Defensive driving is among the most beneficial skill every driver should learn. As a defensive driver, your skills will help you focus better when driving and help you make mature decisions to avoid crashes. You can quickly become a defensive driver by enrolling in driving lessons. Driving ed instructors to train you on how to react to avoid dangers resulting from other road users not following the law.
Here are some defensive driving tips you can use to prevent accidents:
Maintain Focus When Driving
You might space out while driving when there is a long road ahead. You can be too invested in viewing breathtaking sites along your route that you forget you are driving. Maintaining focus is a beneficial defensive driving practice to help you avoid crashes.
Most drivers can get distracted by phone or electronic device use which is why the law bans them when driving. If you feel tired when behind the wheel, you must pull over and rest before resuming driving. Staying alert can help you escape avoidable accidents.
To improve your focus when driving, maintain the right posture whenever you get behind the wheel. Most drivers start getting too casual behind the wheel when they have to drive frequently. Slouching or using a single hand on your steering wheel can cause you to doze off or get distracted when driving.
Keep a Safe Distance
During your driver’s ed training, you will learn about the benefits of maintaining a safe distance. Keeping a reasonable space between you and the car in front of you allows some room for reaction to avert a collision.
If the car in front of you applies emergency brakes, you have a couple of seconds to react. Without a safe distance, you will likely bump into the vehicle, causing an accident.
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Note: You should leave more room than you usually do in specific driving conditions. Examples of such instances include traffic jams, poor road conditions, poor weather affecting traction and visibility, or when driving behind a large truck or bus that obstructs most of the space ahead.
Avoid Potential Road Rage Situations
A significant portion of vehicle crashes results from road rage. Drivers upset with each other can act recklessly and can cause collisions, so you should avoid road rage in all situations.
If you notice a driver might seem upset at your driving, you should slow down and let them drive away from you. Do not engage the driver or make eye contact even when you think you are in the right. Avoiding such situations can avoid crashes or reckless behavior that can cause property damage and jeopardize safety.
Anticipate Areas of Possible Risk
Scanning your surroundings for potential risk situations is a critical defensive driving technique. Looking out for dangers far ahead allows you time to plan for an action to tread past a risky situation safely.
Check the road for rocks or potholes that may affect your car’s condition or handling. You should look at fellow motorists and anticipate worst-case scenarios before they happen. If you are driving behind a truck carrying construction materials, sensing the risk allows you to maintain your distance, keeping you and your passengers safe.
Control Your Speed Per Current Conditions
Traffic laws recommend sticking to particular speeds on certain roads. You can drive slower than the pre-determined speed limits. If the current conditions are less than ideal, consider keeping your speed low.
Some conditions you should be wary of include:
- Snow
- Rain
- Fog and mist
- Time of the day (night driving)
High speeds in such conditions make controlling your car quite challenging. Keep your speed low to control your vehicle better.
Take Up Defensive Driving Lessons to Improve Safety Behind the Wheel
Becoming a defensive driver can help keep you and other road users safe while on the road. You can learn defensive driving by taking a course to sharpen your current driving skills and knowledge. Find the best defensive driving lessons to improve your ability to make safe decisions while behind the wheel.
