Defensive Driving Tips:

As we welcome a new year, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on our goals and set meaningful resolutions. While many people focus on personal growth—like getting healthier, spending more time with family, or learning new skills—it’s equally important to think about how we can become safer drivers. Practicing safer driving habits not only protects you but also helps keep your loved ones and everyone else on the road safe. This year, make a resolution to drive more responsibly and commit to habits that can make a lasting difference.

1. Buckle Up — Every Trip, Every Time

Wearing your seat belt is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself in a crash. Always position the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest, away from your neck, and the lap belt across your hips—not your stomach. Never place the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm, as improper use can lead to serious injury. Before driving, ensure that every passenger is properly buckled. Click here for defensive driving course

2. Ensure Children Are in the Right Seat

Choosing the correct car seat, installing it properly, and using it consistently are crucial for your child’s safety. It’s also important to know when it’s time to move your child to the next type of seat or seat belt. gov provides detailed guidance, including age- and size-based car seat recommendations, installation instructions, and information on finding a certified car seat inspection station. You can also find seat belt safety tips for tweens. And always remember—the back seat is the safest place for children under 13.

Drive Sober:

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs Plan ahead by arranging a safe ride home before you go out. You can use a rideshare service, call a taxi or a sober friend, or take public transportation. If you’re hosting an event where alcohol is served, ensure that all guests have a sober driver, and don’t hesitate to stop anyone from driving after drinking.

Pay Attention to the Road:

Distracted driving happens whenever your focus shifts away from driving—whether it’s talking or texting on your phone, eating or drinking, chatting with passengers, or adjusting your car’s entertainment or navigation system. Many states prohibit texting or using a handheld phone while driving. Remember: safe driving requires your full attention at all times.

Obey Speed Limits:

Speeding endangers not only you but also your passengers and everyone else on the road. It also increases the likelihood and severity of injuries in a crash. Keep in mind that driving “too fast” doesn’t always mean breaking the speed limit—it also includes driving too quickly for conditions such as rain, fog, nighttime visibility, or construction zones.

Never Drive Drowsy:

Getting enough rest each day is the best defense against drowsy driving. If you take medication, be sure you understand how it affects your alertness before driving. When driving during peak drowsiness times—typically between midnight and 6 a.m. or late afternoon—stay alert for signs of fatigue, such as drifting from your lane or hitting rumble strips. If you feel tired, pull over somewhere safe and rest.

Share the Road Responsibly:

Always remember that the road is shared with motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Be aware of the challenges motorcyclists face, such as visibility and maneuverability, and anticipate their movements. Give bicyclists plenty of space, yield to them as you would to other vehicles, and never underestimate their speed. Always watch for pedestrians, especially in low-visibility conditions or near crosswalks, schools, and residential areas.

Pay Attention to Flashing Lights:

When you see a stopped vehicle with flashing lights on the highway, move over to a lane farther away. If that’s not possible, slow down. All 50 states have Move Over laws to protect law enforcement officers, emergency responders, and roadside workers. You should also watch for flashing lights on school buses.

When a bus has yellow lights flashing, slow down and prepare to stop.

When red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, you must come to a complete stop and wait until the lights stop and the bus moves again.

Talk to Teen Drivers:

If you have a teen driver, remind them to always wear their seat belt, follow the speed limit, put their phone away, and limit the number of passengers in the car to minimize distractions. Your influence as a parent or guardian is stronger than you might realize—set a positive example by practicing safe driving habits yourself and staying actively involved in your teen’s driving routine.

Check for Recalls:

It’s important to check your vehicle for safety recalls at least twice a year—an easy way to remember is to do it when you adjust your clocks for Daylight Saving Time. To check for recalls, visit gov/Recalls and enter your vehicle’s license plate number.