Driver’s Manual | 43 SAFE DRIVING TIPS PART 3 CHAPTER 8 / DEFENSIVE DRIVING DRIVER DISTRACTIONS BE PREPARED AND LOOK AHEAD AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS  Most drivers are good drivers. But even the  best drivers make errors now and then. Equip- ment fails, weather conditions can be bad, and  some drivers ignore traffic laws or drive in an  erratic manner. To prevent making errors or being  involved in a crash because of someone else’s  error, learn to drive in a defensive manner: Anticipate errors by other drivers, bicyclists and  pedestrians and think about what you will do if  an error occurs. Do not 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 other driver will not stop. A distraction is anything that takes your  attention away from driving. Distracted driving  can cause crashes, resulting in injury, death, or  property damage. Taking your eyes off the road  or hands off the steering wheel presents obvious  driving risks. Mental activities that take your mind  away from driving are just as dangerous. When driving: You must pay attention to the driving task. You  are responsible for operating your vehicle in a safe manner. You should sit in a comfortable but vertical  position and keep both hands on the steering  wheel. Slouching in the driver’s seat or using only  one hand on the wheel makes it more difficult or  even dangerous to control your vehicle. 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. Aggressive driving includes speeding, which  often leads to following too closely, frequent or  quick lane changes without a signal, passing on  the shoulder or parts of the roadway that are not  paved or being a nuisance to motorists, bicyclists  or pedestrians, who don’t get out of the way.  Aggressive drivers sometimes run stop signs and  Keep your eyes moving, notice what is happen- ing at the sides of the road, and check behind  you through your mirrors every few seconds. • Be prepared and look ahead. • Maintain the correct speed. • Signal before you turn or change lanes. • Allow space. • Wear your seat belt. • Do not drive if you are very weary, are on  medication or have been drinking beverag- es that contain alcohol. • Keep your vehicle in good condition. • Do not use hand held mobile devices while driving. • Do not use cell phones or text. • Avoid arguments and stressful or emotional  conversations with passengers. • Avoid eating while driving. • Be sure children are properly and safely restrained. • Properly secure pets in a pet carrier or por- table kennel.