Safe Driving Basics
Motor vehicle crashes kill tens of thousands of people in the United States every year, and they’re a leading cause of death for workers on the job. Most crashes come down to a handful of behaviors: speed, impairment, distraction, fatigue and not wearing a seat belt. Get those right and you remove most of the risk.
- All drivers
- Work vehicles
Photo: driver adjusting mirrors with the seat belt on before pulling out
The big five
| Habit | Why it matters | More |
|---|---|---|
| Buckle up, every seat, every trip | Seat belts are the single best protection in a crash | Seat Belts & Airbags |
| Drive sober | Alcohol, cannabis and many medications slow reactions and judgment | Impaired Driving |
| Put the phone away | A text takes your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds | Distracted Driving |
| Watch your speed | Speed increases stopping distance and crash force | Speeding |
| Drive rested | Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving | Drowsy Driving |
Before every trip
- Seat and mirrors adjusted; head restraint level with the top of your head
- Everyone buckled, kids in the right car seats
- Phone mounted or put away; navigation set before moving
- Windows, mirrors and lights clean and clear of snow and frost
- Loose items secured so they can’t fly in a crash
- Enough fuel or charge for the trip
On the road
- Keep at least 3 to 4 seconds of following distance, more in bad weather.
- Look well ahead (about 12 to 15 seconds), and check mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds.
- Signal early, and check blind spots by turning your head before changing lanes.
- Leave yourself an escape route: avoid being boxed in.
- Slow down for weather, darkness, work zones and school zones.
- Expect others to make mistakes. See Defensive Driving.
Driving for work
If you drive as part of your job, even occasionally, your employer should have a driving policy covering phone use, fatigue, vehicle inspections and what to do in a crash. See Driving for Work and Commercial Trucks.
Keep the car safe
- Check tire pressure monthly. See Tire Pressure & Tread.
- Fix brakes, lights and wipers promptly.
- Look up your vehicle for open recalls.
- Carry an emergency kit. See Car Emergency Kit.
Standards & references
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