6 Good Driving Habits to Adopt

Distracted driving is a factor in 78% of collisions and 65% of near-miss incidents. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), drivers who use their cell phones are four times more likely to be involved in a crash. However, cell phones are not the only source of distraction that can take your eyes off the road. To help protect your safety and that of others, make it a habit to:

• Plan your route and set up your GPS before leaving.
• Keep your phone out of sight and silence notifications.
• Avoid eating or drinking while driving (or wait until you’re stopped at a red light).
• Limit adjustments to the radio and keep the volume low enough to hear surrounding traffic and road sounds.

Stay Calm in Traffic

The number of vehicles on the road continues to grow, and ongoing construction projects often lead to congestion and delays. It can be frustrating to see drivers speeding aggressively, cutting others off, or weaving from lane to lane. Yet staying courteous behind the wheel makes driving more pleasant and helps prevent accidents. Try to maintain a safe following distance, avoid unnecessary honking, use your turn signals to communicate your intentions, and give cyclists and pedestrians plenty of space. Everyone benefits from a more respectful driving environment.

Celebrate Responsibly

Heading out for a night with friends, after-work drinks, or a dinner out? Whatever the occasion, leave your car at home if you plan to consume alcohol or cannabis. Instead, use public transit, take a taxi or rideshare service, arrange for a designated driver, or use a safe ride-home service if transportation is needed.

Respect Speed Limits

Speeding is one of the leading causes of road accidents. To reduce risk, adjust your driving to the area you’re traveling through and the current road conditions. Take your time and stay aware of your surroundings. Doing so can help you avoid situations that require sudden braking while also reducing tire wear and improving fuel efficiency.

Pull Over if You’re Feeling Drowsy

According to the Canada Safety Council, driver fatigue is the third leading cause of traffic accidents after impaired driving and speeding. Make sure you’re well rested before getting behind the wheel. Watch for warning signs such as frequent yawning, drifting out of your lane, or difficulty keeping your eyes open. These are clear signals that you should stop driving and rest in a safe location. This is especially important when driving at night, when reduced visibility increases the risks associated with fatigue.

Drop Off Passengers Safely

Whenever possible, have passengers exit from the right side of the vehicle. Avoid stopping in the middle of the road or double-parking, even for a brief moment. Pull over safely or use designated drop-off zones when available. Be especially cautious when dropping off or picking up children at school.

While changing driving habits doesn’t happen overnight, adopting these six safe driving practices is a great first step toward becoming a safer driver.