As a defensive motorist, you can avoid collisions and reduce your risk behind a wheel.
You’ve probably seen some drivers speed aggressively and some may drive in the wrong lane or ignore traffic signals. Drivers may be too close to the road, fail to signal, or weave in-between traffic lanes.
Aggressive drivers account for one-third of all traffic crashes. Distracted driving is more dangerous than ever because people are constantly distracted by their phones, texting, and checking messages.
You cannot control the actions and decisions of other drivers but you can avoid dangers from bad driving by improving your online drivers ed course.
Safer Drivers Course will teach you all the techniques that are required for safe driving.
Skills that Put You in Charge
Here are some tips for staying in control when you’re behind the wheel.
Stay focused. Driving is primarily an intellectual task. While you are behind the wheel, there are many things to think about: road conditions and speed, where you are, how fast you drive, signs, signals, and road markings, following directions, following road laws, following road markings, being aware, paying attention to the cars around, checking your mirrors… the list goes on. Safety driving is only possible if you are focused on driving.
Distractions like eating and talking on a cell phone make it less possible for drivers to see potential problems in real-time and are able to react appropriately. Teen drivers aren’t the only ones who are guilty. Older drivers can also become too confident about their driving abilities, resulting in a sloppy driving record. All drivers need reminding to stay focused.
Stay alert. Being alert (not sleeping or under the influences) allows you to react quickly to possible problems. When the driver in front hits the brakes suddenly, it can cause a collision. Drivers’ reaction time and judgment are affected by alcohol and drugs (including prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs). Driving while tired is another reason for crashes, so make sure to get enough sleep before you take off on your next road trip.
What’s your driving style?
You cannot control how others drive but you can control yourself by doing the following :
Secrets to Super Driving
Keep your eyes open for other drivers. You can stay in control by being more aware of other drivers around you and what they might do. If you are passing a car on the highway while there’s little space between you and a truck moving slowly in the opposite lane, you can be sure that they will try to pull in your lane. You can lower your risk by anticipating what a driver might do and making adjustments as necessary.
Driving Defensively
Driving defensively means that you are alert and prepared for everything. You are aware and prepared to react, not allowing other drivers to decide what your fate is.
These defensive driving tips can help to reduce your risk behind your wheel
Take safety first. Avoiding inattentive or aggressive driving behaviour will make it easier to deal with others’ bad driving. Allow plenty of space between the car in front and you. To prevent being thrown from your car in a crash, lock your doors.
Be aware and Pay attention. Use your mirrors to check conditions frequently. Keep your eyes open. If you notice aggressive driving in a vehicle, slow down or pull to the side. If you’re concerned that the driver is driving unsafely, it’s best to turn left or to the next exit. Pay attention to pedestrians, bicyclists, as well as pets.
Avoid relying on other drivers. Be respectful of others, but look out for your needs. Do not assume that another driver will merge with you or move out of the way. Drivers can run red lights or stop signs, so be ready to react. Make sure you plan your movements to avoid the worst-case scenario.
Use the 3- to 4-second rule. Since you are most likely to be in a collision with another vehicle, the 3-to-4-second rule will help to maintain a safe following distance. This will give you enough time to either break or accelerate if needed. This rule applies only to normal traffic, in good weather conditions. Reduce your following distance in bad weather by increasing it an additional second for every situation such as rain, fog, and following large trucks or motorcycles.