Vehicle accidents are one of the most difficult types of accidents to control because many hazards may be beyond your control. Drivers cannot control the actions of other drivers or their vehicles, the environment or the condition of the roadway. Consequently, drivers must drive defensively to avoid accidents. The following strategies are important for staying safe while driving.

Other Drivers
You should be alert and ready for the unexpected. Scan the road ahead and play the "what if" game. For example:

• What if a vehicle suddenly changes lanes in front of me? How should I react?
• What if a load falls off a truck? How do I avoid the collision?

Weather Conditions
Louisiana drivers are exposed to the entire spectrum of weather conditions, many of which increase the potential for a collision. Since the posted speed limit is intended for ideal driving conditions, you should regulate your speed based upon:

• Weather conditions (rain, sleet, snow, ice, fog)
• The condition of the roadway (potholes, sharp curves, poor roadway markings)
• Lighting (day or night)

State law requires drivers to adjust their speed to weather conditions and to turn on their headlights in fog or rain.

Fatigue
To ensure you remain alert, you should sleep at least eight hours before a trip. Once on the road, take a 10-15 minute break every two to three hours or every 100-150 miles. Get out of your vehicle, walk around, stretch and eat a snack or drink a cup of coffee.

Railroad Crossings
Railroad crossings pose additional hazards to drivers. Louisiana is second in the nation in total train crossing collisions. Many of these collisions occur because drivers fail to stop or yield at the crossings.

Treat railroad cross bucks the same as yield signs.

• Always expect a train when crossing train tracks.
• Observe all warning signs and signals.
• Proceed through a crossing only if you are sure you can cross the tracks safely.
• If the vehicle stalls, get out immediately and call 911.
• Do not change gears when crossing train tracks.
• Always expect another train when crossing multiple tracks.
• Never stop on the tracks.
• Do not drive around lowered gates. If the gate is believed to be malfunctioning, call 911.