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Driving takes a great deal of skill, coordination and focus. No matter who taught us how to drive or how long we have been behind the wheel, there are always a few things we can do better to keep ourselves and others safe on the road.

Some drivers have a routine when they operate a vehicle, and they assume that since they have not caused an accident yet, everything is fine. However, it is never a bad idea to work on becoming a better driver. Below are several simple steps we can all take to improve—starting today.

Dangerous Drivers in Florida

Before we talk about how to become a better driver, it is worth looking at some bad driving statistics. According to the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH), Florida has the 17th highest traffic fatality rate in the nation. With a rate of 14.8 fatalities per 100,000 population, Florida is well above the national average. The state has one of the highest rates of drunk driving fatalities in the United States as well.

10 Tips for Becoming a Better Driver

Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum of good (or not so good) drivers, there are likely some simple steps you can take to improve your driving safety. Here are 10 tips you (or someone you love) may be able to use to become a better driver:

1. Make Sure You Know the Rules of the Road

How much do you remember from your driver’s education class? While most people know the basics, it is clear that some drivers do not have a firm grasp of the rules of the road. Did you know…

• Texting is Illegal – In Florida, it is illegal to text and drive. 
• Drinking and Driving – Florida’s legal limit for adults over the age of 21 is 0.08 percent. If your BAC is 0.15 percent or more, if you cause an accident, or if you are caught driving drunk in a school zone, you can face enhanced penalties.
• Seatbelts – Florida law requires all drivers to wear their seatbelts. Unlike many other states, Florida considers seatbelt violations to be a “primary offense.” This means that if you are not wearing your seatbelt behind the wheel, the police can pull you over and give you a ticket even if you are otherwise complying with the law.
• Speed Limits – Florida’s maximum highway speed limit is 70 mph. In school zones and residential areas, speed limits can drop to 20 mph or lower, and drivers can face enhanced penalties for going too fast.
• Work Zones – When workers place a reduced speed limit sign in a work zone, you must comply. Speeding in a work zone is another offense that can lead to enhanced penalties.

2. Do Not Talk On a Cell Phone or Text While Driving

Distracted driving – and cell phone use in particular – is among the leading causes of car accidents in Florida and nationwide. Using a cell phone behind the wheel has been shown to cause impairments similar to low-level alcohol intoxication.

Leave your phone alone when you are behind the wheel. If you can’t make yourself ignore your phone, put it out of reach (i.e. in the back seat or trunk) so that you have no choice but to focus on the task at hand -- driving.  Drivers should also activate the “do not disturb” feature on their phones to eliminate the distractions notifications cause.  

3. Do Not Turn if You Do Not Have a Clear View

A driver of a stopped car may waive or signal another driver that it is ok to turn in front of multiple lanes of traffic.  You should not turn or go thru multiple lanes of traffic if you do not have a clear view.  If you cannot see what is coming in the open lane, the cars are often traveling at full speed and will cause a crash.  

4. Use Caution Around Motorcycles

Drivers should always check twice to save a life when driving around motorcyclists.  Motorcycles are more difficult to see due to their size.  Do not turn if you do not have a clear view of oncoming traffic.  It is more challenging to judge the speed of an oncoming motorcycle due to its size.  Numerous motorcyclists are injured or killed each year because drivers turn left in front of the oncoming motorcycle.

5. Always Stay Calm Behind the Wheel

Road rage is also a very real issue on Florida’s roads. The best way to deal with angry drivers is simply to ignore them. If you can’t ignore an angry driver (i.e., if an angry driver is riding your bumper), then pull over and let the driver go on his or her way.

In general, staying calm behind the wheel can help you avoid a lot of potentially dangerous situations. As humans, we are more likely to make sudden movements and rash decisions when we get tense, stressed, or scared.  

It is also imperative to get plenty of sleep and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue while driving.  

6. Take Care of Your Vehicle

Is your car up to date on its regularly scheduled maintenance? Is there an issue with your car that you have been ignoring? Keeping your car in good operating condition is important for keeping yourself (and others) safe on the road. So, if it is time to take your car to the shop, make an appointment.

It is essential to regularly (at least once per month) check the air in the tires.  It is important to inflate the tires to the pressure called for by the manufacturer (usually the inflation information can be found inside the door jam or gas cap cover).  If tires are low on air or over-inflated, the tires can blow out causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.  Also, do not drive on bald tires.  Bald or worn-out tires cause cars to lose control, especially when driving on wet roads.    

7. Use Extreme Caution Around Pedestrians

Drivers should use extreme caution when driving near pedestrians, bikes, or children.  Expect the unexpected to happen and drive defensively.  When bicyclists, pedestrians, or children are near, reduce your speed as you pass.  

8. Know Where You are Going and When You Need to Leave

People tend to rush when they are late. When they need to drive to their destination, this usually translates to speeding. With this in mind, one simple way to avoid the temptation to speed is to make sure you leave on time. 

In addition to knowing when you need to leave, knowing where you are going can help improve your driving safety as well. If you know your route, you won’t have to spend as much time looking at your GPS directions, which means you can spend more time looking at the road.

9. Change Lanes Safely

Drivers must always check side mirrors before changing lanes.  It is important to also look over your shoulder to see past the blind spot for vehicles not shown in the mirror. Also, make sure to use your turn signal before changing lanes.  

10. Maintain a Safe Following Distance

It is essential to keep a safe distance behind the car in front of you.  Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of accidents.  Drivers are at the highest risk of having an accident when they are traveling less than 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front of them.  Tailgating is one of the most dangerous habits of a driver. Driving manuals recommend that drivers keep a one-car length distance for every ten miles per hour of speed.  This allows a safe stopping distance if the vehicle in front suddenly applies its brakes and stops.