Driving Safety Tips

1. Stay focused on defensive driving

• Keep 100% of your attention on driving at all times.
• Use defensive driving techniques − be aware of what others around you are doing and expect the unexpected.
• Don’t use a cell phone or any other electronic device while driving.

2. Practice safe driving tips

• Build time into your trip schedule to stop for food, rest breaks and making necessary phone calls or other business.
• Adjust your seat, mirrors and climate controls before putting the car in gear.

3. Prioritize car safety

• Secure cargo that may move around while the vehicle is in motion. Don’t attempt to retrieve items that fall to the floor.
• Have items needed within easy reach: toll fees, toll cards, garage passes, etc.

4. Make the time for driving safety

• Pull over to eat or drink. It takes only a few minutes.
• Practice defensive driving and give yourself time to react. Keep a two second cushion between you and the car in front of you − four seconds if the weather is bad.

5. Slow down

• Don’t speed − it gives you less time to react and increases the severity of an accident.

6. Be safe

• Always wear your seat belt and drive sober and drug-free. 

Find additional safe driving tips from Nationwide

Following these safe driving tips can lead to safer roadways for everyone and the prevention of more car accidents. You can also learn more about driving while distracted and how these driving safety tips may help protect you.

More resources on driver safety

• Safe driving
• Teen Driving