Media post: Safe Driver Habits Everyone Should Practice

At the start of a new year, the popular “fresh start effect,” also known as “new year, fresh start,” isn’t often applied to driving habits, except by drivers with major age- and health-related issues that can impact their on-the-road abilities. In fact, many drivers don’t review their habits even before they return to school or work after a long holiday or vacation, take a job as a delivery driver, or travel long distances. Yet, every driver should regularly practice at least basic good habits to protect themselves and others.

Safety and Tech Checks Before Travel

Drivers who care about safety pay close attention to maintenance and travel preparation. Beyond checking the air in the tires and topping off fluids each week, they re-check before every trip. They confirm that headlights, turn signals, brake lights, wipers, and emergency sensors are in working order and that their vehicle contains an up-to-date accident and first aid kit.

Before travel, these drivers review their planned route and retain a physical reference map or printout inside their vehicle. They check the weather and, if necessary, change their travel schedule and time. They always adjust their mirrors and seat and then fasten their seat belt securely across their hips and shoulder. If they’re transporting loose or heavy items, they firmly secure everything to prevent objects from moving around and causing distractions or interference.

Safe drivers invest in vehicle detailing, inspections and repairs. They check manufacturer, state and federal recalls throughout the year. Drivers with chronic conditions check their hearing and vision, learn and respect their physical limitations, and only travel when they feel well enough. When applicable, they update their driving knowledge and skills via driver education and safety courses.

Best Practices While on the Road

Many experienced drivers choose to ignore safety advice or forget it over time. Their bad habits become ingrained without any negative consequences to serve as reminders. Yet drivers who practice good habits are less likely to experience car crashes or other traffic accidents.

These drivers actively pay attention and even become hyperaware of their surroundings. They practice defensive driving to notice problems more quickly. They check for a clear road far beyond the front of their vehicle and peripherally to the sides, which helps them see congested or stopped traffic and any animals, pedestrians or others darting out onto streets and highways. Their proactive approach guarantees they’re always aware of open lanes, runaway truck ramps and shoulders to move away from first-response vehicles and escape emergency events. Their purposeful awareness also helps them safeguard other drivers and vulnerable road users, especially when they enter busy streets, intersections and parking lots.

Drivers who focus on at least basic safety don’t take risks, like abusing substances, drinking or eating while driving, fiddling with electronic devices, or looking away from the road to speak with passengers. They follow speed limits and obey all traffic lights, signage and rules. They avoid rush hour periods whenever they can, so they’re not contributing to traffic congestion that can cause accidents. They also never drive while tired, refuse to tailgate, and avoid blind spots. They only use fast lanes to bypass abnormally slow traffic and vehicles near on-ramps and off-ramps.

Habits for Different Driving Conditions

Drivers with excellent habits take extra care when experiencing specific road conditions, such as bad weather and long-distance travel. At night, for example, they drive slowly with a wide distance between their car and others. Rear-end accidents are often caused by drivers following too close due to distractions, aggression, intoxication and adverse weather conditions. Safe drivers dim their dashboard and navigation panel lights and use high beams except in two-way traffic when faced with oncoming vehicles.

In bad weather, conscientious drivers wait whenever possible before taking risks. If they must drive, they use a reduced speed and watch out for hazards. They don’t risk driving through even puddles because they know that water hazards, such as flood zones and potholes, can be larger than what’s visible. If they skid in rain, ice or snow, they reduce speed by removing their foot from the accelerator pedal instead of using the brake pedal.

Lastly, the safest long-distance drivers recognize that low energy and curvy or long stretches of boring highways can cause them to make life-threatening mistakes. They hydrate and eat at regular intervals, keep fresh air circulating, and stop every two hours, or more when frustrated or tired, to stretch, exercise or rest.