(NUI) - Just this past summer, Americans drove more than 1 trillion miles - that's farther than driving to the moon 2 million times and back. With an increased volume of traffic and a greater risk for accidents and fatalities, driver safety is more important than ever.

Even for the seasoned driver, it's important to brush up on some safe driving tips in between each trip behind the wheel. No matter how many miles you log, driving safe is about driving smart.

For Mark Dietsche, a driver for FedEx Freight and a past Grand Champion of the National Truck Driving Championships, safety is his most important priority. Mark supports any effort that will help make sharing the road safer for everyone and has a few easy tips to help make your family's road trip a safe one:

* It's important to get the big picture and be familiar with your surroundings at all times.

* Aim high in your steering by looking out and farther ahead -you want your eyes to lead your wheels, not your wheels to lead your eyes.

* Be prepared for unpredictables, like bicycles and pedestrians, by maintaining constant eye movement.

* Communication is critical in any driving environment. A tap of the horn and proper use of signals prevents surprises by letting other drivers know your intentions.

Driving safely year-round is the responsibility of all drivers and smarter drivers equal safer roadways.

Debra Phillips is managing director of communications for FedEx Freight.