Keep at least a two-second gap between your vehicle and the one ahead when driving under 30 mph in normal conditions. This gives you time to react to sudden stops or errors.

An octagonal shape is exclusively used for stop signs, which indicate that you must come to a complete stop before continuing.

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.

If you drop a wheel off the pavement, reduce your speed without braking sharply. Carefully steer back onto the road once it’s safe and be aware of other traffic.

Railroad crossings are hazardous. Always look and listen for approaching trains, follow signs and signals, and never cross until you are sure it’s safe.

To avoid aggressive driving, plan trips with extra time for delays. If you’re caught in traffic, stay calm and listen to music. Always be courteous on the road.

Before making a right turn, slow down and use your signal. Be careful not to swing too wide, which may lead you into another lane.

Defensive drivers constantly monitor their surroundings, anticipate potential problems, and are prepared with responses to avoid accidents.

At night, your visibility is limited. Use your headlights appropriately and drive slowly enough so that you can stop within the distance illuminated by your lights.

The safest approach is to plan ahead not to drive if you intend to drink. Alcohol impairs decision-making, so committing to a sober driver or alternate transportation before drinking is key.

Before switching lanes, check your mirrors to see traffic behind you, use your turn signal to indicate your intentions, and look over your shoulder to check blind spots. Doing all three helps ensure a safer lane change.

Keeping a greater distance between your vehicle and the one in front gives you more time to react to sudden movements. When traveling over 30 mph in normal conditions, maintain at least a four-second following gap.

Low beams should be used in fog, rain, or snow to improve visibility.

If you experience a tire blowout, grip the steering wheel firmly, keep the car straight, and gradually ease off the gas pedal. Avoid braking until the vehicle is under control, then gently brake and pull off to a safe spot.

Never attempt to drive around lowered railroad crossing gates. Always stop, look both ways, and obey any signals before crossing train tracks. Remember, trains share the road with motor vehicles and bicycles, and crossing gates are there for your safety.

Warning signs, typically yellow with black markings, alert drivers to possible hazards on the road ahead. This sign advises caution when driving under conditions that may make the roadway wet and slippery.

When driving in alleys, the legal speed limit is 15 mph unless otherwise posted. Pay close attention to any signage.

If you miss your exit or turn on the highway, keep driving until the next exit—never reverse or make a U-turn.

Parking within 20 feet of a fire station’s same-side entrance, or within 75 feet on the opposite side, is prohibited and may obstruct emergency vehicles.

A pedestrian crossing sign indicates that pedestrians may be crossing ahead. Exercise caution and be prepared to stop.

Before changing lanes, always check your blind spots by turning your head.

A right-turn restriction sign means that turning right is not allowed at that intersection.

Motorcycles are smaller and harder to spot than cars. Their size makes them easy to miss in blind spots, and it can be tough to judge their speed or distance. Always remain extra cautious when near motorcycles.

When stopped on an uphill slope, leave extra space between your vehicle and the car in front of you. This will prevent a collision if the vehicle rolls back when traffic resumes.

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.

Always use your turn signals before making any movement to the right or left, such as leaving a curb, changing lanes, or overtaking another vehicle.

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.

Before changing lanes or passing on the interstate, signal your intention, check mirrors, and verify your blind spot. Only stop on the shoulder if it’s an emergency, and minimize lane changes. Avoid using cruise control in heavy traffic or poor weather.

After a crash, all parties should exchange names, addresses, vehicle registration numbers, and insurance info. If someone is hurt, provide reasonable assistance until help arrives.

Shared lanes are marked to guide bicyclists in positioning themselves safely in lanes too narrow for cars and bikes to travel side by side. These lanes alert other road users to where cyclists are likely to ride.