Every year, thousands of children are killed or seriously injured because a driver backing up didn’t see them.

New vehicle technologies are designed to reduce these types of accidents. But no matter how many safety features cars are equipped with, there still is no substitute for following some basic safety rules, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Here are some of the most effective ways to avoid a disaster in your driveway:

1. Always assume children could be in the area and carefully check the street, driveway, and area around your vehicle before backing out. Before you get in your vehicle, take a few seconds to walk all the way around it to check for children.

2. Teach children not to play in, under, or around vehicles. Ever. Consider allowing children in your driveway only when no vehicles are there or even making your driveway a toy-free zone. If children are playing in your driveway, make sure they are supervised by an adult and there is a physical barrier to prevent any cars from entering.

3. If you’re driving an SUV or truck, the blind spot behind your vehicle can be quite large. Use extreme car when backing up a large vehicle.

4. Back up slowly, with your windows rolled down, to listen for children who may run behind your vehicle. Don’t rely only on vehicle technology such as backup cameras or warning devices.

5. If you’re the only adult home and have to move your vehicle, it’s safer to have your children in your vehicle with you than outside it.

Regular exercise has an array of health benefits. But for many, going to a gym, running, or biking aren’t great options. Here are three other ways to get in shape:

Yoga. Have aches and pains? A majority of Americans who suffer from regular aches and pains or chronic pain turn to yoga. It’s not complicated to learn, and you can do it at home. This ancient practice strengthens your core muscles, helps with relaxation and can even help with pain relief. 

Pilates. Want to increase your core strength, breathe deeper and feel more relaxed? Regularly practicing pilates can be a great way to get in shape. Like yoga, research shows that pilates can assist with pain relief.

Walking. Did you know that walking for 30 minutes most days of the week can have some big health benefits? The great thing about walking is that you can sneak it in before work, during lunch or in smaller sessions throughout the day.

How often should you and your family have an eye exam?

Experts recommend a child’s first eye exam should occur between the ages of 3 to 5. Another eye exam should be scheduled before a child starts first grade. These exams are important ways to detect vision problems that could affect a child’s ability to do well in school. Depending on any eye issues, an eye care professional may recommend exams yearly or every two or three years after that point and into adulthood. If you have vision insurance, check to see how often routine exams are covered.

Vision exams can be important ways to catch serious issues early. The Glaucoma Research Foundation recommends eye exams every two to four years before age 40, every one to three years from age 40 to 54, and every one to two years from age 55 to 64. Once you reach age 65, an eye exam is recommended every six to 12 months.

That’s because while anyone can develop Glaucoma, it is much more common among older people. In fact, you are six times more likely to get Glaucoma if you’re over 60. Glaucoma occurs when the eye’s drainage system becomes clogged so the intraocular fluid — the clear fluid in the front part of the eye — cannot drain. Pressure builds within the eye as the fluid builds up, and that pressure damages the sensitive optic nerve and causes vision loss. Early detection is essential to avoid vision loss.

When someone mentions “distracted driving,” what do you think about? Most likely, it’s texting while driving. It’s a major cause of car accidents. But did you know that texting isn’t the only dangerous activity you can take part in while you’re driving?

Any distraction that takes your eyes —and mind — off the road has the potential to cause an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each day accidents caused by distracted drivers kill at least nine people and injure more than 1,153.

Most people don’t realize that eating, talking, drinking, shaving, putting on makeup, reading, adjusting in-dash controls, downloading music, changing the radio station, singing, interacting with children in the backseat and using navigation features all can increase your odds of an accident. Even hands-free devices can cause distraction, because your mind is partially on the conversation you’re having.

What can you do to make sure you don’t become a distracted driver? The most important thing you can do is to take away what is most distracting to you while you’re on the road. Tempted to reach for your phone to see who texted you? Do you find it difficult to not answer your phone while driving? Consider turning off your cell phone before you set out so that you don’t hear texts or calls coming through. Love to listen to music in the car? Adjust the radio or put in your CD before you shift into drive.

Make sure you keep your eyes and mind focused on what is around you on the road and keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times. And don’t be shy. If you are passenger and notice the driver is distracted, let them know that you aren’t comfortable with the way they are driving. The life you save may just be your own.