Your car is not a toy, so you should understand how to handle it safely. Driver safety is vital for keeping you and others safe on the road. Problems such as speeding and not properly utilizing alcohol can lead to devastating results while behind the wheel of a car. 34 of 35 alcoholics have never received treatment and can alter someone’s life when they drive under the influence. Here’s what you should know about driver safety.

1. Keep Both Hands on the Wheel

One of the things you should remember is to keep both hands on the wheel at all times. That’s why you shouldn’t be using your cell phone, eating, or being distracted while operating your vehicle. No matter how well you can drive with one hand, using both hands can improve your reaction time, especially if you have to stop suddenly on the road.

2. Get Proper Rest

A sleepy driver is a dangerous driver. Commercial drivers can be on the road for 11 hours out of the 14-hour shift, as per the federal service limitations. Whether you’re operating a commercial truck or your passenger vehicle, operating it without a good night’s sleep can inhibit your reaction time. It can also cause a crash if you fall asleep at the wheel. Healthy adults should get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep, according to the Sleep Foundation. Don’t hesitate to call an Uber, get a ride with a friend, join a carpooling team, or take public transportation if you’re feeling too sleepy to drive.

3. Watch Your Alcohol Consumption

Do you enjoy the occasional happy hour with friends or coworkers? Are you a football fan who enjoys throwing back a few beers during football season at your local sports bar? According to IBISWorld, there were 1,234 businesses in the sports bar industry in 2022 filled with other fans who love beer and football as much as you do. However, you should drink responsibly regardless of where you’re at. If your alcohol limit is too high, you can be charged with a DUI even if you didn’t cause an accident.

4. Avoid Social Media

There are billions of people on social media worldwide. However, there’s a time and a place for sending funny cat names or posting about what you ate on Instagram. When you’re behind the wheel of a car, that’s not the time to be active on social media. It only takes a few seconds of being distracted by your social media profile to cause an accident that can alter your or someone else’s life.

5. Watch the Your Speed Limit

According to the CDC, speeding is the number one cause of traffic accidents. Accidents that happen as a result of speeding often have more devastating results than any other cause. Pay attention to speed limit signs when operating your vehicle, as the speed limit can change when you hit certain parts of the city. Be mindful to slow down in a residential or school area. You should also be cautious of work zones, and you’ll see various construction signs alerting you to people being at work.

6. Respect the Weather

Inclement weather can make roads more dangerous than normal. Heavy rains and snow can make those roads slippery and make accidents easier to get into. Always drive slowly whenever you’re caught in a storm, and use your headlights, so you can see ahead of you.

These are some life-saving rules for practicing driver safety. Understanding the rules of the road and how to operate your car under various conditions can help you and others stay safe. Remember, you’re not only responsible for yourself, but you also have the lives of your passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians in your hands as well.