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Motor Vehicle Safety
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Safety Issues

Motor Vehicle Safety

Practicing safe driving habits and maintaining your vehicle are critical steps in reducing the risk of motor vehicle crashes.

Road Safety Tips

Every year thousands of people in the U.S. die from motor vehicle crashes. Trying to prevent these crashes is one part of motor vehicle safety. Here are some things you can do to be safer on the road:

  • Make sure your vehicle is safe and in working order
  • Use car seats for children
  • Wear your seat belt
  • Don't speed or drive aggressively
  • Don't drive impaired

Awareness

Safety also involves being aware of others. Share the road with bicycles and motorcycles, and watch for pedestrians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Look for illuminated dashboard warning lights, specifically the airbag light (often an icon of a person with a large circle in front of them) and the ABS light. If either light remains on after the engine starts, it indicates a system fault. Additionally, if your steering wheel feels unusually heavy, if the brake pedal goes to the floor without resistance, or if you hear unusual grinding or clicking noises when turning, these are critical mechanical red flags that require immediate inspection to prevent loss of control.
First, check yourself and passengers for injuries and call emergency services if anyone is hurt. If the vehicles are drivable and not blocking traffic, move them to a safe location off the road to prevent secondary collisions. Exchange contact and insurance information, take photos of vehicle damage and the scene, and note the other driver's license plate. Do not admit fault at the scene, as liability is often determined later by police or insurance adjusters.
Night driving increases risk due to reduced visibility, which makes it harder to judge distances and spot obstacles, pedestrians, or animals. You should reduce your speed by at least 5 to 10 mph compared to daytime speeds to increase your reaction time. Use high beams when there is no oncoming traffic to see farther ahead, but switch to low beams when approaching other vehicles to avoid blinding them. Be extra vigilant for pedestrians who may not be wearing reflective clothing.
Position your seat so that your knees are slightly bent when your feet are fully on the floor, allowing your hips to be close to the steering wheel without being pressed against it. Adjust the steering wheel angle so you can grip it at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions with your elbows slightly bent. This positioning prevents your chest from hitting the steering wheel directly and allows the airbag to deploy correctly, reducing the risk of facial and chest injuries.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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