We’ve all heard the quote, “sometimes the best defense is a great offense,” right? While this may be true in sports and other competitive fields, this ISN’T the case when it comes to driving. In fact, you should reverse the line to read “the best offense is a good defense” because that is exactly how you should drive: like you are always on defense. This is one of the best ways to avoid an accident and to ensure you are paying attention to the road at all times.

Here are some tips on how to be a good defensive driver.

1. Look both ways. This has been engrained in our heads since we were little, and it still holds true when you get behind the wheel. Don’t turn your head too much, but quickly glancing in both ways through an intersection, or paying attention to your peripheral vision, will allow you see that car that’s about to run a red light.

2. Leave a good amount of space between you and the car in front of you. This space will give you padding in the event that the cars up ahead slam on their brakes. Some rules say 1 car length per 10mph, others say a 2-3 second rule. Always err on the side of caution and leave more room than you think.

3. When you’re the last car in line stopped at a red light, keep an eye on your rear view mirror. Sometimes the driver behind you is distracted or can’t see clearly, and fails to realize the traffic up ahead is stopped until it’s too late. This is especially the case when it is foggy outside, or if the road is slippery from rain or ice. It’s important to leave space in front of you and the car ahead of you in this scenario as well.

4. Never merge into a lane when there is a car exactly lined up with you on the other side of the lane. Call it Murphy’s Law, or just bad luck, but every time you want to merge into the lane next to you the car on the other side of that lane wants to do the same. Make sure you are 1 car length ahead or behind of the cars on the other side of the lane you want to merge into.

5. When you are on a road in the middle of nowhere at night, keep your eyes open to the sides of the road. This is usually when wild creatures like to jet across the street.

6. Watch out for drivers talking on their cell phones, or worse yet, texting. They’ll be the most likely to swerve into your lane, accidentally run through a red light, or drive right into the back of your car.

7. Make sure YOU do not text and drive.

The DMV offers a Defensive Driving Course that teaches drivers how to be safe on the road. While usually mandatory for people with too many traffic violations, they can still be of benefit to everyone.