Charleston.net wants us to welcome 2008 safely so the site offered some helpful driving tips for the New Year. Over the years, these tips were proven to prevent accidents that usually happen when the year says goodbye and a new one arrives. You wouldn’t want to spend the rest of 2008 in a hospital wing right? Try these tips.

Keep in mind, driving is a full-time job.

–The most dangerous times on the road are from midnight to 3 a.m. on the weekends. Not surprisingly, drunken drivers are out and about during those hours.

–Make certain you and your vehicle are properly prepared for even short trips: Check for adequate gas; know the route; adjust mirrors; fasten seat belts (air bags are not a substitute for belt restraints); check tire pressure; and be calm and alert.

-For drivers over 55, be extra careful at intersections: 60 percent of all crashes for drivers in this age group occur at intersections due to improper left turns and failure to yield right of way.

–Remember this startling fact: In a recent survey, one-third of drivers (that would amount to 47 million motorists) said they would drink and drive even though they suspected they were over the legal limit. Use a designated driver or take a taxi — or a rickshaw!

–Scan ahead down the road for potential problems; dim instrument panel lights; dim headlights for oncoming traffic; and try to keep a "space cushion" around your vehicle in the front, to each side and at the rear.

–Signal your intent to turn well ahead before turning.

–At a traffic signal, check cross-traffic for speeders running red lights.

–Do not use a cell phone while the vehicle is in motion.

–Avoid tailgating; slower drivers should use the right-hand lane.

–Watch out for bicyclists, even at night. They have a right to be on the roadway. Be alert for pedestrians. It’s a fact: Pedestrians have the right of way on crosswalks.

–Give aggressive drivers plenty of leeway. In a survey, 50 percent of the motorists said they occasionally drive aggressively. Be courteous; respect the rights of others.

–Be well-rested; 100,000 crashes occur every year due to driver fatigue.

–Consider using the 4 and 8 o’clock hand positions on the steering wheel. This can prevent injury to hands and arms if the air bag inflates.

–Do not exceed the speed limit. (This point will generate controversy. Check next week’s column for details.)

Remember to follow these tips when heading on the road aboard your Acura CL model equipped with Acura CL bumper bracket.