Thousands of people die on the roads each year and thousands more are seriously hurt. But did you know that most collisions are avoidable?

Insider Secrets uncovered seven of the most essential driving tips to keep you and your family safe on the roads...

7 Essential driving tips from a Defensive Driving Instructor 
 
Tip # 1: Approach driving with the idea that every other driver is an unpredictable menace

While you are driving, keep a wary eye on the other drivers and leave yourself plenty of room. Anticipate the mistakes they might make and be ready for them. When you are driving on "autopilot," you have turned control of your vehicle over to the other drivers on the road.

Tip # 2: Be suspicious of gaps in traffic

Look out for gaps in lines of traffic, they may be the result of someone pausing to let another vehicle cross in front of them. Never rush to fill that gap.

Tip # 3: Be predictable

One of the best ways to create a safe environment for yourself and others while driving is to be predictable. Plainly stated, you don't want to surprise anyone.

Tip # 4: Know your blind spots

Don't ever change lanes without checking your blind spots for other vehicles. It's a good idea to adjust your position relative to other traffic to stay out of other drivers' blind spots whenever you can.

Where are the blind spots? It depends on the vehicle. A car typically has blind spots at the sides near the back of the car. A truck driver is blind to anything directly behind the truck. Vehicles in which the driver sits very high may have forward-quarter blind spots (they may not be able to see anything low to the ground in front or to the sides near the front).

Tip # 5: Be a highway pro driver

Generally, the left lane of a highway is for entering and exiting the traffic flow. It's a "staging" lane, for use at the beginning and end of your highway "run."

The middle lane is for through traffic, and the right lane is for passing.

If you are not passing someone, you should not be driving in the right lane. Likewise, unless you are driving at a slower speed or preparing to enter or exit, you should move out of the left lane.

Tip # 6: Don't become a one car collision statistic

Statistics show that the collision that kills more people than any other is the single vehicle, off the road collision.

The "classic" one-car crash results when a vehicle does a slow drift to the left, and hits the dirt, or perhaps the rumble strips on the right shoulder of the road.

Typically, the driver gets a fright at this point, and overreacts, jerking the wheel to bring the vehicle back onto the road. That "jerk" causes the front tyre to strike the raised edge of the pavement or barrier at a fairly sharp angle... Often causing a rollover or a swerve into the oncoming lanes.

Tip # 7: Always apply general precautions and common-sense

Don't allow any distractions... Avoid highway hypnosis (that groggy, hum-drum feeling you get on long, straight, flat roads)... Be careful about maintaining control and traction... Keep your speed prudent for the conditions... And make sure your tyres and brakes are in good condition and properly maintained.

Make sure you are up to the task of driving - well-rested, especially after successive days of long-driving-hours. Stay focused on the responsibility of driving... Consume NO alcohol before or during driving... And be careful about over-the-counter or even prescription drugs - they're just as dangerous as alcohol if they impair your driving abilities...

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In the name of safety...