You can drive down your risk of an accident on the road if you heed the advice of some safety-award-winning truckers:

• Be patient and stay focused.
• Look farther ahead-let your eyes lead your wheels.
• Avoid distractions, such as cell phones, PDAs or loud music.
• Never drive when tired.
• When passing a truck, don’t slide back into the traffic flow until you can see both of its headlights in your rearview mirror.
• Remember that blind spots can prevent a truck driver from seeing you. The rule is “if you can’t see the driver in his mirror, he cannot see you.”

These tips come from the 78 FedEx drivers who won state driving championships with their driving skills and knowledge of the rules of the road. Collectively, they have driven more than 92 million miles without an accident-enough to circle the globe almost 3,700 times.
Drive safely: Keep the proper distance from other vehicles.

Summer’s in full swing, and the heat’s not the only thing that soaring! Gas prices continue to rise, despite the average American’s cut-back on summer vacations and long car-trips. Most of us are finding it tougher than ever to afford the gas that we need for daily activities.
But until gas prices go down, keep your car’s gas mileage at optimum levels and trade in those trips to the pump with trips to the beach! By replacing or servicing these elements under your hood at your local garage or auto-parts store, you can improve your gas mileage:

• Fuel Filters: When these filters become clogged, sensors signal a vechicle’s computer to send more fuel into the engine. Clean or replace these filters and avoid tripping the sensors!
• Spark Plugs: These are subjected to extreme conditions in the engine’s combustion chamber, and when they go bad, your engine can misfire and waste fuel in the process! Change them out and reduce emissions in the process!
• Oil and Filter Change: Clean oil reduces friction between moving parts in your engine, increasing fuel economy and reliability. When was your last oil change?
• Air Filters: Filters clogged with dirt, dust or bugs chokes off the air that mixes with your gas, and creates a “rich” mixture, which wastes gas and can cause the engine to lose power.
• Tires: Check to make sure that your tires are properly inflated, which can greatly improve gas mileage. Refer to your owner’s manual for the proper amount your tires should be inflated during the summer months.
• Make sure to get your car serviced this summer, especially if you have any long trips planned. A well-maintained car will save you money at the pump as well as the shop!