Eric H: Assume Others Aren’t Paying Attention
One piece of advice is to never assume that other drivers are fully focused on the road. Distractions are everywhere – from smartphones and in-car entertainment to daydreaming. Always drive defensively, be aware of your surroundings, and anticipate potential risks by assuming that others might not be as attentive as they should be.
Patrick M: Headlights Are a Two-Way Street
Using headlights is not just for your own visibility but also to make sure others can see you. Even during daylight hours, keeping your headlights on can enhance your visibility to oncoming traffic and those behind you, reducing the chances of someone overlooking your presence.
Amanda C: Always Leave Yourself an Out
Having an escape plan, or “leaving yourself an out,” is important. This means putting your car in a way that, if something unexpected happens, you have an open space or a route to avoid a collision. Be aware of your surroundings and don’t get boxed in by other cars.
Dennis R: Learn from Near Misses
Near misses can be powerful teachers on the road. Whether it’s a sudden lane change or an unexpected stop, experiences that lead to near misses can help you recognize what went wrong and how to avoid similar situations in the future. Use these incidents as lessons to sharpen your awareness and improve your driving skills.
Brandon A: Practice Patience and Avoid Aggressive Driving
Patience is a must, especially when it comes to driving. Aggressive behaviors, like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or road rage, can escalate situations and increase the likelihood that you’ll be in an accident. Stay calm, be patient, and focus on arriving safely instead of rushing through traffic.
Jamie E: Respect Traffic Laws and Signs
Traffic laws and signs exist for a reason – to make sure everyone follows the same rules, like speed limits and obeying traffic signals. This helps keep you safe and helps make traffic move smoother.
Clint L: Avoid Distractions
Stay alert. Don’t get into deep conversations with passengers that can take your mind off the road, avoid adjusting the radio or air controls, and just focus on driving.
Patrick M. is Editorial Director for the always expanding DriveSafe Online library of courses. With over two decades of experience developing award-winning training, he now focuses on innovating online driver safety training. Pulling from his background in journalism, he steers the wheel behind the creation of top-tier content that promotes a better journey—whether on the digital highway of learning or the real roads we travel every day.