Being vigilant while driving is always a good idea. And during the holiday season when there are extra people on the road (and often driving long distances) it is even more important to be extra cautious. Knowing your road signs is part of being a responsible driver. This means more than just knowing the basics, such as recognizing stop signs and signs that prohibit U-turns. If you are fortunate to be able to travel to see loved ones during this holiday season, make sure you are up to date on safety precautions before you get behind the wheel.
There are a few different types of dangerous drivers that cause many of the problems on the roadways. Some might be distracted - either by what's going on inside the car, or because they are on the phone or texting. Others might be traveling from out of state and are unsure about local laws and regulations. Distracted people behind the wheel are not paying attention to what they should be paying attention to: the road. If you are drivers seat, put down the cell phone. Don't mess with the radio or rummage around for something to eat or drink. Keep your eyes trained on what is going on outside the car and your hands on the wheel. Also, if you are traveling across state lines, it might be a good idea to look up some of the local rules and regulations regarding the roadways. For example, in some states, U-turns are legal, while in others they're not. In some states, turning right on red will get you a ticket, while in other states it is allowed.
Many of the highways and roadways are maintained by government - local and federal. These roadways always have signage that those behind the wheel can see to aid them as they are traveling. For example, pay special attention to signage that gives you information on how to yield. Not heeding those can lead to an accident - and that is something that no one wants to be involved with. And while it is true that accidents happen, they are much less common when people follow the law and exhibit safe behaviors while they are on the roadways.