Safe driving is about more than following the rules — it’s about knowing what to expect and setting yourself up for success. Follow these tips to stay safe, focused and in control on the road.
When you’re getting used to being behind the wheel, every trip is a chance to build safe, smart habits. A few things to keep in mind:
Passengers cause a lot of distractions for teen drivers. If you’re giving someone a ride, make sure they know you need to keep your focus on the road.
Yes, even on short trips. It only takes a few seconds to click in and can truly be a life saver.
Check your mirrors before making a move, use your turn signals and avoid sudden stops so other drivers know where you’re going.
“Confident, but cautious” is a good rule of thumb. Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and distractions to a minimum so you can stay aware of what’s going on around you.
The signs are there for a reason. Speed limits are set based on the conditions of specific roads and hazards you might come across on them. Slowing down increases your reaction time, and if a crash does happen, it’s way less likely to cause serious injuries.
On the other hand, it’s never a bad idea to expect the unexpected from other drivers. They might not be as focused as you are —leave a safe distance between your car and theirs, and always be ready to react.
One of the best ways to beat the urge to check new notifications? Turn them off.
Behind the wheel, every second counts — even taking your eyes off the wheel to send or read a quick text can cause a crash. That’s why staying focused is so important, especially when you’re still getting used to sharing the road with other drivers.
If you have an iPhone, it’s pretty easy to decrease distractions when you’re driving. Setting up Driving Focus lets you ask Siri to read your messages, and calls only come in if you have a hands-free device connected to your phone.
Go to Settings > Focus, tap the Add (+) button, then tap Driving.
Tap Customize Focus.
To turn on your Driving Focus every time you get in the car, tap While Driving, then Automatically.
You can also let your friends know you’re driving if they try to text you, set up automatic replies, and more.
It’s also simple to customize your options for sending a message when you decline a call.
Grab your phone and tap Settings > Phone (iPhone) or Call Settings (Android).
Scroll down to Respond with Text (iPhone) or Quick Responses (Android).
Now’s your time to shine. Come up with a few unique options to keep at your fingertips.
Did you know you can even set up your iPhone to send custom messages automatically when you have Driving Focus turned on?
Go to Settings > Focus, then tap Driving.
Tap Auto-Reply.
Pick who’ll get an automatic response, then type the message you want to send.