According to the Canadian Safety Council, ten common driving errors cause most accidents. They are:

1. Not checking traffic before pulling out.
2. Failing to signal.
3. Passing without checking for traffic in the passing lane.
4. Pulling from the curb without checking for oncoming cars.
5. Driving at excessive speeds.
6. Inattentiveness.
7. Distraction inside the vehicle, such as loud music or eating while driving.
8. Inadequate defensive driving techniques.
9. Making incorrect assumptions about other drivers.
10. Tailgating.

Avoid wearing earbuds and headphones, and texting.

Most of the time, you don’t even think about it: walking anywhere, you turn on your iPod and pop your earbuds in before you’ve even gone ten steps. But listening to music deprives you of some of your awareness of your surroundings: you may not be able to hear a car approaching or another pedestrian’s warning shout. Texting divides your attention and inhibits your awareness of your surroundings. You need to be alert to any circumstances that would require your immediate response. 

Wear a bicycle helmet at all times when bicycling. (All riders under the age of 16 - its the law.)

Follow the rules of the road: Stop signs, speed signs and Traffic lights.

Know and use appropriate hand signals.

1. Plan and map out your route.
2. Contact a friend or relative and tell them about your trip and the route you plan to take.
3. Upon your arrival each night make arrangements to call on your safety.
4. Have a friend or relative call police if they haven't heard from your that night.
5. Keep all valuables in trunk.
6. If your vehicle gets stuck or becomes disabled, activate hazard lights, display Call Police sign, sit in passenger seat and lock all windows and doors.
7. If identification is requested, pass it through a slot at the top window.  If you are asked to step out of vehicle refuse unless you make a cell phone call or can be in a more populated area.
8. Make sure battery is always charged on cell phone and it is programmed with emergency numbers.
9. When getting fuel at night, go to a well-lit gas station, which is populated and busy.
10. When going to a restaurant make sure vehicle is parked so that it can be seen from window or is in a well-lit area.
11. If a vehicle is disabled go back into building to get help.
12. Carry keys through fingers and walk with a positive step.  Use common sense when traveling alone.