(MONEY Magazine) – Unless you inhale two packs a day, getting in a car may be the biggest risk you regularly take. More than 42,000 people died on the nation's highways in 2001 (14% of them pedestrians and bicyclists) and 3,033,000 were injured. Crashes remain the leading cause of death for Americans ages one to 34. Yet we judge the automobile an acceptable risk, considering the mobility, freedom and--let's be honest--fun it grants us. Cars are safer than ever and the highway fatality rate has fallen to a historic low of 1.51 deaths per 100 million miles, but you may still wonder how to improve your odds. For safety reports and crash-test results, check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.dot.gov) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.hwysafety.org). But to ride shotgun with the Bard, the fault is not in our cars but in ourselves. How you drive determines your fate far more than what you drive, and yes, that includes SUVs. Wearing your seat belt is the surest route to accident survival; 40% of crash victims aren't buckled in. Shopping for a car? Get one that stops quickly and handles precisely. Buying for kids or loved ones? Avoid the smallest cars, which generally suffer the highest injury and fatality rates. If you live in snowy climes, get all-wheel drive or winter tires. Anti-lock brakes are a must; stability control, a close second. Finally, put away the cell phone. Both hands on the wheel. Play it safe. Paying attention? --LAWRENCE ULRICH