7 Heroic Safe Driving Habits

Arkansas drivers are encouraged to drive defensively. It is the kind of driving that saves time, money and lives. It’s recommended to take a defensive driving course to master these skills. One of our safety partners Thompson Driving offers court ordered classes and other trainings for new drivers, seniors, corporate and fleet. You’ll learn how to reduce your risk of collision, mitigate dangerous situations and numerous other safety techniques. Additionally, here are seven basic habits to reinforce your safe driving resource box.

  1. Avoid driving drowsy.

The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that in 2017, 91,000 police reported crashes involved drowsy drivers. This is 100 per cent preventable. Take it from us—get some sleep before hitting the road.*

  1. Stop texting and driving period.

Distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 3142 lives in 2020. There is no excuse for texting and driving in the new millennia. Texting and driving is the equation for a disaster. Finish your text, end your call, setup your GPS directions and program your playlist all before shifting your car into drive.*

  1. Wear your seatbelt and make sure everyone else in the vehicle buckles up before you move the vehicle.

Seat belts save lives. One of the safest choices drivers and passengers make is to buckle up. Seatbelts make air bags more effective and prevent you from being thrown from the vehicle.

  1. Slow your roll.

Drive slower. Speeding puts everyone on the road in danger. In 2019, speeding killed 9,478 people.* Keep within the speed limits and get there safely. Remember, the faster you drive, if you are in a crash the more severe your crash is likely to be.

  1. Eliminate impaired driving.

With all the transportation options now available, there is never an excuse to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Don’t forget to designate a driver when you’re out having drink(s). Or call a friend, grab an Uber or walk with a buddy.

  1. Use your turn signal.

Turn signal neglect in the United States causes about 2 million crashes per year. In terms, the Traffic Safety community understands the U.S. Department of Transportation has pinpointed distracted driving to be the cause of 950,000 crashes which means turn signal neglect actually accounts for more than twice the collisions as distracted driving does. Surprised? It means not only is it irritating to other people but it’s a dangerous behavior that could lead to crashes. Simply put, the AHSO reminds you, next time you’re turning, use your turn signal.**

  1. Keep your distance behind tractor trailers.

Truck drivers cannot see what’s directly behind them. So, it’s a good idea to keep a 2-car distance between you and them. This allows enough time to react, if needed.

Be the hero for your family and practice the seven safe driving habits above including avoiding driving drowsy, texting and driving, wearing a seatbelt, driving slower, eliminating impaired driving, using your turn signal and keeping your distance behind tractor trailer trucks. Buckle up every trip every time and become a hero to your family. Drive safe, Arkansas!

For more about the CIOT campaign, click here.

Sources:

*NHTSA

**Society of Automotive Engineers

Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office | 1 Arkansas State Police Plaza, Little Rock, AR 72209