Among all your daily activities, driving can be one of the most dangerous things you do. While you shouldn’t fear driving your car each day, you should still take steps to reduce your chances of getting in an accident.

Driving safely is more than just staying alert at the wheel and not talking or texting on your phone while driving – although these behaviors are of the utmost importance. By keeping an eye on a few other things, you can make sure your automobile’s safety is up to par.

The first measure you can take is buying a vehicle that performs well in a crash. You can accomplish this by checking out car safety ratings on vehicles you are considering purchasing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety provides safety ratings for all vehicles at www.iihs.org.

Another way you can protect yourself is by giving your car regular inspections. Inspect your tires regularly to check for cracking, punctures or worn treads. If your windshield is cracked, have it fixed or replaced, as a damaged windshield can affect the structural integrity of your vehicle.

It’s also important to check your fluids on a regular basis. Checking oil and coolant levels is important because if they are low, it may cause your car to break down, leaving you at peril. Make sure your windshield wiper fluid is always filled sufficiently, so a dirty windshield never compromises your view of the road. We recommend investing a high quality windshield wiper fluid that is made for all conditions. Most wiper fluids are only made for summer conditions – so choose an all-year round solution to save money. If you suspect something is wrong with your car, get it into the shop immediately, as breaking down is not only a hassle, but a safety hazard to yourself and other drivers.

A final suggestion to ensure your safety is to enroll in a roadside rescue service. Services like the Allstate Motor Club give you easy and discounted access to towing and repair services. For more vehicle safety information, visit Allstate.com.