Essentials of Safe Driving
Avoid distracted driving.
According to a recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study, more than 80% of all vehicle crashes involve some type of distraction.
Distractions include:
- talking or texting on a phone
- eating and drinking
- talking to other passengers in a vehicle
- adjusting the stereo, entertainment or navigation system
- any other activity that diverts attention from the task of safe driving
Learn more about distracted driving from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Not only is texting while driving dangerous, it is also illegal in Georgia.
Learn more about Georgia’s Hands-Free Law from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
Be aware of traffic patterns and trends.
The greatest traffic congestion on campus occurs during class change periods. Drivers can help ease this congestion by avoiding traveling during these times.
While driving can be more convenient in some ways, utilizing the UGA buses and Athens-Clarke County Transit can help reduce overall congestion on campus and can even make for a smoother, less stressful commute.
Watch our for fellow commuters and road users.
UGA is a busy campus with pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and bus riders. Keep an eye out for all different types of commuters as you navigate campus.
Watch the video below for helpful tips on navigating the roads alongside e-scooter and micromobility users.
Safety Tips for Motorcycles & Mopeds
- Read the owner’s manual before operating your motorcycle or moped.
- Wear the appropriate safety equipment as required by law.
- Helmets must be worn properly and appropriate for the vehicle type (bicycle helmets are not good enough).
- Eye protection or windshields are required when operating a motorcycle.
- Shift your transmission to neutral before starting your motorcycle or moped.
- Allow your engine to run slowly for several minutes so the oil reaches all the surfaces it needs to lubricate.
- When filling your fuel tank, do so slowly and do not overfill.
View more information on Georgia’s motorcycle and moped laws.
Vehicle Maintenance
Maintaining your car, truck, motorcycle, or moped is a key factor in preventing traffic accidents.
Automobiles
Check out the following videos for instructions on how to perform some basic checks on your car or truck.
How to Check Your Tire Pressure
How to Check Your Oil
Motorcycles & Mopeds
Check your vehicle every time before riding
Perform the TCLOCK Inspection:
- Tires
- Controls
- Lights
- Oils and Fluids
- Chassis and Chains
- Kickstand
Need a second opinion?
Transportation and Parking Services hosts Operation Safe Drive every fall semester. All students, faculty, and staff are invited to have their vehicle inspected for free during the event.
Mechanics from TPS will top off fluids, check belts and wiper blades, pressurize tires, and conduct a visual inspection of vehicles – all at no cost.
Driver FAQs
What is distracted driving?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving is “any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.”
What is Georgia’s Hands-Free Law?
The Hands-Free Georgia Act established numerous rules and regulations regarding the use of cellphones while driving, including the following:
- Drivers cannot have a phone in their hand or touching any part of their body while talking on their phone while driving.
- Even with hands-free technology, drivers cannot write, read or send text messages, e-mails, social media content and other internet data while on the road.
Learn more about this law at www.gahighwaysafety.org/hands-free-law.
Do I need a vehicle to navigate campus?
A vehicle is not necessary to get around campus!
Both UGA Transit and Athens-Clarke County Transit operate multiple bus routes that travel between the UGA campus and common off-campus destinations. These buses can also get you where you need to go practically anywhere on campus!
Campus is also highly walkable, with walking paths to get you anywhere you need to go, and ample time between classes to get there. Walking is often a quicker commuting option than you think!
Does UGA offer free parking?
There is no free parking on the main UGA campus or the Health Sciences Campus during weekday operating hours. All areas require a permit or a pass to park.
Visitors and those with no permit may pay to park in a visitor deck or ParkMobile lot. Some areas are not enforced during evenings, nights, and weekends. Learn more about enforcement hours here.
How do I request a parking permit?
Visit tps.uga.edu/permits/registration to learn how to request a parking permit.