Just how dangerous are you behind the wheel?
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Most of us think we're safer drivers than other people... but we can't all be right. The truth is probably that most of us are guilty of bad driving.
So here are five common bad habits - and some solutions.
You'll recognise the early symptoms: fingers drumming on the steering wheel waiting for lights to change, angry mutterings as someone crosses the road slowly in front of you, treating a car merging from another lane as an alien invader who must be resisted at all costs...
Impatience is one step away from lack of consideration or outright anger, and can soon lead to very dangerous habits - like driving too close or too fast, braking too late, overtaking wildly and even undertaking on motorway inside lanes.
How to avoid the danger:
Allow more time for journeys - and relax! Journeys are far more enjoyable when you're cool, calm and relaxed.
In the Selby rail crash, a tired driver fell asleep and careered into the path of a train. Ten people died and he was jailed. That single example should be enough to wake anyone up. Driving when tired is as irresponsible as driving when drunk.
How to avoid the danger:
The Department of Transport recommends taking a 15-minute break for every two hours you're on the road, and not starting a long trip if you're already tired.
Other cars don't simply come out of nowhere... you just weren't looking in the right place at the right time.
How to avoid the danger:
Never forget your old driving instructor's mantra of 'mirror, signal, manoeuvre'. Always check your rear-view mirror and door mirrors at regular intervals, particularly when pulling out or changing lanes.
Stay on course
Why not brush up on your driving techniques or banish bad habits? There are plenty of courses on the market to choose from.
If you haven't driven for a while, a refresher course is a good way to build your confidence and basic skills.
An advanced driving course might be worth considering if you want to be safer and more relaxed when driving. Driving organisations RAC and BSM jointly run an advanced driving course that involves an initial assessment, a written report, tailored lessons, and a test. Find out more at www.bsm.co.uk or on 08457 276276.
A defensive driving course is great if you drive more than average, often in busy conditions, and want to improve your anticipation and safety. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents runs a range of courses from a session on skid control to a five-day defensive course. Find out more at www.rospa.com or call 0870 777 2105.
Drivers often try to do other things while driving, especially in rush-hour traffic. They might be eating, fiddling with the stereo, talking on the phone... anything except concentrating 100 per cent on the road.
How to avoid the danger:
Take a leaf out of the Highway Code: 'Safe driving requires concentration. Avoid distractions when driving.' The two seconds you take your eye off the road could be the moment a child runs out in front of you.
It's easy to get distracted by your passengers. As a driver, you can feel responsible for everyone in the car. Are they warm enough? How are they doing in the back? Are they getting up to no good?
But it's important not to turn your head to talk to someone or shout at the kids to behave themselves. Just turning your head for one moment could lead to a fatal accident.
