It's happened to anyone who drives: you're about to change lanes when a vehicle suddenly appears in your driver's side window. How could you not have seen him?

Maybe he was in a blind spot beyond the scope of a rear view mirror. Maybe your mirror was incorrectly adjusted or a stiff neck prevented a quick look over your shoulder before changing lanes.

When drivers are alert and their vehicles' braking and steering capabilities are in good condition, a collision usually can be avoided. But how can you prevent the possibility of such an accident? The Car Care Council says agility of both driver and vehicle is important. So are vision and visibility.

The Council offers five tips for avoiding the "near miss" or worse:

1) Be sure all lights and turn signals are working and headlights are properly adjusted.

2) Keep mirrors clean and adjusted.

3) Be sure brakes, steering and tires are in condition to deal with emergency driving.

4) Avoid distractions. Concentrate on your primary task: driving.

5) Always look over your shoulder when changing lanes in case a vehicle is in your "blind spot." Stiff joints should not prevent safe driving practices. As suggested in American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) "55 Alive" program, do neck swiveling exercises. This helps make those over-the-shoulder glances less painful.

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