The highway can be a dangerous environment. It's ever changing as fast moving vehicles, blind spots and road and weather conditions all present serious challenges for drivers.

Aggressive, unsafe driving can destroy lives. Occupants of cars, normally the drivers, sustain 78 percent of the fatalities in accidents involving large trucks, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. By following a few simple tips, you can drive more safely and better protect yourself and your passengers from injury.

Wear Your Seatbelt
Seat belts can save your life. They will prevent you from striking the steering wheel or windshield and prevent you from being thrown from the vehicle if you're involved in an accident.

Blind Spots
Even the safest vehicles have blind spots. Large trucks have many blind spots around the front, back and sides. Stay out of a truck's blind spots. One way to make sure you're not driving in a blind spot is to look for the driver of the truck. If you can't see him, he can't see you. Be sure to check your blind spots before changing lanes. Your side mirrors allow you to see much of what's around you. But you can't see everything.

Drunk Driving
According to the Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an alcohol-related traffic death occurs every 29 minutes. Every state and the District of Columbia defines impairment as driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) at or above 0.08. Keep yourself and your passengers safe. Don't drink and drive.

Aggressive Driving
Be a defensive driver. Drive the speed limit. Come to a complete stop at stop signs, and never try to run a red light. Avoid making frequent lane changes, squeezing into traffic and cutting off other drivers. Always obey your state's traffic laws and be curtious to other drivers.

Traffic Conditions
Traffic is constantly changing. Accidents, construction and weather can all affect the flow of traffic and turn a smooth ride into gridlock within minutes. If you're not ready, you could cause an accident. Be aware of your surroundings and watch for construction signs, emergency crews and a sudden change in weather.