Following Distance

• According to SmartMotorist.com, in order to avoid being the cause of a rear-end accident, you should allow a 3-second following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This gives you enough time to brake safely or change lanes in the event the other driver stops suddenly.
  
  

Stop Lights

• According to the New Mexico Drivers Manual, when stopping at a traffic light, you should be about 2 seconds behind the other driver. This not only allows for safer acceleration when the light turns green, but also can prevent you from hitting the other car, should you be rear-ended while waiting for the light to change.
  
  

Cell Phones

• If you are talking on a cell phone while behind the wheel, you can lose your driving concentration, which can result in either a minor or serious accident, including rear-end collision.
  
  

Child Safety Seats

• In the event of a rear-end collision, a child who is allowed to stand or sit without a safety harness is more likely to be seriously injured. According to KidsHealth.org, more children die in auto accidents than by any other unintentional means. Thus, it is vital to have young children fastened in durable child-safety seats while you are driving.
  
  

Rear-View Mirrors

• When driving, you should occasionally check your rear-view mirror for drivers who are following you too closely, or at a higher rate of speed than normal. Should you see a car that is about to collide with yours, you will have time to prepare and brace yourself.