Safe Driving & Sharing the Road
Safe drivers manage space, stay visible, and protect the more vulnerable road users around them. These habits prevent most everyday crashes.
Following distance
Allow at least a 3-second following distance in normal conditions, and increase it to 3 to 6 seconds or more on slippery roads or in poor visibility. More space gives you time to react if traffic stops suddenly.
Sharing with motorcycles and buses
Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane and are easy to miss, so give them room and check blind spots before changing lanes. Stop for a school bus that is displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, and stay stopped until it withdraws them.
Seat belts and child restraints
Each front-seat occupant must wear a seat belt, and the driver must require passengers under 16 to buckle up. Children under five must be in a child restraint, and children five to eight must use one until they are at least four feet nine inches tall.