Tailgating, or following another vehicle too closely, can result in a dangerous situation where you don’t have enough time to react if the vehicle in front of you suddenly slows or stops.

“Highway hypnosis” occurs when you drive for long periods without actively scanning your surroundings, which can cause you to lose focus and make you more likely to crash into slowing or stopped traffic ahead.

When driving through curves, your vehicle’s inertia can make it harder to steer. To keep control, slow down before entering the curve.

Trucks need more distance to stop than smaller vehicles due to their size.

A pennant-shaped sign is used to indicate a no-passing zone.

When two vehicles approach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right, and proceed when it’s safe.

Warning signs are generally diamond-shaped with black markings on yellow backgrounds. This specific sign indicates that the right lane is closing or the road is narrowing ahead.

Traffic signals are placed at intersections to regulate the flow of traffic and prevent accidents. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians must follow these signals, except when an officer is directing traffic.

This sign warns of a steep hill ahead.

If your vehicle starts to drift off the road, continue driving with the wheels off the pavement, slowing down gently with the brakes. Once at a safe speed, gently steer back onto the road. Do not try to force the vehicle back onto the pavement.

These signs indicate that the road curves to the right ahead and that drivers should slow down to the safe speed indicated (in this case, 35 mph).

For long trips, take regular breaks to avoid drowsiness. Even if you don’t feel tired, rest and stretch to stay alert.

This sign indicates a merge ahead. It warns that two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction are about to become one.

Stay focused while driving by avoiding distractions like passengers, looking for something in the car, reading, sightseeing, or daydreaming. Regularly check your mirrors, scan the road, and monitor your vehicle’s controls to stay alert.

A flashing yellow light means “caution.” Slow down, look carefully, and continue with caution.

When you see an emergency vehicle, tow truck, or other roadside assistance vehicle with flashing lights, change lanes to give it extra space. If changing lanes isn’t possible or safe, slow down and reduce your speed below the posted limit to allow as much room as possible. Always slow down when approaching an emergency scene.

This sign indicates that the road ahead winds with a series of turns or curves.

A steady yellow arrow means that a red arrow will soon appear. You should stop unless you’re already in the intersection.

Road markings guide drivers on proper lane positioning, indicate safe passing zones, and warn of upcoming changes or hazards.

Speed limits define the maximum or minimum legal speeds for driving on a particular road under normal conditions. While you are allowed to drive slower than the posted speed, exceeding the limit is illegal. In areas marked as school zones or work zones, you must adhere to the specific speed limits posted for those areas. If conditions like bad weather or roadwork make the speed limit unsafe, slow down accordingly.

Fatigue can impair your driving abilities much like alcohol does. For instance, staying awake for 18 hours can impair you similarly to having a blood alcohol level of 0.05%. Staying awake for 24 hours equates to a 0.10% blood alcohol level.

Mixing alcohol and drugs can enhance the effects of both substances, which can make driving extremely dangerous. It is safer not to drive after consuming either, and even more so after combining the two.

Speeding is illegal. You are required to adhere to posted speed limits and it is your responsibility to be aware of the speed limits while driving. The concept of a “speeding buffer” does not exist; driving even 10 mph over the speed limit is prohibited.

White lines are used to separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. A solid white line means you are not allowed to pass.

Warning signs are usually diamond-shaped with black symbols on a yellow background, highlighting potential dangers. This particular sign warns drivers that a steep hill is ahead and suggests adjusting speed accordingly.

When driving to an unknown location, plan your route ahead of time. Don’t rely on vague directions—use a map or navigation tool to ensure you know where you’re going.

At both controlled and uncontrolled intersections, the vehicle on the left must yield to the one on the right when both vehicles arrive simultaneously.

As a general rule, broken traffic lines may be crossed but solid lines may not. Solid yellow lines may be crossed only when the driver is making a turn.

You must come to a complete stop when a school bus is stopped with its lights flashing. Failing to stop may result in a fine of at least $165, and passing on the side where the door is located could lead to a fine of at least $265.

When road conditions are less than ideal—such as when it’s wet, foggy, or visibility is poor—drive slower than the posted speed limit. Even when within the speed limit, you can still be ticketed if your speed is too fast for the conditions.

Driving slower than the flow of traffic can be dangerous. On a two-lane, two-way road, if your slow driving causes traffic to back up, you must pull over to let others pass. Only drive significantly below the speed limit when necessary due to conditions.

Work zone signs for construction, maintenance, or emergency services are typically orange with black symbols.

In Florida, fines for traffic violations are doubled in construction zones, and you may face civil penalties up to $1,000, along with mandatory driving school.

For your safety, keep enough space around your vehicle to react to any potential hazards, without crowding other vehicles in adjacent lanes.

A steady red light means you must stop completely and wait until the light changes. Running a red light is illegal and dangerous. You may turn right on red, unless there’s a sign prohibiting it.

Driving faster on wet roads reduces your tires’ ability to remove water, which increases the chances of hydroplaning—where your tires lose grip and the car slides uncontrollably.

When entering a roadway from a private road or driveway, yield the right-of-way to both pedestrians and traffic already on the roadway.

To check your blind spot, turn your head and glance over your shoulder in the direction you intend to move.

Mixing alcohol with drugs, including over-the-counter medications, can increase the impairing effects of both substances.

A left arm and hand extended upward indicates that the driver intends to turn right. Adjust your speed and positioning if following a driver making this hand signal.

A green arrow displayed with a red light means you may proceed only in the direction of the arrow if the intersection is clear.

Warning signs, typically yellow with black markings, warn drivers of possible traffic merging from the right. Drivers should be prepared to allow safe merging.

Many drugs, including prescription, over-the-counter, and illegal substances, can impair driving. It’s a criminal offense to drive while impaired by any drug.

Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on highways is 55 mph. Always obey posted speed limits, even if they differ from the general guidelines.

Emergency vehicles using lights or sirens always have the right-of-way; you must yield.

Warning signs, usually diamond-shaped and yellow, warn of potential hazards. Orange warning signs are used in construction zones.

This sign marks a lane reserved for left-turning vehicles from either direction, which cannot be used for passing or through traffic.

A red traffic light signals you to stop before entering the intersection, at the stop line, or before entering the crosswalk.

When making a left turn, you must yield to oncoming traffic. Additionally, always give the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists, and any vehicles already in the intersection.

Avoid making last-minute turns. If you reach an intersection and are not in the correct lane to turn, continue to the next intersection and make your turn from the correct lane.