No doubt, throughout your driving training, you've come across the term "defensive driving". Whether you attend an intensive driving school or take an online driving course, a good portion of your classes will cover the topic. This isn't on how to defend yourself from getting a traffic ticket or speeding ticket; defensive driving is a concept that will save your life. Car accidents are the opposite of comedy, and defensive driving is the best course of action to avoid them. Defensive driving is an essential part of anyone's driving training. Above all, it is a mindset that vehicle drivers should have when they take to the road. In a nutshell, defensive driving is all about guaranteeing that you'll have a safe drive, and that most risks are taken care of.
A Watchful Eye
Practicing defensive driving means you maintain constant vigilance as you drive. You're always on the lookout for any obstacles or potential problems on the road. You're aware of the different potholes, roadblocks, and humps in your path. You're conscious of your surroundings, noticing things and people that may wander onto the road. You're alert enough to know how and when to react should a potential problem arise. With vigilance, a good defensive driver develops a sort of sixth sense on how to avoid accidents.
Playing by the Rules
Defensive driving also means knowing and following the traffic rules you learn in driver training. It's pretty easy to give in to impatience or road rage when it comes to driving, but a good defensive driver knows how to keep the rules in mind and control his emotions. The rules are there for a reason - they reduce the risk for accidents on the road. Whatever happens, following the rules will keep you, and everyone else in the car, safe.
General Guidelines
Here are a few of the basic principles of defensive driving:
- Keep your attention focused on driving.
- Don't drive when you're tired, sleepy, or inebriated.
- Keep a safe distance between your car and the car in front of you.
- Never assume that other drivers practice defensive driving; always be prepared to react to any hazardous driving.
- While keeping your eyes on the road is a good thing, so is keeping an eye on the immediate roadside.
- Remember to slow down, especially at night or in bad weather.
- Your car's mirrors are your third, fourth, and fifth eyes - use them well.
If you follow these basic guidelines of defensive driving, you'll greatly reduce the risk of becoming another statistic. It will also help to remember that most driving accidents happen to those who are overconfident about their driving skills. Because of this, it's a good idea to remain humble about your ability. Drive like you're still the accident-prone student you were back in driver training, and defensive driving will come naturally. With these principles in mind, you'll be saving your life, as well as the lives of every passenger in your car.
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