Road Safety: best practices for stress-free driving

A stress-free drive begins even before you start the engine.

A few minutes of preparation can help you avoid many distractions once you’re on the road.

Before you leave:

• program your GPS;
• check traffic conditions;
• identify any roadwork zones;
• allow plenty of time.
• take a quick look around the vehicle before leaving;
• switch your phone to “Driving” or “Do Not Disturb” mode;
• check that your electronic toll tag or payment method is working properly.

Reading a simple notification for just 2 seconds while traveling at 90 km/h is equivalent to driving nearly 50 meters without looking at the road.

To minimize distractions, a few habits can make all the difference: turn on “Driving” or “Do Not Disturb” mode before you set off, plan your route before hitting the road, and if you need to answer a call or check a message, pull over to a safe spot.

Distraction isn’t limited to taking your eyes off the road. It can also be manual (handling a phone or screen) or cognitive, when a conversation or mental workload diverts part of the driver’s attention.

Experienced drivers don’t just react to events—they anticipate them.

Looking far ahead allows you to:

• quickly identify traffic slowdowns;
• gradually adjust your speed and following distance;
• avoid sudden braking;
• make your driving smoother.

Anticipating traffic slowdowns and driving smoothly helps minimize sudden acceleration and braking. This approach improves safety, reduces stress while driving, minimizes vehicle wear and tear, and also helps control energy consumption.

In the rain, braking distance increases by up to 50%.

In heavy traffic, in the rain, or when the vehicle is loaded, increasing the distance from the vehicle ahead gives you more time to react and reduces the risk of a collision.

In the rain, traction decreases significantly. It is therefore recommended that you increase your following distance and adjust your speed to road conditions.

The phone isn’t the only culprit.

Other everyday actions regularly distract drivers:

• adjusting the GPS or checking the weather;
• handling a payment method or looking for a toll tag as you approach a toll booth;
• searching for an item inside the vehicle;
• adjusting the air conditioning or the radio;
• eating or drinking while driving;
• talking with passengers without staying focused on the traffic.

Taken individually, these actions seem harmless.
But when combined, they significantly reduce alertness and increase the risk of an accident.

Vehicle maintenance plays a direct role in safety. Underinflated tires increase braking distances, accelerate tire wear, and lead to excessive fuel consumption.

A few regular checks can help prevent unpleasant surprises:

• tire pressure;
• tire condition;
• lights;
• windshield wipers;
• fluid levels.

Beyond safety, a properly maintained vehicle also helps reduce fuel consumption, minimize breakdowns, and preserve the vehicle’s performance.

💡 Did you know?

• 29% of breakdowns on highways are related to engine problems caused by poor maintenance.
• 40% of drivers drive with improperly inflated tires.
• 80% wait until a problem arises before having their vehicle inspected.

Sources: L’Argus (2024 Automotive Breakdown Report), Allianz Partners / Mondial Assistance (2024 Preventive Maintenance Study), Michelin (Tire Pressure Study).

Fatigue doesn’t just make you drowsy. It gradually reduces your ability to analyze situations, slows your reaction time, and impairs your ability to anticipate what’s ahead. The early signs often go unnoticed: sudden braking, failing to signal, or difficulty maintaining a steady speed.

💡 Did you know?

After 17 hours of continuous wakefulness, our level of alertness is comparable to that of a person with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 g/L—the legal limit in France. To minimize the risk of drowsiness, it’s recommended to take a break every two hours and not hesitate to pull over for a 15- to 20-minute power nap at the first signs of fatigue.

Even without falling asleep, fatigue reduces:

• reflexes;
• concentration;
• the ability to anticipate.

On a long drive, it’s better to plan regular breaks rather than wait for the first signs of fatigue.

A well-rested driver remains more attentive to their surroundings and makes better decisions.

Road safety isn’t just about individual behavior. For companies, it’s part of a comprehensive prevention strategy aimed at protecting employees during business travel.

Even before hitting the road, certain equipment and good habits can help minimize distractions while driving and improve driving comfort:

📱Use a phone mount to keep the GPS in your field of vision;

🛣️ Check that your electronic toll tag is properly installed and working correctly;

💳 Have your payment method ready before reaching the toll booth;

🕶️ Use a sun visor or appropriate sunglasses in bright sunlight;

⚙️ Adjust your seat, mirrors, and air conditioning before departure;

💧 Keep a bottle of water within reach during long trips.

These measures provide a basic level of prevention, but they are not sufficient on their own. To make road safety a lasting part of the company’s practices, it is essential to implement a comprehensive road risk prevention plan based on several complementary strategies:

• road safety training on public roads, test tracks, or simulators;
• regular internal communication;
• e-learning and virtual classes to reinforce what has been learned;
• monitoring of accident rate metrics;
• ongoing support for drivers.

This approach enables companies to address three major challenges simultaneously:

• People: protecting employees and improving their safety;
• Planet: encouraging more responsible driving practices and reducing energy consumption;
• Profit: reducing costs related to accidents, fuel consumption, and vehicle wear and tear.

Safe driving isn’t based on a single reflex, but on a series of good habits.

Planning your route, minimizing distractions, anticipating traffic conditions, maintaining your vehicle, and staying alert throughout your trip are all simple steps that improve safety on a daily basis.

For businesses, these best practices also serve as a powerful driver of performance and can be integrated into a comprehensive eco-prevention strategy.

They help sustainably reduce accident rates, control operating costs, encourage employees to adopt more responsible behaviors, and meet the employer’s legal obligations regarding accident prevention.

About Actua Formation

As a partner of Fulli, Actua Formation supports companies in implementing road risk prevention plans, eco-driving training, and awareness campaigns tailored to their specific challenges. Through a comprehensive approach combining in-person training, e-learning, virtual classrooms, driving simulators, and on-site support, Actua Formation helps professionals reduce their accident rates, manage their energy consumption, and promote safer and more responsible mobility.

Discover Actua Formation