Most discussions focus on what happens after an accident—but the best defense is prevention. By adopting smart driving habits, you can minimize risks, drive more defensively, and keep yourself and your passengers safe.
Stay alert and look before you move. Always stop, look, and listen before pulling into traffic and as you drive. This will help you make safe lane changes and proper turns, avoid potholes and other hazards, and more.
Avoid driving distracted. This means driving while doing any other activity that takes your attention off the road. That includes things such as drinking a soda, adjusting the dials on the dashboard, and using your phone. As you probably know, texting is considered one of the worst distractions, so the best practice is to turn off your phone and store it somewhere where you cannot reach it.
In 2023, distracted driving claimed 3,275 lives.
Watch out for red light runners. When the light turns green, a good practice is to count to at least three before moving and entering the intersection. You do not want to get hit by someone trying to speed through a yellow light.
Check behind you when backing out. This goes for anytime you are backing out, whether leaving a driveway or a parking lot, always look backward to ensure your path is clear.
Keep your eyes open when in parking lots. Pedestrians pop out unexpectedly from between cars, car doors swing open, shopping carts roll out in front of you, and moving vehicles create unexpected obstacles. Keep your eyes open at all times
Limit the number of passengers, especially for young drivers. More passengers mean more distractions, particularly for teen drivers. Keeping numbers low helps everyone stay focused on the road.
Never drive while fatigued, drowsy, or under the influence. Pull over – to the side of the road, a rest stop, or a hotel along your drive. Do the smart thing and designate a driver or call a car service, or a friend if you are impaired.
Follow posted speed limits, no speeding. Speed limit signs are there to let you know the safest speed to travel on that particular road. Follow them to protect yourself and others.
In 2023, speeding killed 11,775 people.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance. No tailgating. It can take as long as a football field to come to a complete stop when driving at 55 mph. You can easily rear-end the car in front of you should he or she need to brake suddenly. Instead, stay two seconds behind the car in front of you at all times or put one car length between you and the car ahead of you for every 10 miles of the speed limit.
Ensure your car is serviced regularly. Routine maintenance prevents things such as sudden stalls, vehicle failures, and tire blowouts when you least expect it.
We hope these tips help you be safer on the road and avoid an accident.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in which you suffered serious injuries, having an experienced attorney who is your advocate can offer you peace of mind during your recovery.
Call (877) 284-6600 for a free, no-obligation case review. One of our experienced team members will personally assess your situation and guide you through the next steps.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published September 23, 2020. It was reviewed on September 25, 2023, and June 7, 202,4, and updated for content and accuracy. Last review on June 10, 2025.
Source for feature photo: lightpoet (Viktor Cap) Image File. via depositphotos.com Source for inset photo Feng88@yandex.ru(Aleksey Zhuravlev) Image File. via depositphotos.com . Inset photo: littleny (lisa combs) Image File. via depositphotos.com
