Driver & Passenger Safety

Images of older driver, child in carseat, and younger driver.

Motor vehicle traffic injuries are a major public health problem. They are the leading cause of injury related death, second leading cause of injury related hospitalizations and third leading cause for injury related emergency department visits in New York State. The best way to keep people safe is to prevent a crash from happening. Learn what you can do to keep yourself, and those you love, safe on the road.

Driver and Passenger Safety Tips

  • Obey the speed limit and all traffic laws, signs, and signals.
  • Wearing your seat belt is the best way to prevent death and serious injury in a crash. Every person, every seat, every time!
  • Use the right type of car seat based upon your child’s age, height, and weight.
  • Avoid stressful driving situations. Travel during the daytime when the light is brightest. Avoid driving when the weather is poor.
  • Never drive drowsy or distracted. Avoid eating or drinking while driving, talking on the phone, and never text and drive.
  • Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • YIELD for pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections – it’s the law. Do not block crosswalks and always look out for pedestrians, especially before turning at a green light or making a “right turn on red”.
  • Watch for motorcycles. Allow a greater following distance behind motorcyclists.
  • Enroll new drivers in a driver safety course.

Child Passenger Safety

Learn and follow the best practices and safety recommendations for children, whether you have an infant, child or teen.

Younger Driver Safety

Teens are more likely to be involved in crashes because of their inexperience. Parents play a major role in reducing their teen's crash risk.

Older Driver Safety

The risk of being injured or killed in a crash increases as a person ages. Learn the steps to ensure older adults stay safe on the road.

Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving is dangerous and often results in injury or death. Know the facts about drowsy driving and strategies to prevent it.

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