A lot has changed since many of us took our driver’s license test years ago: More cars are on the road, intersections are bigger and busier, and the distraction of our cell phones is ever present.

Here are 10 tips to remind you that driving wisely and defensively is the best way to navigate today’s highways, city streets, suburban drives, and rural roads safely.

1. Stay Off Your Phone

Each year in the US, 1.6 million crashes are caused by drivers using their cell phones and texting. That’s an astonishing 25% of all wrecks in the country. Handling your phone while driving is not only avoidable, it’s illegal. Texting while driving is illegal in 49 states (Montana is the outlier), and holding your phone while driving is illegal in 30 states, including NY, NJ, PA (starting June 5, 2025), DE, and MD.

Distracted driving leads to approximately 3,000 deaths each year – and 1 in 5 of those deaths aren’t drivers or their passengers, but those walking, riding a bike, or otherwise outside a vehicle. These tragedies can be prevented if we all keep our eyes on the road and off our devices.

2. Make Eye Contact

When approaching an intersection, beware of pedestrians and cyclists. Make eye contact with them to confirm a mutual awareness, and let them completely clear the intersection before proceeding. Keep an eye on nearby children and dogs, too, in case they make unexpected moves.

At intersections with stop signs, eye contact with other drivers helps everyone make it through without incident. A friendly nod, wave, or flick of your headlights lets other drivers know you’ll let them go first; a wave back is a nice touch as you proceed through, as well.

3. Drive Like You’re Invisible

It’s a good habit to assume other drivers can’t see you, especially when merging onto highways, approaching in their blind spot (behind and to the left or right of a vehicle), and driving in low-visibility conditions. Keeping your lights on during the day helps your car stand out from the road and surroundings, letting other drivers and pedestrians see you.

4. Give Extra Space to Large Vehicles

Tractor trailers, commercial box trucks, vans, and buses have larger blind spots than cars, and your vehicle can easily be overlooked if you find yourself in that space. Try to stay clear, and don’t linger there unnecessarily. Remember, if you can’t see a vehicle’s side mirrors, its driver likely can’t see you, either.

5. Don’t Inhibit Traffic Flow

Left-lane “cruisers” can disrupt traffic flow, creating unsafe conditions for the drivers behind them. On a highway, use the left lane(s) to pass, then return to the right when it’s safe to do so. Clogging up the left lane often leads to heavy braking from the cars behind you, which then causes a domino effect that can slow down traffic – or even stop it. When an unexpected slowdown happens, accidents can easily follow.

6. Don’t “Door” Others

Parallel parking in a city is challenging enough for some drivers. Don’t compound the problem by suddenly opening your door into the flow of traffic. Cars – and especially cyclists – are in danger of being “doored” by this, which can cause vehicle damage or bodily harm. Always check your side mirrors for approaching traffic before swinging the door open.

7. Treat Rain Like Ice

When rain first starts to fall, oils and debris on the roadway can leach out, making the surface as slick as ice. Take it easy, go cautiously, and always turn on your headlights (if they’re not on already) when driving through a storm, even if it’s just a drizzle. It only takes a small amount of water to separate tires from a roadway surface.

8. Don’t Rely Solely on Your Backup Camera

Although your backup camera is extremely helpful to see objects behind your rear bumper, always check your side and rearview mirrors too. A shoulder glance goes a long way in identifying your surroundings before backing up.

9. Be Predictable

Follow the rules of the road – don’t make up your own. Stopping suddenly to let a pedestrian cross in the middle of the street can lead to an accident because the cars behind you won’t be expecting you to stop traffic this way. Being a Good Samaritan is nice, but being courteous to your fellow drivers is safer for everyone. Also:

• Use your turn signals. Drivers around you can’t read your mind. Be sure to let them know your next move.
• Don’t double-park. Traffic may not have time to react to seeing your vehicle stopped in the middle of the street. Pull over into a nearby space.

10. Expect the Unexpected

As a new driver, you paid close attention to the road, other vehicles, and the route you were following. Now, you might take all of this for granted. Don’t let driving become old hat – keep your head on a swivel and expect other drivers to do the unexpected.

Stay Safe Out There

Safe driving keeps not only you and your passengers safe, but other drivers and pedestrians as well. By paying attention, being predictable, using your signals, and staying off your mobile device, you’ll be able to lessen the possibility of causing or being part of an accident. And one more thing that should go without saying – buckle up every time, no matter how short the journey.