Safe Driving & Sharing the Road
Keeping space, staying alert, and respecting other road users are the foundation of crash-free driving.
Following distance
Use the three-second rule to keep a safe gap behind the vehicle ahead, and increase it in rain, fog, or on slick roads. Tailgating leaves you no room to stop if the driver ahead brakes suddenly.
Sharing with others
Give bicyclists and motorcyclists plenty of room and never share a lane with them. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and watch carefully for people walking near schools, parks, and neighborhoods.
School buses and seat belts
Stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, and stay stopped until it withdraws the arm and moves. Tennessee law requires the driver and all passengers to wear safety belts, and young children must ride in proper child restraints.