4. Don’t Just Drive the Speed Limit — Drive the Situation
A lot of people think “speeding” only means going well over the posted limit. But one of the most common mistakes on the road is driving at a speed that is technically legal and still too fast for what is happening around you.
That could mean rain, poor visibility, heavy traffic, a sharp bend, a school zone, or a road full of people pulling in and out. NHTSA specifically notes that speed can still be unsafe even when you are within the posted limit if conditions are poor. Higher speeds also mean less control, longer stopping distances, and more severe crashes. The best drivers are not just reacting to the sign on the road. They are reading the road itself.
And honestly, that one shift in mindset can save you from a lot of stupid mistakes.