When learning how to drive you must acquire basic car control skills, exercising good judgment behind the wheel and learn the few basic rules for safe driving that everyone should know and follow before receiving a driving license. Unfortunately when you first get your driving license you are aware of these safe driving rules and comply with them but they are often forgotten the longer you drive.

Safe driving rules:

Don't tailgate: A safe driver doesn’t crowd the car ahead because if it makes a sudden brake it’s likely you'll crash into it. Modern safety devices such as anti-lock brakes and traction control don't trump the physics of bodies in motion.

Obey the safe drivers three second rule: Every driver should know and heed the three second rule. When the vehicle ahead of you passes a fixed object (such as a tree or telephone pole) slowly count "one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand." If you reach the object before completing the count, you're following too closely. Double the following distance to six seconds in poor weather.

Use turn signals: Failing to signal your intentions to other motorists is always dangerous as well as discourteous. Other motorists are not psychic. They can't guess that you are planning on making a right turn or about to move into the next lane. Signaling is especially important for the safety of motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Don't impede the flow of traffic: Driving too slowly can be more dangerous than driving a little faster than the posted limit.

Maintain appropriate speed: Remember speed doesn't kill. If it did, airliners traveling at 500 mph would have the highest accident/fatality rates of any form of transportation. But air travel is in fact much safer than driving. The problem is inappropriate speed. It may be perfectly legal to drive 65 mph on the highway, but if you don't slow down when driving in inclement weather you increase your chances of having an accident.

Plan ahead/use your mirrors: Anticipate the need to brake or make lane changes by constantly scanning your driving environment and watching the actions of other drivers, pedestrians and so on.

If you want to become better driver and learn how to handle emergency situations such as panic braking and loss of vehicle control you may want to attend a driving school where you'll learn about vehicle handling dynamics on a closed course track under expert supervision.

These basic safe driving rules will go a long way to insure that you have a safe trip.

Home Electrical Safety Tips

Home Fire Prevention Tips

Home Pet Safety Tips

How to Baby Proof Your Home

Home Safety Tips For Seniors