How to Drive Defensively

driving car

You can reduce your risk of being involved in a crash by becoming a defensive drive and taking a Safer Drivers Course.

Distracted driving, which is driving while distracted or inattentive, is becoming more common as more people multitask by texting, checking their messages or eating while they drive. You can improve your defensive driving skills to avoid being a victim of bad driving. 

You’ve probably seen people driving on the roads. Drivers can follow too closely, weaving in and out of traffic or making sudden turns without signalling.

Skills that put you in control

Here are some tips to keep you in control before you take the wheel of your two-ton steel and glass frame.

You must think about the road conditions, your speed, position, traffic laws, signs, and signals, following directions, being aware and attentive of the cars around you and checking your mirrors. Safe driving requires that you remain focused on driving and only driving.

Distractions like eating or talking on the phone can make it harder for drivers to spot potential problems and respond appropriately to them.

Being awake and alert allows you to quickly react to potential problems, such as when the driver in front of you suddenly slams on the brakes. Alcohol and drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, can affect the driver’s judgment and reaction time. Be alert.

If a car speeds by you on the highway, but there isn’t much space between it and a slow-moving truck, it’s almost certain that the driver will pull into your lane in front of you.

Eight secrets to super driving

You drive defensively because you are aware of what is happening and you are ready to respond. You’re alert, but also ready to act and not leave your fate up to other drivers. 

These defensive driving tips will help you reduce your risk behind a wheel.

  1. Safety first. You will be better equipped to handle other people’s bad driving habits. To protect yourself from being thrown out of the car by a collision, lock your doors and buckle your seatbelt.
  2. Pay attention to your surroundings. If you are concerned about a driver’s driving, turn right or take the next exit. Always be aware of your surroundings Keep your eyes open.
  3. Be prepared to react if drivers run through stop signs or red lights. You should plan your movements in anticipation of the worst-case scenario. Don’t depend on other drivers.
  4. Use the 3-to-4 second rule. For bad weather conditions, you should increase your following distance by one second for rain, fog, nighttime driving or following large trucks or motorcycles. The 3-to-4 second rule will allow you to establish and maintain a safe following distance. This rule is only applicable to normal traffic in good weather conditions.
  5. Maintain a slow speed, driving at higher speeds makes it more difficult to control your vehicle if something goes wrong. You must control your speed to maintain control over your vehicle.
  6. Always have an escape route. It is important to place your vehicle so that you are seen and are able to see it in all situations. It is important to have an alternative route of travel. If your immediate path is blocked, you should always be able to get your vehicle somewhere else.
  7. Manage multiple risks separately. You want to avoid dealing with too many risks simultaneously.
  8. Avoid distractions. Distractions are any activity that distracts you from driving. Driving requires your full attention. So, keep your eyes on the road.

 

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