How Does One Become a Good Defensive Driver

Defensive driving teaches you how to avoid accidents by recognizing and taking care of problems before they happen. There are many ways in which a driver can practice safer driving habits. Following them could save your life.

Looking ahead while driving.

It’s a natural human instinct to look directly at the vehicle in front of us or right at the pavement lines. Look down the road. This means keep your eyes up and looking ahead of your vehicle.

Avoid drunk driving.

Alcohol affects you in a way that changes your judgement, as well as vital motor skills required to drive safely. Don’t drink and drive. Get a ride home or call a taxi.

Maintaining proper following distance.

If you’re driving, you can always control the space around your car by creating space in front of you. This will give you more reaction time and help you in that bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Minimize distractions.

Talking on the phone or eating, make a driver less able to see potential problems and properly react to them. Distracted driving is dangerous driving.

Focus.

People who have been driving for a while can get overconfident in their driving abilities and let their driving skills get sloppy. All drivers need to remind themselves to stay focused.

Always wear your seatbelt.

As you drive, always buckle up. While this may not prevent an accident from occurring, it will prevent severe injuries or deaths in the case of an accident.

Know your blind spots.

Make sure you know where your blind spots are on car. Always be sure to not only check the appropriate mirror when switching lanes, but to glance over your shoulder too to make sure the coast is clear.

Communicate with other drivers.

When it comes to road safety, communication is definitely key. It’s important to let the drivers around you know what you plan to do. That way, you avoid confusion and a collision.

Stay within the speed limit.

Safe driving is not only about watching your surroundings and being aware of other drivers. It is also important to drive at a speed that is safe. Remember, speed limits are a maximum, not a target.

Always have an escape plan.

Factors out of your control could change a routine driving situation into a driving emergency very quickly. You should recognize the hazard and act correctly, in time.