1. Moving Around
  2. Driving & Roadways
  3. Driving
  4. Safe Driving

Safe Driving

 

Driving safely should be your number one concern behind the wheel. Always wear your seat belt and drive sober and drug-free. Follow the rules of the road. 

Focus on driving
  • Keep 100% of your attention on driving at all times – no multi-tasking.
  • Don’t use your phone or any other electronic device while driving.
  • Slow down. Speeding gives you less time to react and increases the severity of an accident.
Drive "defensively"
  • Be aware of what other drivers around you are doing and expect the unexpected.
  • Assume other motorists will do something crazy and always be prepared to avoid it.
  • Keep a 2-second cushion between you and the car in front of you. Make that 4 seconds if the weather is bad.
  • Never tailgate.
Make a driving plan
  • Plan your route ahead of time. Allow extra travel time for poor weather and/or road conditions.
  • Adjust your seat, mirrors and climate controls before putting the car in gear.
  • Pull over to eat or drink. It takes only a few minutes.
Practice safety
  • Keep your car in good working condition.
  • Respect posted speed limits and slow down for school zones and construction work zones.
  • Secure cargo that may move around while the vehicle is in motion.
  • Don’t attempt to retrieve items that fall to the floor.
Be a courteous driver
  • Use turn signals to show your intention when changing lanes or turning.
  • Be predictable by avoiding sudden stops or lane changes.
  • Share the road, all road users deserve to be treated with respect.
Watch for pedestrians
  • Yield the right of way to pedestrians. Stop your vehicle before the crosswalk (imaginary extension of the sidewalk or painted markings on the pavement).
  • Remain stopped until all pedestrians are safely across the road.
  • Never pass another vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians. If you are unsure why a vehicle has stopped, slow down and be prepared to stop for pedestrians.
  • When turning left at an intersection, watch for pedestrians before making your turn.
  • Take extra care in school zones and playgrounds, young children can be unpredictable.