Unsafe Driving Behaviors to Avoid

Unsafe Driving Behaviors to Avoid 

• Being Distracted*:
  • Talking on the cell phone while driving - pulling over is highly recommended; the National Safety Council considers hands free communication as distractive as talking directly through a phone
  • Texting while driving - do not text, email or message over the phone while driving (per Executive Order 2010-06)
  • Eating while driving - pulling over is highly recommended
  • Self-grooming while driving - pulling over is highly recommended
  • Always reduce speed in work zones or school zones
  • Smoking while driving - smoking is prohibited in state vehicles (63 O.S. §1-1523).
• Improper Speed - For every 10 mph (16 kph) over 50 mph (80 kph) the risk of death in traffic crash is doubled:
  • Know the speed limit
  • Assess the driving conditions, and adjust vehicle speed if required
  • Allow enough time to reach your destination
  • Keep checking the speedometer
  • Always reduce speed in work zones or school zones
  • Drive in the far right lane or in the lane where other vehicles are traveling at the same speed (or within the speed limit).
• Violating Right of Way:
  • Failure to yield
  • Disregarding a traffic signal
  • Passing a stop sign
  • When it comes to right of way, the reality is that the law gives no driver the right of way. Traffic regulations only state who must yield the right of way.
• Driving Left of Center:
  • Scan ahead for debris or obstructions in the road or highway
  • Adjust driving speed to the condition of the road
  • Make safe and legal turns
  • Stay behind pedestrians and cyclists until there's room enough to pass safely
  • Scan ahead for animals.
• Turning Improperly
  • Get into position to to turn: Keep the vehicle close to the curb or road shoulder to prevent smaller vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists from moving into the area between the vehicle and the curb. Check to make sure the right blind spot is clear of vehicles or pedestrians.
  • Signal to let other drivers know what you are doing--use your turn signals! Traffic laws differ on how many feet before the turn you need to signal. It's usually within 100 feet.
  • Yield to pedestrians or vehicles in the intersection.
  • Turn into the appropriate lane without crossing into other lanes.
  • Making a left turn is done in much the same way as turning right, but here's an extra tip: If you have to wait for oncoming traffic to clear before turning, it is important to keep the wheels pointed straight ahead. If you are stopped and have turned the wheels, you may be pushed into incoming traffic if a driver behind rear-ends you.