Whether you're commuting to work, taking the family on a road trip, or simply running errands around town, safe driving should always come first.
At Missouri Title Loans, Inc., we understand that road safety doesn't just protect you and your passengers. Avoiding accidents can also help you avoid unexpected expenses like vehicle repairs, medical bills, insurance deductibles, towing costs, or missed work.
If you're wondering how to enjoy driving while staying safer behind the wheel, a few good habits can make a big difference.
From keeping distractions away to adjusting your speed for Missouri weather, here are seven practical tips that can help make your time on the road safer and more enjoyable.
7 Tips To Make Driving Safe And Enjoyable In 2024
1.) Stay Focused on the Road
It's easy for your mind to wander when you're driving, especially during a long commute or road trip.
But safe driving requires your full attention.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines distracted driving as anything that takes your attention away from driving, including:
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Eating
- Adjusting your navigation system
- Changing music
- Talking with passengers
- Reaching for something inside the vehicle
NHTSA reported that distracted-driving crashes killed 3,208 people in 2024.
Before you start driving:
- Set your navigation.
- Choose your music.
- Secure anything that could move around.
- Put your phone somewhere you won't be tempted to grab it.
If you need to deal with something that requires your attention, find a safe place to pull over first.
Staying focused can make driving both safer and less stressful.
2.) Slow Down When Conditions Change
You don't always need to drive at the posted speed limit. The speed limit represents the maximum speed under appropriate conditions, not necessarily the safest speed during rain, snow, ice, heavy traffic, construction, or poor visibility.
NHTSA warns that driving too fast for conditions can be dangerous even when you're technically traveling at or below the posted speed limit.
Missouri drivers should be especially prepared for changing weather.
During winter conditions, the Missouri State Highway Patrol recommends slowing down and increasing your following distance to five seconds or more when roads are covered with snow or ice.
Give yourself extra time when:
- Roads are wet
- Snow or ice is present
- Visibility is poor
- You're driving at night
- Traffic is heavy
- You're traveling through construction
Leaving a few minutes earlier can help you avoid feeling like you need to rush.
3.) Pay Attention to Road Signs and Markings
Road markings are there for a reason, and although it’s easy to get distracted by other things, such as passengers, the radio, or even other drivers in the cars around you, it’s essential to keep your eyes on the road markings as much as possible. They give you information about what’s coming up and how to behave safely on the road.
4.) Put Your Phone Away
Your phone can wait.
Missouri's Siddens Bening Hands Free Law prohibits drivers from physically holding or supporting an electronic communication device while operating a vehicle on roads open to public traffic. It also restricts activities such as manually texting, emailing, entering information into apps, watching videos, and making handheld calls while driving. Hands-free functions are permitted under the law.
Instead of trying to use your phone behind the wheel:
- Activate Do Not Disturb While Driving.
- Use hands-free navigation.
- Let a passenger handle messages.
- Put your phone out of reach.
- Pull over and park if you need to use it manually.
NHTSA notes that reading or sending a text can take your eyes off the road for about five seconds. At 55 mph, that's comparable to traveling the length of a football field without watching the road.
No message is worth that risk.
5.) Don't Drive When You're Too Tired
Driving tired can be more dangerous than many people realize.
Drowsiness can reduce:
- Reaction time
- Attention
- Judgment
- Awareness
NHTSA says getting adequate sleep is the best way to protect yourself from drowsy driving. It also notes that drowsy-driving crashes occur particularly often between midnight and 6 a.m. and during the late afternoon.
If you're struggling to keep your eyes open, drifting between lanes, or repeatedly hitting rumble strips, don't try to push through.
Find a safe place to stop and rest.
Coffee may temporarily improve alertness, but NHTSA warns that caffeine isn't a substitute for adequate sleep.
6.) Use Your Headlights When Visibility Is Poor
Your lights aren’t just there to help you see; they also make you more visible to other road users. Many modern cars always have the lights on, but if your vehicle doesn’t, you should turn them on pre-emptively when visibility is poor.
7.) Predict, Don’t React
Always look at what’s coming up ahead so you can respond in plenty of time. This lets you brake more gently or move over if your lane is obstructed.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident?
Even when you follow every safe-driving tip, you can't control every situation on the road.
If you're involved in an accident, prioritize safety first.
Depending on the circumstances:
- Move to a safe place if possible.
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
- Contact emergency services when necessary.
- Exchange applicable information with the other driver.
- Document vehicle damage when it's safe to do so.
- Contact your insurance company.
- Keep records of accident-related expenses.
Don't make major financial decisions while you're still dealing with the immediate stress of the accident.
Once everyone is safe, you can begin figuring out what expenses you're responsible for.
How Can a Car Accident Affect Your Finances?
An accident can create costs beyond the initial vehicle damage.
Depending on your circumstances, you could face:
- Insurance deductibles
- Vehicle repairs
- Towing
- Rental transportation
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Replacement transportation
- Other unexpected expenses
Insurance may cover some expenses depending on your policy and the circumstances of the accident.
Before borrowing money, determine:
- What insurance will cover
- What you actually owe
- When the payment is due
- Whether a payment plan is available
- What emergency savings you have
That gives you a clearer picture of the actual financial gap.
What If You Need Emergency Cash After an Accident?
If your insurance and savings don't cover everything, there may still be options.
Before considering emergency loans, you might look into:
- Insurance coverage
- Emergency savings
- Medical payment plans
- Repair-shop payment arrangements
- Another repair estimate
- Assistance from family
- Other potentially lower-cost financing
Borrowing introduces a new repayment obligation, so it shouldn't automatically be the first response to an accident.
If you've reviewed those possibilities and still need financing, Missouri Title Loans, Inc. currently offers two products that qualified Missouri residents may compare:
- Title loans up to $15,000*
- Signature installment loans up to $1,500*
The two loans work differently.
How Do Missouri Title Loans Work?
A title loan allows you to borrow money using your paid-off vehicle as collateral. To apply, you typically need:
- A lien-free vehicle title in your name
- Your vehicle available for inspection
- State-issued identification
Eligible borrowers may access up to $15,000, depending on vehicle value and qualifications.
How Do Missouri Installment Loans Work?
An installment loan may be a better fit if you prefer predictable monthly payments. Requirements usually include:
- Proof of income
- A checking account in your name
- Valid state-issued ID
Loan amounts can reach up to $1,500, depending on eligibility.
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Suppose you’ve enjoyed our top tips for a safe driving experience. In that case, you might consider taking out a title or installment loan from Missouri Title Loans Inc. We offer both options to customers, and they can give you fast access to cash.
Driving safely is the best way to minimize your risk of getting into a bad accident, and this will help to keep your insurance premiums down, stop you from needing costly car repairs, and more – so bear all of these tips in mind as you move into the new year. You can keep yourself and everybody else safe on the roads by being careful when you drive.
If you have had an accident or some other problem and need to borrow money to deal with the issue, one of our loans could help you, depending on your circumstances. You can find out more about your options by filling out our form and chatting with one of our helpful agents today; they’ll be able to answer any questions you might have.
Frequently Asked Questions About Safe Driving in Missouri
What are the most important safe driving tips?
Stay focused, obey speed limits, adjust your speed for road conditions, avoid driving tired, keep your phone away, use your lights when visibility is poor, and anticipate what other road users may do.
How can I enjoy driving more?
Give yourself enough travel time, plan your route before leaving, keep your vehicle comfortable and maintained, reduce distractions, and stop for breaks during longer trips.
What are emergency loans?
“Emergency loan” is a general term for borrowing used to handle an urgent expense. Missouri Title Loans, Inc. currently offers title loans and signature installment loans that qualified borrowers may consider for unexpected expenses.
How much can I get with a Missouri title loan?
Qualified borrowers may receive up to $15,000*, subject to vehicle evaluation and approval.
What do I need for a title loan?
Current core required items are a driver's license or state-issued ID, a lien-free vehicle title, and the vehicle for inspection.
How much can I get with an installment loan?
Missouri Title Loans, Inc. currently offers qualified borrowers signature installment loans of up to $1,500*.
Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.
