine and some of the best parks and wilderness areas in the country to explore. Grab the whole family, slather on some sunscreen, and discover these three scenic parks with that wow-factor you've been looking for in and around Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway and just a short stroll from local shops is Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Named after the benefactor who bestowed the 180-acre oasis to residents, the park is a welcome respite from city life. Enjoy a picnic, drop your fishing line off the seawall, or rent a canoe and tour the freshwater Long Lake. Discover a variety of native trees and plants as you wander through nature along two short trails. Stop and watch an animal show and learn about local history at the Terramar Visitor Center. Access the beach about one-quarter of a mile away, or bike along the 2.5-mile unpaved trail. Explore the Intercoastal Waterway on a water taxi right from the park, showcasing the area's natural beauty. more Volunteer Park Right near Sawgrass Mall, and easy to get to, you'll find lovely Volunteer Park. Nature lovers report time and again that this park's facilities are wonderfully clean and the expertly maintained grounds are lush and inviting. It's rumored to be one of the best parks in West Plantation. The park features a peaceful raised walking path and a diverse array of friendly visitors, ranging from families to couples with dogs. Check out the year-round farmer's market featuring fresh produce, honey, and more. Mature trees provide tons of shade while you observe a variety of wildlife, from ducks to frogs. There's a large open grassy area for a family game of soccer or kite-flying on a breezy afternoon. If you get the munchies after getting your nature fix, keep a lookout for gourmet food trucks that park in the area. From horseback riding to geocaching, bike riding to fishing, get in touch with nature at Volunteer Park. Richardson Historic Park Take a break from the bustle of Wilton and explore this small gem located near downtown Ft. Lauderdale. Just 5.4 acres, Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve boasts a river, a boardwalk, and boat dock, complete with wildlife observation pier and nature trails. Bordered at the end by the historic Richardson House, the park is often the setting for countryside weddings. A large picnic pavilion behind the house is a great place to spread out a blanket and feast. Later, take a quick, tranquil walk by Middle River, past some of the tallest royal palms in the State, and over the mangrove swamp. Spot hundreds of species of birds, lizards, and squirrels that call the preserve home, and read up on the wildlife with enlightening signs along the way. Florida's natural attractions always charm our visitors. Get in touch with your wild side at one of all of these great Ft. Lauderdale area parks today.

Floridians love the outdoors, and what's not to like with 246 days of sunshine and some of the best parks and wilderness areas in the country to explore. Grab the whole family, slather on some sunscreen, and discover these three scenic parks with that wow-factor you've been looking for in and around Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway and just a short stroll from local shops is Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Named after the benefactor who bestowed the 180-acre oasis to residents, the park is a welcome respite from city life. Enjoy a picnic, drop your fishing line off the seawall, or rent a canoe and tour the freshwater Long Lake. Discover a variety of native trees and plants as you wander through nature along two short trails. Stop and watch an animal show and learn about local history at the Terramar Visitor Center. Access the beach about one-quarter of a mile away, or bike along the 2.5-mile unpaved trail. Explore the Intercoastal Waterway on a water taxi right from the park, showcasing the area's natural beauty. more Volunteer Park Right near Sawgrass Mall, and easy to get to, you'll find lovely Volunteer Park. Nature lovers report time and again that this park's facilities are wonderfully clean and the expertly maintained grounds are lush and inviting. It's rumored to be one of the best parks in West Plantation. The park features a peaceful raised walking path and a diverse array of friendly visitors, ranging from families to couples with dogs. Check out the year-round farmer's market featuring fresh produce, honey, and more. Mature trees provide tons of shade while you observe a variety of wildlife, from ducks to frogs. There's a large open grassy area for a family game of soccer or kite-flying on a breezy afternoon. If you get the munchies after getting your nature fix, keep a lookout for gourmet food trucks that park in the area. From horseback riding to geocaching, bike riding to fishing, get in touch with nature at Volunteer Park. Richardson Historic Park Take a break from the bustle of Wilton and explore this small gem located near downtown Ft. Lauderdale. Just 5.4 acres, Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve boasts a river, a boardwalk, and boat dock, complete with wildlife observation pier and nature trails. Bordered at the end by the historic Richardson House, the park is often the setting for countryside weddings. A large picnic pavilion behind the house is a great place to spread out a blanket and feast. Later, take a quick, tranquil walk by Middle River, past some of the tallest royal palms in the State, and over the mangrove swamp. Spot hundreds of species of birds, lizards, and squirrels that call the preserve home, and read up on the wildlife with enlightening signs along the way. Florida's natural attractions always charm our visitors. Get in touch with your wild side at one of all of these great Ft. Lauderdale area parks today.

Like most car shoppers, you hear things about this different automakers. There could be some valid information there, but not everything said on the street is true. Kia cars have been showing up on American lots for more than 20 years, and they're distinctly different than the competition. Keep reading to learn three common myths people have about the Kia brand and how we debunked them. Affordable Cars Aren't Innovative Kia is one of the most affordable brands, but it still manages to load its cars with all the latest gadgets. Take a look at the 2018 Niro FE, for example. This stylish crossover touts a 7-inch color touchscreen loaded with Kia's UVO connectivity for only $23,340. Wirelessly charge your phone while it plays your favorite tunes through Kia's Clari-Fi technology, and revel in concert quality sound. All UVO equipped Kia vehicles feature push-button roadside assistance and 911 Connect that calls for emergency services if the airbags deploy. UVO's advanced voice recognition lets you make calls, while curfew, speed, and zone alerts help parents keep track of new drivers. From vehicle diagnostics to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, budget-minded buyers love Kia's innovations. more They Are Unreliable J.D. Power and Associates ranked Kia highest among brands for overall initial quality — three years in a row. Its highest-ranking models in their respective segments for the 2017 model year include the Cadenza family sedan, the compact Forte, the eco-friendly Niro crossover, the versatile Sorento SUV, and the funky fresh Soul. That's six award-winning, reliable Kias, according to the experts over at our trusted source for car ratings. Not that we're counting. Even the brand-new, luxurious and athletic Stinger already boasts an above-average predicted reliability rating. U.S. News and World Reports picked Kia as one of their top 10 most reliable cars in January, and also named the Kia Soul its 2017 best compact car for the money. That sounds pretty reliable to us. If you need more proof, Consumer Reports ranked the 2017 Kia Niro third overall with an average predicted reliability score of 71. They Won't Last Every new Kia — yes, especially those at Gunther Kia's showroom — offer buyers an industry-leading 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. What automaker would extend its protection plan that long if it wasn't confident your new car is going to last? One satisfied Kia owner on CarGurus.com reported his faithful 2007 Kia Sportage racked up 188,640 miles and was still going strong after nine years of service. Other owners declared their Sportage reached over 283,000 miles. Just to be on the safe side, you might want to consider that extended warranty. The keys to your new Kia might take up residence in your pocket until your grandkids are old enough to drive it. Everyone has that friend of a friend that's a car expert. They're always ready to hand out that unsolicited advice about what automaker's badge to park in your garage. Look at the facts and make up your own mind about Kia.

Like most car shoppers, you hear things about this different automakers. There could be some valid information there, but not everything said on the street is true. Kia cars have been showing up on American lots for more than 20 years, and they're distinctly different than the competition. Keep reading to learn three common myths people have about the Kia brand and how we debunked them. Affordable Cars Aren't Innovative Kia is one of the most affordable brands, but it still manages to load its cars with all the latest gadgets. Take a look at the 2018 Niro FE, for example. This stylish crossover touts a 7-inch color touchscreen loaded with Kia's UVO connectivity for only $23,340. Wirelessly charge your phone while it plays your favorite tunes through Kia's Clari-Fi technology, and revel in concert quality sound. All UVO equipped Kia vehicles feature push-button roadside assistance and 911 Connect that calls for emergency services if the airbags deploy. UVO's advanced voice recognition lets you make calls, while curfew, speed, and zone alerts help parents keep track of new drivers. From vehicle diagnostics to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, budget-minded buyers love Kia's innovations. more They Are Unreliable J.D. Power and Associates ranked Kia highest among brands for overall initial quality — three years in a row. Its highest-ranking models in their respective segments for the 2017 model year include the Cadenza family sedan, the compact Forte, the eco-friendly Niro crossover, the versatile Sorento SUV, and the funky fresh Soul. That's six award-winning, reliable Kias, according to the experts over at our trusted source for car ratings. Not that we're counting. Even the brand-new, luxurious and athletic Stinger already boasts an above-average predicted reliability rating. U.S. News and World Reports picked Kia as one of their top 10 most reliable cars in January, and also named the Kia Soul its 2017 best compact car for the money. That sounds pretty reliable to us. If you need more proof, Consumer Reports ranked the 2017 Kia Niro third overall with an average predicted reliability score of 71. They Won't Last Every new Kia — yes, especially those at Gunther Kia's showroom — offer buyers an industry-leading 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. What automaker would extend its protection plan that long if it wasn't confident your new car is going to last? One satisfied Kia owner on CarGurus.com reported his faithful 2007 Kia Sportage racked up 188,640 miles and was still going strong after nine years of service. Other owners declared their Sportage reached over 283,000 miles. Just to be on the safe side, you might want to consider that extended warranty. The keys to your new Kia might take up residence in your pocket until your grandkids are old enough to drive it. Everyone has that friend of a friend that's a car expert. They're always ready to hand out that unsolicited advice about what automaker's badge to park in your garage. Look at the facts and make up your own mind about Kia.

Located just outside of Miami, Fort Lauderdale is a city that has a lot to do. With pristine beaches, proximity to the Everglades, and plenty of rich history, you'll never be bored on a visit here. If you're looking for some fun activities during your time in Fort Lauderdale, consider booking one of these tours for a unique look at the city's offerings. Jungle Queen Riverboats Tour As one of the leading tour companies in Fort Lauderdale, Jungle Queen has plenty of tour options to fill your day. One of the most popular is the Afternoon Tropical Isle Sightseeing Cruise, during which your tour guide will narrate the history and sights beyond the boat. The cruise starts at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center and takes you through Millionaire's Row to catch glimpses of mansions and yachts. You'll eventually make port on a tropical island featuring alligators and other exotic animals. If you get hungry, grab some snacks from the concession stand on the island. These cruises run daily at 1:30 p.m. and return to the dock at 4:30 p.m., making them a great choice for a fun afternoon in the sun. more Ghosts and Gangsters Tour of Ft. Lauderdale Skip the sun and descend into darkness with this spooky tour of the city. It provides you with a darker look at the city's history, taking you through some of the area's most haunted destinations. As you stroll through the city's streets, you'll hear tales of death and mayhem from a certified historical expert. Some of the stories you'll hear include the Cooley Landing Massacre, the shenanigans of Al Capone, and the more modern Cocaine Cowboys. These tours take place on a daily basis at 7 p.m. They start at Briny's Riverfront Pub and last for approximately two hours. Be sure to book in advance — the fee is $25 per person. Bass Fishing on Lake Okeechobee from Ft. Lauderdale Why just sit around on the beach all day when you could be making the biggest catch of your life. Abandon the sand and waves for tamer waters on a bass fishing tour on Lake Okeechobee. Just under an hour and a half away from Fort Lauderdale, Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in the entire state, meaning it has plenty of fish for you to catch. In this tour from Tour Beaver, you'll go on a fish-catching journey with some of Florida's best fishing guides. Choose from a half-day, three-quarters-day, or full-day tour, which are four hours, six hours, and eight hours respectively. Everything you need to score a big fish comes as a part of the tour, such as a boat, guide, fishing fear, and bottled drinks. Tours leave at 6 a.m., 6:30 a.m., and 7 a.m. daily and vary in price depending on the options you select. Sitting on the beach at Fort Lauderdale is a lot of fun, but it certainly isn't an educational experience. Try one of these unique Fort Lauderdale tours to learn more about the area and experience something new.

Located just outside of Miami, Fort Lauderdale is a city that has a lot to do. With pristine beaches, proximity to the Everglades, and plenty of rich history, you'll never be bored on a visit here. If you're looking for some fun activities during your time in Fort Lauderdale, consider booking one of these tours for a unique look at the city's offerings. Jungle Queen Riverboats Tour As one of the leading tour companies in Fort Lauderdale, Jungle Queen has plenty of tour options to fill your day. One of the most popular is the Afternoon Tropical Isle Sightseeing Cruise, during which your tour guide will narrate the history and sights beyond the boat. The cruise starts at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center and takes you through Millionaire's Row to catch glimpses of mansions and yachts. You'll eventually make port on a tropical island featuring alligators and other exotic animals. If you get hungry, grab some snacks from the concession stand on the island. These cruises run daily at 1:30 p.m. and return to the dock at 4:30 p.m., making them a great choice for a fun afternoon in the sun. more Ghosts and Gangsters Tour of Ft. Lauderdale Skip the sun and descend into darkness with this spooky tour of the city. It provides you with a darker look at the city's history, taking you through some of the area's most haunted destinations. As you stroll through the city's streets, you'll hear tales of death and mayhem from a certified historical expert. Some of the stories you'll hear include the Cooley Landing Massacre, the shenanigans of Al Capone, and the more modern Cocaine Cowboys. These tours take place on a daily basis at 7 p.m. They start at Briny's Riverfront Pub and last for approximately two hours. Be sure to book in advance — the fee is $25 per person. Bass Fishing on Lake Okeechobee from Ft. Lauderdale Why just sit around on the beach all day when you could be making the biggest catch of your life. Abandon the sand and waves for tamer waters on a bass fishing tour on Lake Okeechobee. Just under an hour and a half away from Fort Lauderdale, Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in the entire state, meaning it has plenty of fish for you to catch. In this tour from Tour Beaver, you'll go on a fish-catching journey with some of Florida's best fishing guides. Choose from a half-day, three-quarters-day, or full-day tour, which are four hours, six hours, and eight hours respectively. Everything you need to score a big fish comes as a part of the tour, such as a boat, guide, fishing fear, and bottled drinks. Tours leave at 6 a.m., 6:30 a.m., and 7 a.m. daily and vary in price depending on the options you select. Sitting on the beach at Fort Lauderdale is a lot of fun, but it certainly isn't an educational experience. Try one of these unique Fort Lauderdale tours to learn more about the area and experience something new.

The 2018 Kia Soul is a stylish-yet-practical vehicle that's already brimming with personality and useful features. But you can really enhance your new Soul by choosing the Plus trim and equipping it with the Primo Package. Here are some of its perks. Adaptive Cruise Control You're probably familiar with cruise control, but adaptive cruise control is a relatively new development in the automotive world. This is an advanced technology that uses radar sensors or laser sensors to scan the road in front of you. When there is an obstacle in your path, such as another car driving in front of you, the adaptive cruise control system automatically adjusts your speed so that you don't end up tailgating and risking an accident. In addition to its obvious safety benefits, the adaptive cruise control included in Kia's Primo package is a real money-saver for drivers who tend to speed without realizing it. more Autonomous Emergency Braking Choosing the Primo Package will also reward you with Kia's Autonomous Emergency Braking system. This technology works in tandem with Kia's lane departure warning system, using radar sensors to automatically apply your brakes when detecting an imminent collision. Whether this is the result of inattentive driving or unpredictable road conditions, the Autonomous Emergency Braking system is capable of avoiding collisions and saving lives. This feature is available in more and more cars on the market, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has encouraged automotive manufacturers to include it as a standard feature. In this respect, the 2018 Kia Soul is really leading the way. Creature Comforts While its safety features are the most important parts of the Primo Package, you're also sure to enjoy the conveniences and amenities it introduces. For example, the package includes a panoramic sunroof that allows you to drive with the wind in your hair — without the inconveniences associated with a true convertible. The package also includes heated and ventilated seats, which allow you to drive comfortably in just about any type of weather. Another bonus is the included Kia's Audio Package, which offers Android and Apple connectivity, as well as a dedicated speaker and subwoofer setup. Limited-Time Offer If you like the sound of these perks, act quickly — there are only a limited number of 2018 Kia Soul models produced with the Primo Package. When these models are gone, the Kia Soul Plus will have the Primo Lit Package instead. This package is similar in most respects, but it also adds LED exterior lighting, heated rear seats and steering wheel, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Naturally, these added features come at an additional cost (about $4,500). It's also worth noting that the package is only offered with the Plus trim, so make sure you've picked out the right configuration. The 2018 Kia Soul is a great pick for any number of reasons. But if you shop carefully, you can get a Plus trim variation that's above and beyond the already-impressive base model.

The 2018 Kia Soul is a stylish-yet-practical vehicle that's already brimming with personality and useful features. But you can really enhance your new Soul by choosing the Plus trim and equipping it with the Primo Package. Here are some of its perks. Adaptive Cruise Control You're probably familiar with cruise control, but adaptive cruise control is a relatively new development in the automotive world. This is an advanced technology that uses radar sensors or laser sensors to scan the road in front of you. When there is an obstacle in your path, such as another car driving in front of you, the adaptive cruise control system automatically adjusts your speed so that you don't end up tailgating and risking an accident. In addition to its obvious safety benefits, the adaptive cruise control included in Kia's Primo package is a real money-saver for drivers who tend to speed without realizing it. more Autonomous Emergency Braking Choosing the Primo Package will also reward you with Kia's Autonomous Emergency Braking system. This technology works in tandem with Kia's lane departure warning system, using radar sensors to automatically apply your brakes when detecting an imminent collision. Whether this is the result of inattentive driving or unpredictable road conditions, the Autonomous Emergency Braking system is capable of avoiding collisions and saving lives. This feature is available in more and more cars on the market, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has encouraged automotive manufacturers to include it as a standard feature. In this respect, the 2018 Kia Soul is really leading the way. Creature Comforts While its safety features are the most important parts of the Primo Package, you're also sure to enjoy the conveniences and amenities it introduces. For example, the package includes a panoramic sunroof that allows you to drive with the wind in your hair — without the inconveniences associated with a true convertible. The package also includes heated and ventilated seats, which allow you to drive comfortably in just about any type of weather. Another bonus is the included Kia's Audio Package, which offers Android and Apple connectivity, as well as a dedicated speaker and subwoofer setup. Limited-Time Offer If you like the sound of these perks, act quickly — there are only a limited number of 2018 Kia Soul models produced with the Primo Package. When these models are gone, the Kia Soul Plus will have the Primo Lit Package instead. This package is similar in most respects, but it also adds LED exterior lighting, heated rear seats and steering wheel, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Naturally, these added features come at an additional cost (about $4,500). It's also worth noting that the package is only offered with the Plus trim, so make sure you've picked out the right configuration. The 2018 Kia Soul is a great pick for any number of reasons. But if you shop carefully, you can get a Plus trim variation that's above and beyond the already-impressive base model.

Driving a car comes with inherent hazards, and you should always attempt to drive as safely as possible. Here are some common driving habits that could be putting you at risk. Driving While Tired You probably already know that you should never operate a vehicle while under alcohol or drugs, but what about when you're tired? Lots of morning commuters are running short on sleep, and this can actually have an effect on driving performance. Even the briefest lapse in attention can put you at risk of getting into an accident. You should make sure to get enough sleep before driving and don't be afraid to pull over if you're having trouble concentrating on the road. more Speeding You might be in a rush to get to work in the morning — or to get home in the evening. But it's worth slowing down to keep yourself and others safe on the road. Speeding consists of almost 30 percent of traffic fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Sticking to the speed limit will also help you to save money by getting better gas mileage and avoiding costly speeding tickets. If you're being tailgated by someone else who wants to exceed the speed limit, consider pulling over to let them pass you. Cell Phone Usage Texting and driving is a major problem, as it requires you to look at your cell phone's screen, taking your eye off the road and limiting your ability to react to driving conditions. Passing stricter laws across the country attempt to combat this problem. However, even placing a call on your cell phone is a risk, because you have to look at the screen and dial. Hands-free devices are also imperfect, as a telephone conversation is distracting even when you have both hands on the wheel. While mobile technology has plenty of useful features, like navigation software, it's best to leave your phone in the hands of a passenger or to pull over when you need to consult the screen. Using Your Seat Belt This is a real no-brainer — the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that seat belts can save almost 15,000 lives per year. But there are still millions of Americans who don't use them, whether they're going for a quick jaunt to the local store or a long-haul trip on the highway. This is one of the simplest things you can do to stay safe on the road; it requires virtually no effort and quickly becomes ingrained as a good driving habit. Understand the Right of way You've come to a four-way intersection, and there's another car that arrived at about the same time as you. Do you know which car has the right to go first? Brush up on the rules for these situations, and always be careful and ensure that your roadway is clear before proceeding. Most of us drive on a daily basis and tend to forget about the little habits that make up our everyday driving routines. Being mindful of your actions and avoiding bad habits will help you to stay safe.

Driving a car comes with inherent hazards, and you should always attempt to drive as safely as possible. Here are some common driving habits that could be putting you at risk. Driving While Tired You probably already know that you should never operate a vehicle while under alcohol or drugs, but what about when you're tired? Lots of morning commuters are running short on sleep, and this can actually have an effect on driving performance. Even the briefest lapse in attention can put you at risk of getting into an accident. You should make sure to get enough sleep before driving and don't be afraid to pull over if you're having trouble concentrating on the road. more Speeding You might be in a rush to get to work in the morning — or to get home in the evening. But it's worth slowing down to keep yourself and others safe on the road. Speeding consists of almost 30 percent of traffic fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Sticking to the speed limit will also help you to save money by getting better gas mileage and avoiding costly speeding tickets. If you're being tailgated by someone else who wants to exceed the speed limit, consider pulling over to let them pass you. Cell Phone Usage Texting and driving is a major problem, as it requires you to look at your cell phone's screen, taking your eye off the road and limiting your ability to react to driving conditions. Passing stricter laws across the country attempt to combat this problem. However, even placing a call on your cell phone is a risk, because you have to look at the screen and dial. Hands-free devices are also imperfect, as a telephone conversation is distracting even when you have both hands on the wheel. While mobile technology has plenty of useful features, like navigation software, it's best to leave your phone in the hands of a passenger or to pull over when you need to consult the screen. Using Your Seat Belt This is a real no-brainer — the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that seat belts can save almost 15,000 lives per year. But there are still millions of Americans who don't use them, whether they're going for a quick jaunt to the local store or a long-haul trip on the highway. This is one of the simplest things you can do to stay safe on the road; it requires virtually no effort and quickly becomes ingrained as a good driving habit. Understand the Right of way You've come to a four-way intersection, and there's another car that arrived at about the same time as you. Do you know which car has the right to go first? Brush up on the rules for these situations, and always be careful and ensure that your roadway is clear before proceeding. Most of us drive on a daily basis and tend to forget about the little habits that make up our everyday driving routines. Being mindful of your actions and avoiding bad habits will help you to stay safe.