Following distance
The three second rule, and when to stretch it
Pick a fixed marker ahead. When the car in front passes it, count. If you reach it before three seconds, you are too close.
- Use at least three seconds in dry, clear conditions.
- Double it in rain, and allow eight to ten seconds on snow or ice.
- Add extra space behind motorcycles, large trucks, and when being tailgated.
Distracted driving
Setting up your car before you shift into drive
Most distraction starts with a task you could have finished while parked. A short pre-drive routine removes the temptation.
- Set navigation, music, and climate before moving.
- Put your phone on a driving focus mode, out of reach.
- If a task cannot wait, pull over somewhere safe first.
Emergency braking
How to brake hard without losing control
With anti-lock brakes, the correct response is firm, steady pressure. Stomp, stay, and steer around the hazard.
- Press the pedal firmly and hold it; do not pump ABS brakes.
- Expect pulsing in the pedal; that is the system working.
- Keep your eyes on the escape path, not the obstacle.
Visibility
See and be seen in low light and bad weather
Clean glass, aimed headlights, and properly adjusted mirrors do more for night safety than most drivers realize.
- Clean the inside of the windshield to cut glare.
- Turn on headlights whenever wipers are in use.
- Set side mirrors outward to shrink blind spots.
Safe driving habits
Small habits that compound over every mile
Scanning twelve seconds ahead, signaling early, and covering the brake near intersections become automatic with practice.
- Scan far ahead, then check mirrors every five to eight seconds.
- Signal before you brake, not while you turn.
- Plan routes with fewer left turns across traffic when possible.