Safe Driving Tips & Parking Rules
Last updated
Knowing the signs and signals is only half of it. Safe drivers leave space, adjust to the conditions, and stay focused. Here are the defensive driving and parking rules most often tested.
Following distance: the 3-second rule
Stay at least 3 seconds behind the vehicle ahead. When it passes a fixed object, count the seconds until you reach the same spot. Use 4 seconds or more in rain, at night, behind motorcycles or large trucks, or when someone is tailgating you, because more space ahead gives you more time to react.
Speed and road conditions
A posted speed limit is the maximum under ideal conditions. Most states also have a "basic speed law" that requires you to drive no faster than is safe for traffic, weather and visibility, even if that's below the limit. Slow down for curves before you reach them, and slow down in work zones and school zones.
Driving in rain and fog, and handling skids
- Rain: roads are slickest in the first few minutes, when oil rises to the surface. Slow down and increase your following distance.
- Hydroplaning: ease off the gas and keep the wheel straight. Don't slam the brakes.
- Skids: look and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
- Braking with ABS: press the brake firmly and hold it. Don't pump the pedal, and expect it to pulse.
- Fog: use low beams, because high beams reflect back and make it harder to see. Slow down, and use the right edge line as a guide.
Using headlights
Turn on headlights from sunset to sunrise and any time visibility is poor. Many states also require them whenever your wipers are on. Dim your high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and when you're following closely, about 300 feet in many states.
Changing lanes and hand signals
Before changing lanes, signal, check your mirrors, and look over your shoulder to check your blind spot. Many states require you to signal at least 100 feet before a turn. If your signals don't work, use hand signals out the driver's window:
- Left turn: arm straight out.
- Right turn: arm bent upward at the elbow.
- Stop or slow down: arm bent downward.
See our hand signals guide for pictures and bicyclist signals.
Distraction and impairment
Keep your phone out of reach, since most states ban texting while driving. The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers 21 and over is 0.08% in most of the U.S. (it's 0.05% in Utah). Drivers under 21 face zero-tolerance limits. Any amount of alcohol, cannabis, or drowsy-making medication slows your reaction time, so the only safe choice is not to drive impaired. Always wear your seat belt, and make sure every passenger does too.
Railroad crossings
When lights flash or gates come down, stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail. Never drive around lowered gates, and never stop on the tracks. Before crossing, make sure there's room for your whole vehicle on the other side. If your car stalls on the tracks, get everyone out and away right away, and call the number on the blue emergency sign at the crossing.
Parking rules
Parking on a hill
| Situation | Turn front wheels |
|---|---|
| Uphill, with a curb | Away from the curb (left) |
| Downhill, with a curb | Toward the curb (right) |
| Uphill or downhill, no curb | Toward the edge of the road (right) |
Always set the parking brake and leave the car in park (or in gear, with a manual transmission).
Common no-parking distances
These are typical rules. Distances vary by state, so check your handbook.
- Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
- Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
- Within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign or traffic signal
- Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing
- Never in an intersection, on a crosswalk or sidewalk, in front of a driveway, or on a bridge or in a tunnel
Keep studying with the road signs guide and the right-of-way rules.
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Play the rules of the road game →Frequently asked questions
What is the 3-second rule in driving?
Pick a fixed object, like a sign. When the car ahead passes it, count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three." If you reach the object before you finish counting, you're following too closely. Use 4 or more seconds in bad weather or at night.
Which way do you turn your wheels when parking uphill?
Uphill next to a curb, turn your front wheels away from the curb (to the left). Downhill, or on any hill with no curb, turn them toward the curb or the edge of the road (to the right). Always set the parking brake.
What should you do if your car hydroplanes?
Ease off the gas, hold the steering wheel straight, and don't brake hard. Once the tires grip the road again, brake gently if you need to.
How far from a fire hydrant can you park?
In most states you must park at least 15 feet from a fire hydrant. Check your state handbook, because some states use a different distance.