Regardless of how long it has been since you passed your driving test, being a safe driver is paramount for everyone, especially for parents traveling with their kids in the car. Whether you have been driving for 5 minutes, five years, or 50, there are always improvements you can make to your driving. This has never been truer than for parents who are teaching their teens to drive safely too.

So what are the best tips for becoming a safe driver?

Contact Details

What would happen if you couldn't be identified, or you are next of kin informed in the event of an accident, or you were unable to tell emergency services which you are? While many of us rely on smartphones, if you're unable to open it due to needing to use a password or biometrics, this isn't particularly helpful in an emergency.

Consider keeping a list of essential details in your car in an easily accessible place, such as your driving license or insurance documents. Include names and numbers for family members, your name and address, and any medical conditions. Also, add in the contact details for any roadside recovery services you use along with your account details, the number for a 24 hour auto locksmith, and windscreen repair specialists who can aid you should you have an accident, sustain damage while driving or lock your keys in your car (it is more common than you think for both men and women!)

Don't Drive Under The Influence.

Intoxicated drivers cause almost 30% of fatal car accidents in the US. Drink driving causes over 10,000 needless deaths on the roads each year.

Alcohol reduces the speed to react to situations, your perception and depending on how much you have had to drink, your ability to perform basic tasks, coordination, or even to see straight. Intoxication leads to poor driving decisions. Alcohol causes double vision, distorted vision, and possibly loss of consciousness. Driving with a BAC of 0.08 or more will likely result in a jail sentence in the USA.

If you plan to drink, appoint a driver. For those under the influence, call a cab or a sober buddy. Taking a cab home is a minor hassle compared to driving drunk. The penalties can be massive for drunk driving, even if you don't cause an accident. However, killing someone due to drunk driving is guaranteed to come with a hefty jail sentence.

Reduce Distractions

Many states in the US have laws prohibiting cell phone use while driving. The reason is the number of deaths linked to this seemingly harmless activity. Over 3,100 deaths occur in the US alone due to drivers being on their phones.

Those figures may be too low, given the increasing use of cell phones while driving. One study compared a 20-year-old motorist on a cell phone to a 70-year-old driver. The findings were that the reaction times of the 20-year-old were on par with that of a 70-year-old when using their phone when driving. Contrary to popular belief, this isn't just a young person's habit either. People of all ages have been found to be using their cell phones while driving.

Distractions aren't limited to cell phones. Eating, applying makeup, fidgeting with electronics, or socializing with passengers can all distract a driver.

Adapt Your Driving To The Conditions

Be particularly cautious when driving in fog, severe rain, snow, or icy conditions. Drive slower than the speed limit if required, and be extra careful around curves. If you're not familiar with the weather or the area, consider waiting out the worst of the weather or asking someone more experienced in driving in these conditions to take over for you. 

An excellent tip to remember is: if you accidentally drive off the road due to poor visibility (fog or snow), turn off your lights. Those who can't see the road will seek other cars to follow, and they might approach you when they see your lights, not realizing you're stationary and causing further accidents.

Don't Tailgate

Driving guidelines instruct drivers to keep a safe distance from the automobile in front. Drivers need time to respond if a car suddenly stops or turns. Because estimating distances while driving is tricky, and the actual length must be adjusted for speed, most experts propose the "three-second rule."

The 3-second rule is easy. Find a stationary object by the roadside. Start counting seconds when the car ahead passes it. You need to pass by this same object around 3 seconds later as a minimum. After a few years of driving and practicing retaining this minimum distance, you'll develop an instinct and know-how close to following without counting.