19 Safe Driving Tips to Help Prevent Road Traffic Injuries

Driving is part of everyday life for millions of people, but getting behind the wheel also comes with significant responsibility.

Road traffic injuries remain a major global public-health problem. Drivers can reduce risk through simple but important behaviours such as obeying speed limits, wearing seat belts, avoiding alcohol and drugs, eliminating distractions and making sure both the driver and vehicle are fit for the journey.

No driver can control every situation on the road. However, safer choices can reduce both the likelihood of a crash and the severity of injuries when one occurs.

Here are 19 evidence-based principles for safer driving.

1. Wear Your Seat Belt on Every Journey

Wear a seat belt whenever you travel in a vehicle equipped with one, even for a short journey.

This applies to both drivers and passengers.

Seat belts help prevent occupants from:

• being thrown from the vehicle,
• striking the dashboard or windscreen,
• colliding violently with other occupants,
• and suffering more severe injuries during a crash.

Passengers sitting in the rear should also use their seat belts.

A short journey close to home is not a reason to travel unrestrained.

2. Make Sure Children Use an Appropriate Restraint

Children require protection appropriate for their:

• age,
• height,
• weight,
• vehicle,
• and applicable local regulations.

Depending on the child's size and local requirements, this may involve:

• a rear-facing child seat,
• forward-facing child restraint,
• booster seat,
• or seat belt.

Child restraints must be correctly installed and used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Never assume that holding a child on an adult's lap provides adequate protection during a collision.

3. Never Drive After Drinking Alcohol

Alcohol can impair:

• judgement,
• reaction time,
• coordination,
• concentration,
• and decision-making.

Even when a driver feels capable of driving, alcohol may already have impaired driving ability.

Alcohol limits and laws vary between countries, but the safest approach when planning to drive is not to drink alcohol.

If you have been drinking, arrange another way home, such as:

• a sober designated driver,
• public transport,
• a taxi,
• or another appropriate transport service.

Never ride with a driver you believe is impaired.

4. Never Drive When Impaired by Drugs

Driving impairment is not limited to alcohol.

Recreational drugs can affect:

• perception,
• reaction time,
• attention,
• judgement,
• coordination,
• and alertness.

Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can also make driving unsafe.

Potential side effects include:

• drowsiness,
• dizziness,
• blurred vision,
• slower reactions,
• confusion,
• and impaired concentration.

Read medication warnings and ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional if you are uncertain whether a medicine can affect driving.

Do not stop prescribed medication simply because it carries a driving warning; seek professional advice instead.

5. Obey the Speed Limit

Speed is a major factor in road traffic injuries.

Higher speeds can:

• reduce the time available to react,
• increase stopping distance,
• increase the likelihood of losing control,
• and increase the severity of injuries when a collision occurs.

Always obey the posted speed limit.

However, the legal maximum is not necessarily a safe speed for every situation.

You may need to drive more slowly because of:

• rain,
• snow,
• ice,
• fog,
• darkness,
• traffic,
• pedestrians,
• roadworks,
• or poor road surfaces.

Drive at a speed that allows you to respond safely to the conditions.

6. Put the Phone Away

Mobile phones are a major source of driver distraction.

Driving requires:

• visual attention,
• manual control,
• and mental concentration.

A phone can interfere with all three.

Avoid:

• texting,
• reading messages,
• scrolling social media,
• taking photographs,
• watching videos,
• typing into navigation systems,
• or handling the phone while driving.

Set your destination and other controls before moving off whenever possible.

Follow the mobile-phone laws that apply where you are driving.

7. Do Not Multitask Behind the Wheel

Phones are not the only distraction.

Other distracting activities can include:

• eating,
• drinking,
• applying makeup,
• searching through bags,
• adjusting entertainment systems,
• turning around to speak to passengers,
• and trying to pick up dropped objects.

Anything that takes your eyes, hands or attention away from driving can increase risk.

If something requires your full attention, pull over somewhere safe and legal before dealing with it.

8. Never Drive When Seriously Tired

Drowsy driving can be extremely dangerous.

Fatigue can reduce:

• concentration,
• reaction speed,
• judgement,
• and awareness.

A severely tired driver may also experience a microsleep—a brief, involuntary episode of sleep.

Even a few seconds asleep while a vehicle is moving can have catastrophic consequences.

Warning signs of dangerous drowsiness can include:

• repeated yawning,
• heavy eyelids,
• difficulty keeping your eyes open,
• drifting from your lane,
• missing road signs or exits,
• difficulty remembering the last few kilometres or miles,
• and struggling to maintain concentration.

Do not try to “push through” severe sleepiness.

Stop somewhere safe and rest.

9. Plan Long Journeys Properly

Long-distance driving increases fatigue.

Before a long journey:

• get adequate sleep,
• plan your route,
• check weather and road conditions,
• allow sufficient travelling time,
• and plan appropriate rest stops.

Do not begin a long journey already exhausted.

If possible, share driving with another appropriately licensed and rested driver.

Coffee may temporarily increase alertness, but caffeine does not replace adequate sleep.

10. Maintain a Safe Following Distance

Do not drive too close to the vehicle ahead.

A safe following distance gives you more time to react if the other driver:

• brakes suddenly,
• encounters an obstacle,
• or becomes involved in an emergency.

The appropriate distance depends on:

• speed,
• weather,
• visibility,
• vehicle condition,
• and road surface.

Increase the gap in:

• rain,
• snow,
• ice,
• fog,
• darkness,
• or other poor conditions.

Larger and heavier vehicles may also require more stopping distance.

11. Check Your Tyres

Tyres are essential for:

• braking,
• steering,
• traction,
• and stability.

Regularly inspect them for:

• appropriate inflation,
• tread condition,
• cracks,
• cuts,
• bulges,
• embedded objects,
• and uneven wear.

Use the tyre pressures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer rather than guessing.

Check tyre condition before long journeys and replace damaged or excessively worn tyres.

Requirements for minimum tyre tread vary internationally, so follow the law applicable where the vehicle is used.

12. Maintain Your Brakes

Brakes should respond predictably and effectively.

Warning signs of possible brake problems include:

• unusual grinding or squealing,
• vibration during braking,
• the vehicle pulling to one side,
• an unusual brake-pedal feel,
• increased stopping distance,
• or a brake warning light.

Do not ignore significant brake problems.

Have the vehicle professionally inspected when necessary.

13. Check Lights, Mirrors and Windows

Before driving, make sure you can see and be seen.

Check that important lights are working, including:

• headlights,
• brake lights,
• indicators,
• and rear lights.

Keep:

• windows,
• mirrors,
• lights,
• and cameras or sensors

appropriately clean.

Adjust mirrors before starting the journey rather than repeatedly adjusting them while moving.

14. Adapt Your Driving to Bad Weather

Rain, snow, ice, fog, strong winds and extreme weather can substantially change driving conditions.

In poor weather:

• reduce speed,
• increase following distance,
• use appropriate lights,
• avoid abrupt steering or braking,
• and allow additional journey time.

If conditions become too dangerous, postpone the journey or stop somewhere safe until conditions improve.

15. Never Take Unnecessary Risks With Floodwater

Floodwater can be far more dangerous than it appears.

It may:

• be deeper than expected,
• hide damaged road surfaces,
• contain strong currents,
• cause the vehicle to lose traction,
• stall the engine,
• or move the vehicle from the road.

The old version of this article recommended switching off the air conditioning when travelling through waterlogged areas.

That misses the primary safety issue.

Do not deliberately drive into floodwater when you cannot safely determine its depth, current and road condition.

Follow instructions from local emergency and road authorities.

16. Watch for Pedestrians, Cyclists and Motorcyclists

Safe driving is not only about protecting people inside your vehicle.

Roads are shared with:

• pedestrians,
• cyclists,
• motorcyclists,
• children,
• older people,
• people with disabilities,
• and other vulnerable road users.

Check mirrors and blind spots carefully.

Be especially alert:

• near pedestrian crossings,
• near schools,
• at junctions,
• when turning,
• when opening vehicle doors,
• and when visibility is poor.

Give cyclists and motorcyclists adequate space in accordance with local road rules.

17. Do Not Drive Aggressively

Aggressive driving can include:

• excessive speeding,
• dangerous overtaking,
• tailgating,
• deliberately blocking other drivers,
• racing,
• and making unsafe manoeuvres out of anger or impatience.

Do not use the road to impress passengers or demonstrate what a vehicle can do.

If another driver behaves aggressively, avoid escalating the situation.

Concentrate on creating distance and protecting yourself and other road users.

18. Make Sure Your Health Allows You to Drive Safely

A medical diagnosis does not automatically mean that someone cannot drive.

What matters is whether the condition or its treatment affects the abilities required for safe driving.

Conditions or symptoms that may require professional advice can include:

• seizures,
• fainting or loss of consciousness,
• significant vision impairment,
• severe sleep disorders,
• uncontrolled blood-glucose problems,
• certain heart conditions,
• severe dizziness,
• neurological disorders,
• and other conditions that impair alertness or vehicle control.

Temporary illness can also matter.

Do not drive when you are so unwell that you cannot:

• concentrate properly,
• see adequately,
• stay alert,
• react appropriately,
• or control the vehicle safely.

Follow the medical fitness-to-drive rules that apply in your country.

19. Keep Your Vehicle Roadworthy

Safe driving also depends on the condition of the vehicle.

Follow the manufacturer's recommended servicing schedule and applicable vehicle-inspection requirements.

Pay attention to:

• tyres,
• brakes,
• lights,
• windscreen wipers,
• steering,
• suspension,
• fluid levels,
• warning lights,
• and other safety-critical systems.

Do not continue driving a vehicle with a serious defect simply because it still moves.

Preventive maintenance can identify problems before they become emergencies on the road.

Does High Blood Pressure Automatically Mean You Cannot Drive?

No.

The original article stated:

“Blood pressure must be normal and not above 134/90.”

That statement should be removed.

There is no universal 134/90 blood-pressure cutoff that determines whether every person worldwide is safe to drive.

High blood pressure often produces no symptoms.

The important consideration for driving is whether:

• the condition is causing symptoms that impair driving,
• another associated medical condition affects driving,
• treatment causes significant side effects,
• or local licensing regulations impose specific requirements.

Someone experiencing symptoms such as severe dizziness, fainting, confusion or significant visual disturbance should not simply continue driving and ignore them.

Seek appropriate medical care and follow the licensing rules applicable in your country.

What About Hearing Problems?

Hearing impairment does not automatically make someone incapable of driving.

Many people with hearing loss drive safely.

Drivers should meet the licensing requirements applicable in their country and use any required adaptations or assistive devices.

What About Vision Problems?

Adequate vision is important for driving.

Drivers need to be able to:

• identify hazards,
• judge road conditions,
• read relevant signs,
• see other road users,
• and respond appropriately.

Vision requirements differ internationally.

If your vision changes significantly or you are concerned that you cannot see well enough to drive safely, arrange an eye examination and follow your country's licensing requirements.

Use prescribed glasses or contact lenses when they are required for driving.

Driving With Pain or Stiffness

The old article says:

“Do not drive when you feel pain or stiffness.”

That is too broad.

Many people living with conditions that cause pain or stiffness can drive safely.

The important question is whether symptoms prevent the person from safely:

• steering,
• braking,
• accelerating,
• checking blind spots,
• turning their head,
• reacting quickly,
• or controlling the vehicle.

Some pain medicines can also cause drowsiness or impair concentration.

If either the condition or medication interferes with safe vehicle control, do not drive until the problem has been appropriately addressed.

Driving and Smoking

Smoking while driving can create distraction, particularly when:

• lighting a cigarette,
• handling smoking materials,
• dealing with ash,
• or dropping a lit cigarette.

Smoking inside vehicles also exposes passengers to harmful second-hand smoke.

Some countries have additional laws restricting smoking in vehicles when children or other passengers are present.

Follow applicable local laws and avoid activities that distract you from driving.

What Should You Do if You Feel Unwell While Driving?

Do not try to continue simply to reach your destination.

If you develop symptoms that may impair safe driving, such as:

• severe dizziness,
• sudden visual problems,
• confusion,
• severe drowsiness,
• feeling faint,
• sudden weakness,
• or significant chest discomfort,

find a safe place to stop as soon as it is possible to do so safely.

If symptoms suggest a medical emergency, contact your local emergency medical service.

Do not attempt to drive yourself to medical care when doing so would put you or others at risk.

Safe Driving Is a Shared Responsibility

Road safety involves much more than simply obeying one rule.

A safer driver:

• stays alert,
• remains sober,
• avoids distractions,
• respects speed limits,
• uses restraints,
• maintains the vehicle,
• adapts to conditions,
• and considers the safety of everyone sharing the road.

Drivers cannot prevent every collision.

But consistent safe-driving behaviour can substantially reduce avoidable risks.

The Bottom Line

Safe driving requires the driver's full attention.

Some of the most important habits are also among the simplest:

• wear your seat belt,
• correctly restrain children,
• do not drink and drive,
• do not drive when impaired by drugs or medicines,
• obey speed limits,
• put your phone away,
• avoid driving when seriously tired,
• maintain adequate following distance,
• adapt to weather,
• maintain your tyres and brakes,
• and keep the vehicle roadworthy.

There is no universal blood-pressure number such as 134/90 that automatically determines whether everyone is fit to drive.

Medical conditions should instead be considered according to their effects on safe driving and the licensing rules where the person lives.

The safest journey is one in which the driver, passengers, vehicle and other road users all receive appropriate consideration.

Health and Safety Disclaimer

This article provides general road-safety and health information for an international audience. Traffic laws, speed limits, alcohol limits, child-restraint requirements, vehicle standards and medical fitness-to-drive regulations vary by country and jurisdiction. Always follow the laws and official road-safety guidance where you drive. If a health condition, symptom or medicine may affect your ability to drive safely, seek advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional and relevant licensing authority.

Sources and Further Reading

World Health Organization — Road Traffic Injuries

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/road-traffic-injuries

World Health Organization — Road Safety

https://www.who.int/health-topics/road-safety

World Health Organization — Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240086517

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Distracted Driving

https://www.cdc.gov/distracted-driving/about/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Preventing Distracted Driving

https://www.cdc.gov/distracted-driving/safety/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Preventing Impaired Driving

https://www.cdc.gov/impaired-driving/what-you-can-do/index.html

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — Drowsy Driving

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — Distracted Driving

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving