Defensive driving techniques and strategies are important for all drivers to learn, understand and implement while behind the wheel. It doesn’t matter if you are a brand new driver or a seasoned veteran of the road, driving defensively is a must.
- Always Expect The Unexpected: While driving you must always expect that other drivers will make mistakes. Other drivers are the biggest potential road hazard there is. When driving you always want to anticipate sudden lane changes, drivers running red lights and through stop signs, or even vehicles entering the road from an intersection or driveway.
- Maintain A Safe Following Distance: A good rule of thumb to use while driving is what’s called the 3-second rule. When the car ahead of you passes a fixed object (like a sign or tree), start counting “one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three.” If you pass the same object before you finish counting, you’re following too closely.
- Make Sure To Leave Plenty Of Space Around Your Vehicle: Keep a ‘cushion’ of space around your vehicle, this includes the sides of your vehicle, not just the front. This will make sure that you always have time to react to any unexpected situations.
- Use Your Mirrors: Utilize your rearview mirrors at all times to make sure you know what is behind you and around you.
- Proper Turn Signal Usage: Make sure to use your turn signals in advance, don’t wait until you are just about to turn, to turn your blinker on. This will give other drivers a fair warning of when you are turning.
- Avoid Distractions While Driving: Don’t eat, drink or use a cell phone while driving. This takes your focus off of the road. Just a few seconds of not watching the road can have grave consequences.
- Drive For The Road Conditions: Always make sure that you are adjusting your speed to accommodate poor road conditions or weather. This is also true when driving in unfamiliar areas.
- Be A Polite Driver: Don’t drive aggressively, never tailgate another vehicle, cut people off or make rude gestures towards other drivers. This can cause road rage to take place and road rage can turn dangerous and violent at times.
- Understand Your Limitations: Never get behind the wheel when you are tired or fatigued and especially if you have been drinking alcohol or using drugs.
- Attend A Defensive Driving Course: A defensive driving course is a great way to learn and understand a ton of various defensive driving strategies. This will teach you valuable skills that can help you avoid accidents.
