Safe Driving Practices
Build space and time
Use the three-second rule: pick a fixed object ahead, and when the car in front passes it, count until you pass it. Three seconds is the minimum in good conditions; add at least one second for rain, darkness, heavy traffic, or a heavy load, and more for ice or snow. Keep a space cushion on all sides so you have an escape route, and avoid riding in another driver's blind spot.
Look far ahead and keep your eyes moving
Scan about a block ahead in the city and much farther on the highway, checking mirrors every few seconds. Set mirrors so you see the lane behind you, not your own car. Signal every lane change and turn, check the mirror, then turn your head to check the blind spot before moving.
Distraction and fatigue
Indiana bans texting for all drivers and restricts handheld device use by young drivers. Anything that takes your eyes, hands, or mind off the road is a distraction - including food, grooming, and programming a GPS. Fatigue is just as dangerous: yawning, heavy eyes, drifting, and missed exits mean stop and rest. Caffeine and loud music do not cure fatigue.
Night and defensive driving
At night, slow down so you can stop within the distance your headlights show, and dim high beams for oncoming traffic and when following closely. Defensive driving means assuming other drivers will make mistakes: cover the brake at intersections, expect the car that looks like it might pull out, and never insist on your right-of-way when yielding prevents a crash.
Trap: questions suggest the speed limit is automatically safe in rain, or that following closer keeps traffic moving. Rule of thumb: three seconds plus one per adverse condition.