In today’s fast-paced world where everyone seems to be in a rush, safe driving practices are often forgotten. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or just got your license, understanding and implementing safe driving practices will not only protect you and your passengers from harm, but also contribute to overall road safety. 

In this guide, we’ve outlined a variety of safe driving practices to help you avoid a potentially devastating accident while on the road. 

Stay Focused & Avoid Distractions

One of the most prevalent causes of accidents today is distracted driving. With the prevalence of smartphones and accessories, it’s easier now than ever for drivers to lose focus while driving. 

Distractions behind the wheel can be visual (taking eyes off the road), manual (taking hands off the wheel), or cognitive (taking your mind off driving). Some examples of distracted driving include:

• Texting (visual & manual)
• Talking on the phone (cognitive)
• Tending to passenger or child (visual & manual)
• Daydreaming (cognitive)
• Changing the radio (manual)
• Eating or drinking (manual)

While it’s understandably difficult to avoid any and all distractions while driving, it is within your power to avoid using your cellphone or engaging in other distracting activities while behind the wheel. To ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers, and others on the road, make a habit of keeping your attention on the road and pulling over to a safe area if you need to make a call, text, or tend to a distraction in the car.

Obey Posted Traffic Laws & Speed Limits

Traffic laws and speed limits are set in place to help maintain order and safety for everyone on the roads. Failure to adhere to these laws can be considered reckless driving, which is a serious traffic offense that can lead to deadly accidents. 

Always obey the posted speed limits, stop at posted stop signs, yield when necessary, and follow all other traffic signals on the road. If you’re not familiar with the area or if signage is not posted, do your best to follow the flow of traffic. 

Maintain A Safe Following Distance

Maintaining a safe distance between you and the car in front of you is an often overlooked aspect of safe driving. The general guideline for a safe following distance is the 3-second rule. The idea behind this guiding principle is that it takes about 1½  seconds to notice a potential risk on the road and another 1½ seconds to react, hit the brakes, and slow down.

To practice the 3 second rule, wait for the car ahead of you to pass a stationary object like a tree or light post. After it passes, start counting 1,001, 1,002, 1,003, and so on. If you reach the same object before you hit 1,003, then you are likely following too closely.

Depending on the driving conditions, such as poor weather, heavy traffic, or low visibility, you may want to increase your following distance to allow for slick or icy roads.

Use Turn Signals & Check Blind Spots

Communication is key on the road, and using your turn signals helps to indicate to other drivers what you plan to do. Before changing lanes or making a turn, be sure to signal in advance to give other drivers ample notice. 

Additionally, always double check your blind spots for drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists or pedestrians before changing lanes or making any turns. 

Regularly Maintain Your Vehicle

Safe driving practices extend beyond the road; they also involve maintenance of your vehicle. Regular maintenance checks are crucial to ensure that your vehicle is road-ready. Some examples of routine maintenance include:

• Regular oil and fluid changes
• Updating windshield wipers if damaged
• Maintaining tire air pressure and rotating tires as recommended
• Replacing brake pads as necessary
• Checking brake lights, headlights, and tail lights

A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to experience mechanical failures on the road that can lead to accidents. 

Be Aware of Weather Conditions & Hazards

New York is no stranger to adverse weather conditions like snow, rain, wind, and ice. These changes in temperature and weather can significantly impact road conditions and visibility while driving. If you’re on the road during a weather event, be sure to slow down, increase your distance behind any other vehicles, and use your headlights. 

Of course, having a properly maintained vehicle, as mentioned above, can significantly reduce the risk of an accident in slippery, wet, or snowy weather. 

Avoid Aggressive Drivers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines aggressive driving as “when individuals commit a combination of moving traffic offenses to endanger other persons or property.” A driver is considered to be aggressive if he or she does any of the following:

• Speed or weave in and out of heavy traffic
• Tailgate
• Cut off another driver intentionally
• Run red lights or stop signs
• Cursing, yelling or flashing lights at other drivers in an attempt to intimidate them
• Blocking drivers from changing lanes or passing

If you find yourself involved in a situation with an aggressive driver, it is best to let the driver pass and to not engage with him or her. If you are followed by an aggressive driver, you may wish to drive to your closest police station.

Always Wear Your Seatbelt

Not only is wearing your seatbelt a crucial aspect of safe driving, but it is required by law in New York State. As of November 2020, all passengers in a vehicle are required to wear their seatbelt while in a moving vehicle, regardless of whether they are seated in the front or back of the car. 

Seatbelts dramatically reduce the risk of death or serious injury in the event of an accident. In fact, in a study conducted by the CDC, seatbelts reduced the risk of death in front-seat passengers by 45% and cut the risk of serious injury by 50%. 

If you are driving with an infant or children in the car, be sure that their car seats are properly secured and facing the correct direction, depending on each child’s age and size, and the corresponding recommendations.

Be Mindful of Cyclists & Pedestrians

As a responsible driver, it’s essential to be aware of pedestrians and cyclists sharing the road. 

In New York State, pedestrians have the right of way in all crosswalks and at intersections with marked or unmarked crosswalks – with the exception of expressways or thruways. While pedestrians should also obey traffic signals and remain aware of their surroundings, it is your responsibility as a driver to be mindful of their presence.

Cyclists, on the other hand, are expected to follow the same traffic rules as vehicles, meaning they are required to stop at stop lights, yield to pedestrians, and follow traffic flow. Cyclists will usually ride in the roadways and must signal turns; they will oftentimes ride in the bike lane if available. Be cautious of cyclists both while on the roadways and as you are opening your driver’s side door when parked on the street.

Remain Calm Behind The Wheel

Encountering challenging situations on the road, like reckless and aggressive drivers or low visibility weather conditions, is inevitable. In these moments, it’s crucial to remain calm and composed. Impulsive reactions tend to escalate situations and increase the risk of an accident occurring. 

If you feel as though you cannot calmly or rationally proceed with driving in the event of inclement weather or an encounter with an aggressive driver, pull over to a safe space until you feel comfortable returning to the road. 

Car Crash? Call Cellino

Safe driving practices are a combination of awareness, responsibility and consideration for others on the road. But no matter how safe of a driver you are, there are still others on the road who may not act as responsibly as you behind the wheel. 

If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you need a team of attorneys with years of trust and experience by your side. For a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call us at 888-888-8888 or contact us via our online form.