How can I improve my driving?

ACCELERATION

Slow your roll: Did you know that smooth or jerky driving can raise or lower your gas mileage by 20%? Go easy on the gas and brakes. (1)

BRAKING

Brake for your bill: Did you know that jerky driving can lower your gas mileage by up to 30%? Go smooth on the gas and brakes. (2)

3 second rule: Did you know tailgating is the #1 cause of accidents? Try to keep at least 3 seconds between you and the car in front. (3)

Stopping distance: Doubling your speed quadruples your car's stopping distance, so look ahead when you're on the highway to reduce your chances of an accident. (4 and 5)

CORNERING

Right turn rewards: Left turns are involved in 10x more crashes than right turns! So if you can, try making rights around the block instead. (6)

Slippery when wet: About 73% of weather-related accidents are due to wet pavement. If it's raining, take it easy on those corners and off-ramps. (7)

DRIVING AMOUNT

Save driving time: Doubling your speed quadruples your car's stopping distance, so look ahead when you're on the highway to reduce your chances of an accident. (8)

WFH & save: In 2017, 24% of full-time workers spent at least part of a workday at home. If possible, try it this month to save on your bill. (9)

Cook & save: The average American spends $3,008 a year on restaurants. Try cooking once this week--healthier for you and your wallet. (10)

DRIVING ENVIRONMENT

Dangers of night driving: More people drive drunk, speed, or forget their seatbelt at night. Try doing errands earlier to cut down on night driving. (11)

Avoid the drunk drivers: 54% of crashes at night are alcohol-related. With that in mind, we sometimes invite friends over, instead of going out at night. (11)

Fasten your seatbelt!: 49% of fatal crashes happen at night. About 2/3 of those fatalities are because of not wearing a seatbelt. Remember to buckle up. (16)

GENERAL

Take an A/C break: A/C use can lower your car's fuel economy by 25%, especially on short trips. Crack the windows instead to save on gas. (12)

Brain training: Research found fewer accidents amongst those who brain train. Try a memory game to help keep your mind sharp on the road. (13)

Roadtrip timing: Did you know the most dangerous month for driving is August? Traveling during the off-season can be cheaper and safer. (12)

Saturday scaries: Saturday's the most dangerous driving day. Scheduling errands on weekdays can help you cut down on weekend trips. (12)

Park your phone: At 60 mph, cars go the length of a football field in the average time it takes to check a text. Try "do not disturb" mode. (14)

Get your zzz's: 1/6 fatal crashes are due to drowsy driving. The recommended 7-8 hours of sleep each night helps you stay alert on the road.. (15)

Silence the distraction: About 481,000 people every day use their phones while driving. Silence your phone to avoid the distracting ding. (14)

SPEEDING

Wet pavement warning: About 73% of weather-related accidents are due to wet pavement. If it's raining, take it easy on your gas pedal. (7)

Calm your cruise: Most accidents occur from 3-6 p.m. due to aggressive driving. Try mellow music or a podcast to help you relax. (16)

Sources:

1. https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.jsp
2. https://www.pepboys.com/auto-care/maintenance/improve-your-cars-fuel-efficiency
3. https://www.smartmotorist.com/safe-following-distance
4. https://ntsb.gov/safety/safety-alerts/Documents/SA-046.pdf
5. https://www.aceable.com/safe-driving/how-speed-affects-braking-distance/
6. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2014/04/09/the-case-for-almost-never-turning-left-while-driving/
7. https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/q1_roadimpact.htm
8. https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/01/25/the-average-american-drives-this-much-each-year-ho.aspx
9. https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-is-the-average-hours-per-week-worked-in-the-us-2060631
10. https://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/01/01/heres-what-the-average-american-spends-on-restaura.aspx
11. https://www.forbes.com/2009/01/21/car-accident-times-forbeslife-cx_he_0121driving.html#12031c916fc0
12. https://www.auto.edu/blog/does-running-your-car-air-conditioning-burn-more-gas/
13. https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/info-2018/stay-sharp.html?intcmp=AE-ATO-ADS-EOA1
14. https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving#16986
15. https://www.cdc.gov/features/dsdrowsydriving/index.html
16. https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812032