Tips for becoming a safer driver

Avoid driving during bad weather

Avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather. If you must drive, slow down, leave more space, and turn on your headlights. Wet, icy, or snowy roads increase stopping distance and reduce vehicle control. Do not drive through floodwater; just 12 inches of moving water can carry away a car.

Here are some more tips:

Fog: Avoid driving in fog. If you can't, set your headlights on regular (or low beam). If visibility becomes so poor that driving safely becomes impossible, pull as far off the road as you can and stop.
Rain: Keep your windows from fogging up by using the defroster or air conditioner (if necessary, open the window slightly). Turn your lights on, day or night.
Snow or ice: Brake gently and early, turn cautiously, and increase your following distance. And be alert for changing road conditions (such as patches of ice or slippery snow).

Be extra careful in intersections

Slow down and scan every intersection before entering it. Look for drivers who run red lights, turn without signaling, or fail to yield. Also, be alert for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. A green light gives you permission to proceed, but it does not guarantee that all other road users have stopped.

At intersections:

Look left, right and left again.
Check crosswalks before turning.
Watch for vehicles hidden by buildings or parked cars.
Do not assume another driver will yield.
Avoid racing through a yellow light.
Keep the intersection clear if traffic ahead has stopped.

Maintain enough distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you

Leave at least three seconds between your vehicle and the one ahead in clear weather. This space gives you time to see a hazard, react, and brake. Increase the gap in rain, snow, darkness, heavy traffic, or when following a motorcycle, truck, or vehicle that blocks your view.

To use the three-second rule:

Choose a fixed object ahead, such as a road sign.
Wait for the vehicle ahead to pass it.
Count three full seconds.
Increase your distance if you reach the object too soon.

Do not speed up when another vehicle moves into the gap. Ease off the accelerator and rebuild a safe distance.

Keep both hands on the wheel

Don't drive one-handed because if you're hit unexpectedly, you might lose control of your vehicle. Place both hands in a comfortable position on opposite sides of the steering wheel. And look ahead to anticipate obstacles you may need to steer around.

Don’t drive when you’re sleepy

Stop driving as soon as you start feeling sleepy, drift from your lane, or miss road signs. NHTSA recorded 644 deaths in drowsy-driving crashes in 2024. Opening a window, turning up the music, or using air conditioning may help you feel more alert, but it does not replace sleep or make it safe to continue driving.

If you find yourself getting sleepy at the wheel, try:

Pulling over in a safe place and taking a break until you feel more alert.
Opening a window for the breeze (or turning on the air conditioner if it's hot outside).
Sharing the driving with someone else, especially if you are on a long trip.

Coffee can improve alertness for a short time, but it does not replace sleep. NHTSA recommends combining one or two cups of coffee with a short nap only as a temporary measure.

Don't drive after even a small amount of alcohol

Do not drive after consuming alcohol or taking any substance that impairs your judgment, vision, or reaction time. Plan your transportation before you drink. Choose a sober driver, use public transportation, call a taxi or rideshare service, or remain where you are until a safe, sober ride is available.

Practice defensive driving

Defensive driving means watching for hazards and preparing for other people’s mistakes. Scan at least 10 seconds ahead, check your mirrors and blind spots, and keep room around your vehicle. Do not assume another driver sees you or will follow traffic rules.

Refrain from texting or calling while driving

Do not text, scroll, type directions, or hold a phone while driving. Distracted driving injured 315,167 people in 2024, according to NHTSA. Even a hands-free call can take your attention away from the road. Set up directions and music before you begin the trip.

Get your tire pressure checked regularly

Keep an inexpensive tire gauge in your vehicle and check your tire pressure every time you get gas (you can usually find the manufacturer's recommended pressure on the inside of your car door or in your owner's manual). And inspect your tires regularly to spot cracks, bulging, worn spots, or shallow tread. Accidents caused by tire failure are preventable if you keep a close watch on your tire health.

Be sure to wear your seat belt properly

You must wear your seat belt at all times. If not, it may not protect you in an accident. Fasten lap and shoulder belts snugly, wearing the lap belt on your hips, not on your stomach. And wear your seat belt even if your car has an airbag. The airbag won't protect you from being thrown around or out of the car in an accident.

Sources:

National Institute of Health. “Alcohol’s damaging effects on the brain.” Accessed August 2026.
Safemotorist.com. “Defensive driving.” Accessed August 2026.
Kreegerlaw.com. “Three-to-four second rule.” Accessed August 2026.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “10 Safe D ri ving Tips for 2026.” Accessed August 2026.

FAQ: Safe driving tips

Does safe driving lower car insurance rates?

Yes. A clean driving record can help you qualify for lower car insurance rates and safe-driver discounts. Tickets, at-fault crashes, and serious violations can increase your premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods.. Savings differ by insurer and state, so compare quotes and ask which driving-record discounts apply to your policy.

What is the three-second driving rule?

The three-second rule helps you maintain a safe following distance. Choose a fixed object and count three seconds after the car ahead passes it. Increase the gap during rain, snow, darkness, or heavy traffic. More space gives you extra time to react and stop.

What should you do if you feel sleepy while driving?

Pull over at a safe location and rest. A short 20-minute nap can improve alertness for a limited time. Coffee alone does not make severe sleep loss safe. Do not rely on an open window, loud music, or cold air to stay awake.

Is it safe to use a hands-free phone while driving?

No, a hands-free phone is still a distraction. The conversation takes your attention away from traffic and road hazards. The safest choice is to avoid calls while driving. Pull over and park before reading messages, entering directions, or making a call.

How often should you check tire pressure?

Check tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Measure it when the tires are cold and use the pressure on the driver-side door label or in the owner’s manual. Also check the spare and inspect each tire for wear, cracks, and damage.