Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front. Always lock your doors and wear your seatbelt to protect you from being thrown from the car in a crash. Be aware of your surroundings — pay attention. Check your mirrors frequently and scan conditions 20 to 30 seconds ahead of you.
Pay Attention To Your Surroundings – Check your mirrors, keep your eyes moving constantly, be aware of slowing cars or brake lights ahead, avoid road hazards, and pay attention to weather-related conditions which could impend safe driving.
Defensive driving techniques reduce the likelihood of a collision or incident and can even save costs related to vehicle maintenance and fuel consumption, by driving smoothly and steadily.
The key to any good defensive driving strategy is knowing how to avoid traffic crashes and recognize potential hazards before it's too late. That's why defensive driving courses tend to present a lot of information on crash prevention techniques.
Although there are many specific techniques involved in professional and defensive driving, I would like to explain three key concepts that I believe are cornerstones to this skillset: 1) preventability versus fault, 2) following distance, and 3) detachment from other drivers.
Speeding, making quick lane changes, and rushing through yellow lights are behaviors of aggressive drivers, which by nature, aren't driving defensively. Obey the traffic laws in your area and not only will you be less likely to have a car accident, the streets will be safer for pedestrians in your community.
You might experience driving anxiety if you've recently been in an accident or if you worry about getting into a fatal accident. Some people have anxiety while driving due to generally being a nervous person. When this is the case, they can eliminate triggers, things in their life that are making their anxiety worse.
Take it slow in rain or snow.
The rule of thumb is to slow down by a third in the rain, and by at least half in the snow. Reduce speed more if ice may be present.
Abstract. The so-called 'fatal five' behaviours (drink and drug driving, distraction and inattention, speeding, fatigue, and failure to wear a seat belt) are known to be the major behavioural contributory factors to road trauma. However, little is known about the factors that lead to drivers engaging in each behaviour.
Another commonly used following distance rule is to leave about one second of space per 10mph of following distance. This would mean three seconds of following distance at 30mph, six seconds at 60mph, and so on. Faster speeds mean drivers should leave greater following distances.
Tips for defensive driving:
Plan ahead for the unexpected. Be able to control the speed. Be prepared to react to other drivers. Do not expect the other driver to do what you think he or she should do.
Defensive driving is the safest way to drive and can help people to avoid involvement in accidents. By contrast, offensive driving is when drivers drive aggressively.
The driving manual says the average driver's reaction time is . 75 seconds ... or 1 car length for every 10 mph. Test your average reaction time. Be very careful ...
Use Your Turn Signals
Part of being predictable is making your intent known to other drivers. Signal well in advance of lane changes. When you stop at an intersection, leave your turn signal on if you plan to turn. This allows the drivers around you to take your intentions into account when the traffic light changes.
And while defensive driving is perhaps the best response, most experts would say attitude is the most important. Your attitude dictates how well or how safe you'll drive behind the wheel. If you have a good attitude and a clear mind, you're much less likely to drive erratically or put yourself in high-risk situations.
The most important ability for safe driving is good decision making. Good decision making will help you avoid accidents, tickets, and other sticky situations.