When you’re behind the wheel of a car – whether alone or with passengers – driving safely should always be your top concern. Safe driving tips are something you can never really have enough of. There are tons of people on the roadways today. Being a good, attentive and safe driver is extremely important for everyone out there, especially during the winter.We’re more distracted than ever, so it’s crucial to know the basics of safe driving and practice them every time you’re on the road. Here are some safe driving tips.

Top 4 driving safety tips

Focus on driving

• Keep 100% of your attention on driving at all times – no multitasking.
• Don’t use your phone or any other electronic device while driving.
• Slow down. Speeding gives you less time to react and increases the severity of an accident.

Drive “defensively”

• Be aware of what other drivers around you are doing, and expect the unexpected.
• Assume other motorists will do something crazy, and always be prepared to avoid it.
• Keep a 2-second cushion between you and the car in front of you.
• Make that 4 seconds if the weather is bad.

Make a safe driving plan

• Build time into your trip schedule to stop for food, rest breaks, phone calls or other business.
• Adjust your seat, mirrors and climate controls before putting the car in gear.
• Pull over to eat or drink. It takes only a few minutes.

Practice safety

• Secure cargo that may move around while the vehicle is in motion.
• Don’t attempt to retrieve items that fall to the floor.
• Have items needed within easy reach – such as toll fees, toll cards and garage passes.
• Always wear your seat belt and drive sober and drug-free.

Pull over and take breaks every couple of hours, even if you don’t feel sleepy. If you can, share the driving responsibilities with someone else. This will allow you to keep an eye on each other while driving and also enable you to nap without losing time. If you’re driving alone, turn on the radio or put on some music, and keep your window cracked open.

Before setting off on a long car trip, be sure your vehicle is in prime condition — that tires are properly inflated, all fluids are at their proper levels and you have a full tank of gas.

Your driver's license may not be valid in all other foreign countries. Driving in foreign country doesn't always require getting an international driver's license - but in many cases it helps, especially in countries where English may not be understood well. There are no classes or exams involved, but you must already have your own driving license or permit.

Since the international driving permit is not a license to drive in itself, you will need to carry your own, domestic driver's license wherever you go. Not all rental car companies will ask for your IDP, but you should never be caught on a foreign road without an international driver’s license.

When you drive under the influence, you are not only endangering yourself and anyone in the vehicle with you, you are also putting everyone on the road around you in danger. By driving under the influence not only are you risking your life and the lives of those around you, you are also running the risk of some serious penalties for first time offenders.

• You could go to jail.
• Your car can be impounded.
• Your driver’s license can be revoked.
• You may have to do community service.
• A judge could make you attend substance abuse classes at your own expense.
• The monetary cost of a DUI conviction can cost thousands of dollars in fines and legal expenses.

More driving safety tips from Nationwide

• Don't allow children to fight or climb around in your car – they should be buckled in their seats at all times. Too much noise can easily distract you from focus on the road.
• Avoid driving when you're tired. Be aware that some medications cause drowsiness and make operating a vehicle very dangerous. Learn more about drowsy driving.
• Always use caution when changing lanes. Cutting in front of someone, changing lanes too fast or not using your signals may cause an accident or upset other drivers.
• Be extra careful while driving during deer season..

Start SMART

Before starting your vehicle, go over the following SMART checklist.

• S – Seatbelt on, seat adjusted
• M – Mirrors adjusted and clean
• A – Air and heat controls set
• R – Radio set
• T – Thoroughly check your surroundings

Spell the Word STOP When stopping, spell out the word stop, S-T-O-P. Before proceeding remember to also turn your head both ways to look for oncoming traffic. Be sure that you always turn your head to look left, then right, straight ahead, and then left once again before proceeding.

What to do when pulled over

If you do have to pull over, move your vehicle off the road. Never park on the shoulder or in the breakdown lane for any reason except an emergency.If you notice that a police car is following you with the lights flashing, pull over to the side of the road safely and quickly. Wait inside your car for the officer to approach.

This last tip should go without saying, but it’s important enough that we’ll say it anyway: Make sure everyone in the car buckles his or her seatbelt. Not only will it keep you safe, but in most places it’s also the law.