10 Driving Tips to Stay Safe on the Road

Driving is the primary form of transportation for most Americans. We rely on our cars to commute to work, school, church, and run errands.

In 2020, there were more than 231,652,000 licensed drivers in the United States.

With so many people on the road, it is more important than ever for drivers to be aware of the hazards they may face and ways to stay safe.

It’s a perfect time to educate and review safety measures that can help keep everyone safe. No matter how skilled a driver you are, it’s a good idea to review safe driving tips for you and your family.

1. Wear a seatbelt, always

Wearing a seatbelt keeps you and your passengers safe and secure during every trip. It’s one of the most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes. Wearing seatbelts saves lives!

Wearing a seatbelt can reduce the risk of death in a collision by 45%.

2. Do not drive distracted (texting, loud music, crowded vehicle)

Texting isn’t the only dangerous distraction that drivers need to avoid when behind the wheel. Changing the radio station, talking on the phone, eating, and interacting with passengers are just a few examples of distracted driving.

3. Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications

This one seems obvious: don’t drink and drive. If you’re under the influence (even buzzed), hand over your keys to a designated driver or call an uber.

4. Make adjustments for weather conditions

When the weather is rainy, snowy, or foggy, it’s important to take precautions and allow extra time to reach your destination. Bad road conditions can lead to accidents, and many of them can be prevented.

Increase your following distance, do not speed, and turn off cruise control so you are always in control of your vehicle.

5. Don’t speed

Drive the speed limit. 

It’s tempting to speed when you’re late to work or the traffic is slow, but speed restrictions are carefully selected to maximize safety for drivers, neighborhoods, businesses, and other organizations.

6. Avoid driving when you are exhausted

Driving when you’re tired is incredibly dangerous for you and everyone else on the road.

If you feel sleepy while you're driving, you should pull over ASAP. 

Find the nearest rest stop or any other safe place to take a quick 20-minute nap.

7. Give pedestrians the right-of-way at crosswalks

Respect pedestrians crossing the road, and don’t block crosswalks when stopped at an intersection. Pedestrians can be at risk by having to walk around your vehicle.

8. Always stop for school buses when their lights are flashing or stop signs extended

School bus laws are made to protect children. If these laws are ignored, it can result in an expensive ticket, a license suspension, or even an injured child!

To view the school bus law in your state, click here.

9. Keep a spare tire and a jack in your car and know how to use them. 

Tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle and they can go flat at any time. Knowing how to change your tire is valuable when you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere with no cell phone service.

10. Take a defensive driving course

Educate yourself or a family member about the importance of safe driving, and enroll in a defensive driving course like DriveSafe. BG Products, Inc., and DriveSafe Online®, are working together to promote safe driving through an online defensive driving course. Sharpen your driving skills and increase your knowledge on how to drive safely on the road.

dad and son safe driving

Make a commitment–especially this May–to spread the word about safe driving and consciously practice these safety tips. Add proper vehicle maintenance to your routine and you are well on your way to keeping you and your loved ones safe in your vehicle while on the road.


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