Make the promise to drive safely. Take the Drive With Care Safety Pledge

A safer road starts with one decision

Every trip begins with a choice. We choose whether to look at the road or look at a phone. We choose whether to slow down or speed through. We choose whether to speak up or stay silent when something feels unsafe.

Most of the time, driving feels routine. But one unsafe moment can change a life, a family and a future. The Drive With Care Safety Pledge is a simple promise to make safer choices on the road. It is for drivers, passengers, parents, students, employers, pedestrians, cyclists and everyone who believes that every life on the road matters.

When you take this pledge, you are not just checking a box. You are making a public commitment to protect yourself, the people you love and the people you may never meet.

Why this pledge matters

Road safety is not only about laws, tickets or signs. It is about human behavior. Many accidents happen because of choices that feel small in the moment, such as reading one message, driving a little too fast, getting behind the wheel while tired, relying too much on driving technology, riding with someone who should not be driving, or staying quiet when a driver is taking risks.

Those choices can have consequences that last for years. A crash can lead to traumatic brain injury, memory loss, emotional trauma, anxiety, grief, disability, financial hardship and deep disruption for families. But safer choices can also spread. When one person puts the phone away, others notice. When one passenger speaks up, a risky drive can change. When one family talks openly about safe driving, a young driver may think twice before taking a chance.

This pledge is about turning awareness into action.

I pledge to be the kind of person who drives with care

I understand that my actions on the road affect more than me. I pledge to be alert, patient and responsible every time I drive, ride, walk or travel. I will not treat safety as something to think about only after something goes wrong. I will remember that every person on the road is someone’s child, parent, friend, neighbor, coworker or loved one. I will make safety part of who I am, not just something I do when it is convenient.

I pledge to put my phone away before I drive

I will not text, scroll, post, record, watch videos or use my phone in a way that takes my attention away from the road. Before I drive, I will set my navigation, music and messages so I can focus on driving. If something needs my attention, I will pull over safely. No message is worth a life. No notification is worth a crash. No moment online is more important than getting home safely.

I pledge to slow down and stay in control

I will follow speed limits and adjust my speed for weather, traffic, school zones, construction areas, pedestrians, cyclists and road conditions. I will not let anger, stress, impatience or being late push me into unsafe driving. Speed can turn a close call into a tragedy. A few minutes saved are not worth the risk of injuring myself or someone else.

I pledge to never drive impaired

I will not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or anything that affects my judgment, reaction time or awareness. I will plan ahead, arrange a safe ride, call someone I trust or stay where I am. I will also speak up if someone else is about to drive impaired. Caring about someone means not letting them take a risk that could harm themselves or others.

I pledge to take drowsy driving seriously

I will not ignore exhaustion behind the wheel. If I am too tired to focus, I will rest, switch drivers, delay the trip or find another safe way to get where I need to go. Being tired can slow reaction time and cloud judgment. I will not pretend I am fine when my body and mind need rest.

I pledge to buckle up every time

I will wear my seat belt on every trip, in every seat. I will ask passengers to buckle up before the vehicle moves. A seat belt is one of the simplest ways to protect a life. I will not make excuses for skipping it, even on short trips.

I pledge to use assisted driving technology responsibly

If I use assisted driving features, driver assistance systems or any autopilot style functions, I will remember that technology does not replace responsibility. I will follow all traffic laws, vehicle instructions, safety requirements and best practices for using those features. I will stay alert, keep my attention on the road and remain ready to take control when needed. I will not use assisted driving technology as an excuse to text, look away, become distracted, ignore road conditions or assume the vehicle can handle every situation.

Safety technology can help, but I am still responsible for making safe decisions.

I pledge to protect my passengers

When I drive, I am responsible for the people riding with me. I will not show off, speed, drive aggressively or take risks to impress others. I will not allow distractions in the car to pull my focus from the road. The people in my vehicle trust me. I will honor that trust.

I pledge to speak up as a passenger

As a passenger, I also have a role in road safety. I will not distract the driver or pressure them to speed, use a phone, drive impaired, ignore traffic laws or take unsafe risks. If I notice something unsafe, I will be an advocate for safety. I will respectfully remind the driver to slow down, put the phone away, stay focused, buckle up, rest if tired, avoid impaired driving or use assisted driving features responsibly. Speaking up can feel uncomfortable. But silence can be dangerous. I would rather have an awkward moment than live with regret. A caring passenger can help prevent a dangerous decision.

I pledge to respect everyone who shares the road

I will watch for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, children, older adults, people with disabilities, road workers, emergency responders and other drivers. I will give people space, time and respect. Not everyone on the road has the same protection. I will drive in a way that recognizes the vulnerability of others.

I pledge to choose care over risk

I know that serious crashes can leave visible and invisible injuries. Some people live with pain, memory loss, brain fog, anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, loss of independence and changes to daily life long after an accident. I will not wait for tragedy to remind me that road safety matters. I will choose care now.

My Drive With Care Safety Pledge

I pledge to drive with care.

I pledge to stay focused.
I pledge to slow down.
I pledge to drive sober.
I pledge to rest when I am tired.
I pledge to buckle up.
I pledge to use assisted driving technology responsibly.
I pledge to protect my passengers.
I pledge to speak up as a passenger when something feels unsafe.
I pledge to respect every life on the road.

I make this pledge for myself, my family, my passengers, my community and every person I share the road with. Because every safe choice matters. Because one responsible decision can prevent a lifetime of harm. Because safer roads start with people like me.