Defensive driving is the key to avoiding crashes and lowering your risk behind the wheel, and it is all about expecting the unexpected. To help you all become defensive drivers, we’ve gathered some of the best safe driving tips from around the web so you can avoid car accidents. To drive defensively you should heed the following:
1.) Plan Ahead
According to Geico, defensive driving starts before you even leave home. Check weather conditions before you go out, so you don’t get stuck in a rainstorm or slide around icy roads.
Give yourself enough time to make your commute and other important trips, so you’re not rushing.
Be aware of traffic and construction zones, so you have plenty of time to navigate road hazards safely.
2.) Stay Focused
Driving doesn’t take much physical strength, but it takes a lot of mental energy. When you are behind the wheel, focus on driving. Avoid distractions – like cell phones, food, cosmetics, and even deep conversations – and keep your mind on:
- Road and traffic conditions
- Your speed
- Where you are in the roadway
- Stop signs and traffic lights
- The cars around you
- Checking your mirror
- Obeying traffic laws
- Keeping a safe following distance
To drive defensively you should always be watching the road, observing the car in front of you, or scanning your surroundings. NEVER look down to send a text message and do not take your hands off the wheel or your mind off the road for any reason.
If you need to take a call, adjust the stereo, or complete any other task that takes your focus off driving, pull over or wait until you are stopped and away from other vehicles.
3.) Don’t Drive Drowsy or Drunk
You cannot focus on driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, so don’t do it. ALWAYS drive sober.
Getting enough rest is just as important. Drunk or drowsy driving does not allow you to react quickly to potential hazards, like someone slamming on their brakes. Never get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs – even prescription drugs – and get plenty of rest before long drives.
If you ever feel sleepy behind the wheel, pull over for a coffee, a walk, and even a quick nap. If you’re really tired, you may want to spend the night in a motel before continuing your journey.
4.) Watch Out for Other Drivers
Planning your route, focusing on the road, and staying alert are 3 important steps, but you also need to watch out for other drivers. Assume that other drivers are not focusing on safety and try to anticipate their actions. For example, if you notice someone weaving in and out of traffic, assume that they will try to cut in front of you and give them extra space.
Scanning can be a great way to keep an eye out for other drivers. Always know what the conditions are 20 to 30 seconds in front of you, check your mirrors regularly, and watch for pedestrians, bicyclists, and animals along the side of the road (and in your peripheral vision).
5.) Anticipate the Worst-Case Scenario
One of the biggest keys to defensive driving is assuming the worst. When you are behind the wheel, assume you are the only person looking out for you and your passengers. Be courteous of other drivers whenever possible but anticipate the worst-case scenario in every interaction. If you see a driver approaching a stop sign, for instance, assume that they will run the stop sign and wait until they stop to proceed. If you see someone signaling, assume they do not see you and give them extra space. Always enter intersections slowly with the assumption that other drivers run red lights.
If you see a driver whose behavior worries you, slow down and stay out of their way or give them plenty of space to pass you. If you fear for your safety, turn right or take the next exit as soon as it is safe and consider reporting the behavior to your local police station.
Whenever possible, drive near the shoulder so you can pull off the road safely in case of an emergency.
6.) Keep Your Cool
Other people can be frustrating, especially when they are not prioritizing safety. Unfortunately, you cannot control other people’s actions, but you can protect yourself. Always put safety first and do not engage with aggressive drivers or fall prey to aggressive driving behaviors yourself.
Avoid speeding, tailgating, punishing other drivers with your brakes or bright lights, and never prevent another driver from changing lanes.
Put safety ahead of your emotions to reduce your risk of car accidents.
7.) Have an Escape Route
Keep in mind that you may have to brake abruptly, change lanes, or avoid an accident at a moment’s notice. Try to keep a “cushion” of space around your vehicle, so you can pull over, switch lanes, or change your route in an emergency.
Keep 3 to 4 seconds of distance between you and the car in front of you and let the rear driver pass if you are being tailgated. When driving near large trucks, motorcycles, or in bad weather, give yourself even more space.
8.) Always Wear Your Seatbelt
Your seatbelt is your best defense against drunk, distracted, aggressive, and otherwise unsafe drivers. Buckle up for every drive – no matter how far the drive is or how fast you are going.
If the worst happens, and you do get in an accident, wearing a seatbelt can keep you inside the vehicle and save your life.
9.) Keep Up With Maintenance
Making sure your car is in top shape is another defensive driving tip. Keep up with regular maintenance, check the oil and coolant levels, and make sure tires are properly inflated. Check fluids, brake pads, headlights, tires, and the exhaust regularly for signs of wear or problems.
Also, be sure to keep a toolkit in your vehicle with items like jumper cables and spare parts – just in case you ever encounter a problem while on the road.
These defensive driving tips will not guarantee your safety on the road, but they can help you stay alert and aware of potential hazards. As a defensive driver, you are always in control of the situation and responsible for your own actions. So, use these defensive driving tips to keep yourself and others safe while behind the wheel.
Your seatbelt is your best defense against drunk, distracted, aggressive, and otherwise unsafe drivers. Buckle up for every drive – no matter how far the drive is or how fast you are going.
If the worst happens, and you do get in an accident, wearing a seatbelt can keep you inside the vehicle and save your life.
10.) Check Vehicle Recalls
Are there any outstanding recalls on your vehicle? If so, be sure to get the necessary repairs done right away. You can check for recall notices on your vehicle’s make and model online or by calling or visiting your local dealership.
Knowing what recalls are in effect will help you stay ahead of any potential problems and ensure that your car is safe to drive.
Defensive Driving is Safe Driving
Learning defensive driving habits is essential to maintaining the safety of yourself and others on the road. After all, you are driving defensively when you’re paying close attention to your surroundings on the road, not switching lanes within signaling, and maintaining a safe distance from other drivers. when you’re learning how to drive defensively, remember that one of the top causes of car accidents is distracted driving. By paying close attention to the road & cars around you – the chances of an accident lessen.
Bonus Tip: Know Who to Call in Case of An Accident
Defensive driving can help you prevent the majority of accidents, but sometimes, there is nothing you can do to avoid a crash.
If another driver hits you, call the police (or 911 if there are any serious injuries), then your doctor (or the nearest hospital), then your attorney. You can call your insurance company, as well, but keep in mind that your adjuster may not have your best interest at heart and always speak to an attorney before signing anything from your insurer or making a recorded statement.
Should your car accident occur in or around Marietta, make Reed Leeper, P.C. the attorney you call. Our team has more than 150 years of combined professional experience and offers free consultations to help you explore your rights and legal options.
