Becoming a Better Driver
The sunshine is back, and so are beach trips, family visits, and spontaneous summer adventures! With more people on the road, it’s the perfect time to brush up on your safe driving skills. We believe that smarter drivers make safer roads, and we’re here to help. We’ve put together easy tips, and helpful resources to keep you cruising safely all summer long.
1
On average, U.S. drivers spend nearly one hour a day behind the wheel.
91.6%
of people in the U.S. wear their seat belt
53%
of teen passenger vehicle drivers who died in 2023 were unbuckled.
Expect more people
Warm weather brings more people walking, riding bikes, scooters, and skateboards. Use caution when driving and pay extra attention to crosswalks.
Don’t Speed
With warm weather, we might be tempted to go faster. Slow down and watch your speed especially when it is raining, it could save a life.
Watch out for motorcycles
Keep a safe distance when driving behind motorcycles, and always check for blind spots especially at intersections.
Give yourself extra time
Be prepared for unpredictable tourist traffic. Give yourself extra time to avoid tailgating and rushing to your destination.
Buckle up
Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. Always double check that all your passengers are secure.
Slow down and move over
The NJ Safe Passing Law requires drivers to slow down and move over for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable roadway users. Drivers must provide 4ft or slow down to 25 mph when passing. Learn more here.
Driving while impaired by any substance—legal or illegal—puts you and others in harm’s way. If you feel different you drive different.
Impaired Driving
Every day, about 34 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 42 minutes. In 2023, 12,429 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths. Alcohol, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and illegal substances can impair driving abilities, posing risks not only to the drivers themselves but also to others.
Plan Before You Celebrate this Summer
- Plan ahead: Arrange a sober ride before drinking—use a designated driver, rideshare, or public transit.
- Take turns driving: Rotate designated driver duties with friends or family.
- Host responsibly: Remind guests to plan a sober ride or help arrange one.
- Speak up: Stop anyone impaired from driving—offer or call for a safe ride.
For more information on impaired driving, click here.
There’s always more to learn
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is a national campaign committed to reducing deaths from impaired driving. Includes impaired driving facts and statistic.
Embarking on a Safe Road Trip
Is Your Vehicle Ready?
Before you hit the road this summer, check these 5 key things:
- Tires – Check tire pressure, tread wear, and don’t forget the spare!
- Fluids – Top off your oil, coolant, and washer fluid. Overheating is a leading cause of summer breakdowns.
- Battery & A/C – Test your battery and make sure the A/C blows cold for a cool summer ride.
- Lights & Wipers – Test all lights and replace worn wiper blades to stay visible and ready for summer storms.
- Emergency Kit – Stock up with water, jumper cables, flashlight, first aid, and phone charger—just in case.
With these tips, you’ll be ready for a memorable road trip while prioritizing safety and vehicle maintenance.
Pledge to Share the Road
Each day you’re on the road with thousands of other parents, teachers, mothers, fathers, and kids in all types of vehicles. From cars and trucks to buses and motorcycles – we’re all sharing the road. Join us in becoming a smarter, safer driver.
There’s Always More to Learn.
New Jersey has a variety of special initiatives to help improve the safety of drivers, passengers and pedestrians on our roads. Check out these sites for more great info:
- Click It or Ticket – a statewide initiative to improve seat belt use
- Share the Road – safety facts and resources for motorcyclists and how to share the road
- Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is a national campaign committed to reducing deaths from impaired driving. Includes impaired driving facts and statistic
- A Guide to Understanding Blood Alcohol Levels from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Move Over – It’s the law in NJ to move over when you see flashing lights for police, fire and ambulances
- Improve Your Driving – a list of MVC-approved defensive driving courses in NJ that can help you avoid crashes
