In 2019, 36,096 people died in motor vehicle crashes. This can sound scary, but millions of people get in a vehicle and arrive safely at their destination every day. 

There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of an accident. These go beyond the standard tips of following the rules of the road and properly maintaining your vehicle. 

Follow these safe driving tips, whether you are a new or experienced driver. 

Safe Driving Tips for New Drivers

Focus on the task at hand. In today’s society, we have so many distractions, making operating a vehicle dangerous. This is especially true for new drivers who are still learning how to operate a vehicle. 

This could mean not having any passengers in the vehicle with you until you are confident in your skills. You could turn the volume down on your music or other audio or turn it off completely. Put your cell phone away while you are driving. 

Tips for Safe Driving at Night

If you’re driving at night, you need to make yourself more visible by turning on your vehicle’s lights. Make it easier to see beyond your vehicle by turning off or dimming the internal lights in your vehicle. 

Slow your speed down to compensate for the reduction in visibility. Avoid looking directly into oncoming lights. This could temporarily blind you when you look away from them. 

How to Drive Safe in the Rain

One of the most common reasons for accidents is inclement weather. When the weather gets bad, and there’s rain, you need to change the way you drive. When it rains, the water mixes with oil and other residues on the road and makes it slick. 

The risk of your hydroplaning increases. You can reduce this risk by slowing down and avoiding sudden changes in direction. 

Safe Driving Tips for Holiday Season

Driving during the holiday season can be a hectic experience. Not only are you dealing with family and have a million things on your mind, but there are significantly more people on the road driving. 

Start by planning early. The more things you get done in advance, the less distracted and stressed you’ll be. Check your vehicle to prevent any mechanical failures during your trip. 

aWhile on the road, practice defensive driving tactics. This reduces your risk of an accident by paying closer attention to other drivers’ actions and being ready to respond. 

Keep These Safe Driving Tips in Mind 

By following these safe driving tips, you’ll be able to safely navigate the roads no matter your experience level, weather conditions, time of day, or season. The best thing you can do is drive defensively and reduce the risk of distractions. 

Most importantly, when in doubt, slow down. Reducing your speed increases the amount of time you have to react, and sometimes, it’s those few extra seconds that help you avoid an accident. 

Browse our other car articles for more helpful driving and maintenance articles. Also, if you’re traveling, be sure to get an international driving license to avoid any problems with authorities.