Is your car safe to drive?

• Before you start driving, make sure your car is in safe condition. Make sure the tires are filled according to the manufacturer's instructions, and that the mirrors and car itself are in good working order. Also check that your seatbelts are working --- many places have seatbelt laws in effect. Wear your seatbelt whenever you drive, and encourage your passengers to do the same.
  
  

Pay attention

• Whether your car has an automatic or a manual transmission, the most essential parts of driving are your eyes, ears, and brain. When you first get into your car, adjust your mirrors to make sure you can see what's going on behind you, both straight back and on either side of the rear of your car. Train yourself to use your mirrors frequently to check what's happening on the road. Perhaps someone's coming up to pass you on your left. Frequently move your head backward and forward to change your line of sight, and when you judge that it's safe to do so, don't be afraid to turn your head to look behind you. "Blind spots" don't have to be so, as long as you're willing to do what it takes to pay attention to the road.
  
  

Driving your car

• In addition to constantly monitoring what's going on in traffic, make sure to observe any signs posted along the road. Observe posted speed limits, as well as directional or detour signs. Look ahead to see if there are any hazards or obstacles to avoid. Drive as quickly as the speed limit will allow, but if you feel nervous going at higher speeds, work your way up to them gradually. Some roads, such as interstates, might have a minimum speed limit posted that you must observe as well. Don't attempt to drive on these roads until you're confident of your ability to drive at those speeds.
  
  Always engage gas, brake, and clutch (if you have one) pedals smoothly. Don't make jerky, sudden movements. Every car, even within the same model line, is a little different. Practice with your car until you get the feel of how it likes to be handled. As your confidence increases, so too will your driving skills.
  
  

Precautionary measures

• When driving in the winter, make sure to allow yourself more time to react to changing road and/or traffic conditions and hazards. Sunglasses can help reduce glare and eye fatigue induced by a white winter wonderland of snow and ice. Always remember to brake in a straight line before you start to turn your car (see Reference 1, section "Safer Winter Driving").
  
  If you're very tired, consider taking a nap before driving anywhere. If that isn't an option, see if you can get someone else to drive you. Depending on your level of fatigue, listening to some audiobooks might help keep you mentally engaged with your driving as well (see Reference 1, section "Asleep at the Wheel").