You don't have to drive like a slowpoke to be a safe driver. You have to be alert, defensive and smart. It's not dorky to drive intelligently. It's safe, it's responsible, and it keeps your car all shiny and dent-free.

• Avoid distractions like cell phones, navigation systems, DVD players, having a bunch of friends in your car and crazy, loud music.

• Look ahead, focus on where you want to go and pay attention to traffic and potential hazards around you.

• Keep two hands on the wheel for quick and precise directional change. Does Speed Racer drive with one hand? That's a big no.

• Familiarize yourself with your vehicle's safety features, like ABS, air bags, lane-change assist and other features. They can't help you stay safe if you don't know how to use them.

• Avoid jerky, sudden steering or braking. And by "jerky" we mean "erratic." Not that you shouldn't also try to be polite while steering.

• Increase the distance between you and other vehicles during bad weather.

• Use headlights and hazard lights when appropriate.

• Pull off the road when conditions such as heavy rain or snow reduce visibility.