8 Safe Driving Tips

1. Wear Your Seat Belt

Buckling up every time you get behind the wheel is the most important thing you can do to stay safe on the road, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2023, the national seat belt use rate was at about 92%, but there's still room for improvement. Be sure to not only wear your seat belt, but buckle up properly to maximize effectiveness against injuries or death in a crash.

Securely fasten your seat belt across your hips and never tuck the shoulder strap under your arm or behind your back. Failing to wear your seat belt is illegal in most states and could land you with a ticket or fine too.

2. Secure Children

Children have different needs when it comes to safety restraints. All children should sit in the back seat until they're at least 13, according to the NHTSA. Infants, toddlers and young kids need a car seat or booster based on their height and weight. If you're not sure what's right for your child, the NHTSA offers detailed guidance, and your local fire station or police station can help out with proper installation.

3. Ditch Distractions

Driving requires your full attention at all times. When you're behind the wheel, avoid distractions like texting, eating takeout, changing the music or tending to pets. Taking your eyes off the road for even just a split second can prove dangerous or even deadly. In 2022, the NHTSA reported more than 3,300 people were killed in crashes that involved some kind of distracted driving.

Certain types of distracted driving is also illegal in most states, like talking or texting on your phone. If you need to do something that will take your eyes off the road, pull over or wait until you get to your destination.

4. Drive Sober

Driving impaired by alcohol or drugs is not only illegal, but extremely dangerous. In 2022, drunk driving crashes killed one person every 39 minutes, according to NHTSA data. If you're caught driving drunk, you could face DUI and felony charges, lose your license, have to pay fees or spend time in jail.

Your car insurance rates will likely increase or you could lose coverage altogether and need to find a new policy. In some cases your state may also require you to pay to file an SR-22 form for a period of time after the DUI. There's never an excuse to drive drunk or under the influence of a substance. Even just one drink can impair your judgement and make you dangerous behind the wheel. Always plan to have a sober ride home, like a designated driver or taxi.

Learn more: How Long Does a DUI Affect Car Insurance?

5. Follow Speed Limits

Speeding isn't just illegal; it puts you and other drivers at risk for injuries and even death. Speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of fatal car crashes in 2022, according to the NHTSA.

To avoid a ticket or getting in a serious crash, always obey posted speed limits and leave yourself plenty of extra time to arrive at your destination. Make it a practice to check road conditions, traffic patterns and the weather before you travel. Drive slowly if there's a storm, heavy traffic or poor visibility. Remember, it's always safer to be late than not arrive at your destination at all.

Learn more: Can I Lower My Insurance With Safe Driving Apps?

6. Drive Defensively

You can't always count on other drivers to be safe on the road. They may speed, stop short, be distracted by something or make another mistake. Many drivers are new to driving and still building up experience on the road or getting used to navigating their car's blindspots. Driving defensively helps you prepare for any situation you may encounter on the road. It means being aware of what's happening around you and reacting appropriately.

For example, when driving defensively, it's important to pay close attention to how other drivers are behaving, wait to pass until it's safe and leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. When you're paying close attention, you'll have a better chance of reacting in time.

7. Share the Road Safely

At any given time, you may be driving near commercial trucks, buses, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. You may need to navigate highways, side roads, city roads, roads with bike lanes and other situations throughout your day. Learning how to safely interact with different types of vehicles on the road in a variety of traffic scenarios can help you and others stay safe.

Know your city's bike laws and laws for vehicles with flashing lights, like emergency vehicles and school buses. Understand when you're supposed to move over, slow down or stop. This helps protect cyclists, emergency responders, roadside workers and children riding a schoolbus.

8. Inspect Your Vehicle

Driving a well-maintained vehicle helps keep you and others safe on the road. Check that all safety lights—like turn signals, headlights and brake lights—are in working order. Replace broken bulbs immediately. Safety features, such as brakes and windshield wipers, should be in proper working order at all times. Change the oil regularly and top up all fluids. Be sure to get any inspections and emissions checks required by state law.

The NHTSA also recommends checking for vehicle safety recalls at least twice a year. Consider timing your checks with the beginning and end of Daylight Saving Time. You can use the NHTSA app, sign up for email alerts or check for recalls online.

The Bottom Line

Simple safe driving habits, like wearing your seat belt and obeying the speed limit, help keep you and others safe. You'll also avoid costly traffic tickets and other legal and financial headaches. Plus, you could save on car insurance. When you have a history of accidents or a lot of violations on your driving record, your insurance company may see you as high risk and up your rates. Safe drivers tend to pay less and usually qualify for special discounts like accident forgiveness.