Defensive driving is all about being aware of your surroundings and the people around you. If you have ever been in a car accident before, these defensive driving tips can be life-saving.
It is the prime responsibility of all drivers to avoid collisions. If you are defensive when driving, it will help reduce your chances of collision.
Many defensive driving tips can help you avoid an auto collision. These defensive driving tips range from communicating with other drivers to what kind of car you should drive. Here are ten defensive driving tips that can increase safety while on the road:
Be Mindful
If you’re a driver, chances are you’re either working on your driving skills or practicing defensive driving. It can be challenging to keep up with all of the land mines that await drivers who don’t take caution during the daily commute.
Be mindful when you drive. It means being aware of your surroundings and the people around you. For example, if you are driving down a street with shops on both sides, be sure to check for pedestrians crossing in front or behind you.
If you are driving in a place that is familiar to you, make sure you know the location of any sudden curves or deep descents. Is passing allowed? What is there for construction?
Give Yourself Enough Time
Defensive drivers must plan when they drive. If there is an accident up ahead due to a traffic jam, defensive drivers will know to take an alternate route. This also includes giving yourself enough time to come to a stop when you are driving.
Don’t Tailgate
Tailgating is one of the most common causes of accidents on the road. When someone is tailgating, they follow too closely and do not give the car enough room to stop in front of them. Defensive drivers will allow plenty of time and distance between their vehicle and the one in front of them.
Driving is primarily a thinking task. As such, you have many things to think about when behind the wheel: road conditions, position on the roadway at any second in time based on our speed relative to other vehicles around us, and following traffic laws.
Make Sure You Can See Everything Around Your Car
Defensive driving is all about being aware of your surroundings, including what’s near your car. If you cannot see around your car or through the windows, you should not park there until it is safe to do so. If you are parking between two other vehicles, defensive drivers will ensure they can see both cars. When you’re driving on a dark, winding road at night, it’s crucial that you can see the entire length of your car. If you can’t, what will happen if a deer runs out in front of you? That is why we recommend installing lights on the front and back of your car.
Don’t Drive Distracted
Defensive driving means not driving distracted. Distractions on the road are one of the leading causes of auto collisions today. Many defensive drivers will pull over and stop before responding to a text, taking a phone call, or checking directions on their GPS.
Highway distractions, such as talking on the phone or eating while driving, can distract a person from seeing other cars that appear in front of them, and they cannot react appropriately.
Be Courteous of Other Drivers
Communication between all road users is essential for defensive driving tips. Defensive drivers make sure they communicate clearly with other people around them by signaling their intentions early. For example, defensive drivers will use their turn signals when changing lanes and let other drivers know when they are stopping.
Avoid Road Rage
Defensive driving means keeping a level head and not reacting to the actions of other drivers. If someone cuts you off, stay calm and do not react. This will only lead to further aggression and possible road rage. Road rage is another leading cause of accidents on the road.
In a study conducted by Time Magazine, it was found that road rage is one of the leading causes of accidents. In fact, more than 27% of road rage incidents have escalated to physical altercations, and more than half of these happen on the highway.
Researchers have found that people get angry when they get cut off or when someone else is driving too slow or too fast. This anger can lead to violent behavior, which can cause accidents.
Check Your Vehicle for Issues
The road is full of hazards, and we should always be on the lookout for them. You never know when you might need to stop or if your brakes might fail. There are many things that can lead to a car accident, and it’s important to pay attention so you can avoid them. Thankfully, we can take some simple safety measures to improve our visibility around the car.
Before you head out on a drive, defensive drivers take the time to check their car for any issues. If your brakes are squealing or your tires are bald, you must address these problems before getting on the road.
Defensive drivers do a safety check before going on a drive. If the brake is squealing or the tires are bald, they address these issues before heading out on the road.
Learn the Rules of the Road
Defensive drivers know the rules of the road and abide by them at all times. Defensive driving means knowing defensive driver laws, such as speed limits in different areas or appropriately changing lanes on a highway. With these defensive driving tips, you can increase your safety while keeping others safe around you.
Maintain an adequate following distance and provide enough time to brake. This will also help them be seen by others on the road when needed and is important for any driver or less-experienced driver. If you follow the 3- to 4-second rule, it will help give you enough time to avoid collisions altogether.
Adjust Your Attitude
The attitude of a defensive driver can have a huge impact on their driving. When faced with challenges, these drivers stay calm and focused. The attitude of a defensive driver is what makes them different from other drivers out on the road.
Defensive drivers have the right attitude when they are on the road. This means staying calm and focused, even under challenging situations. Remember that defensive driving is all about being proactive, so always expect the worst-case scenario.
When we’re behind the wheel, we sometimes find ourselves in situations where our patience and focus can be tested. These moments can be minimized by adopting a defensive driver attitude: remaining calm and focused even in challenging situations.
Defensive driving is all about proactivity; for instance, when someone pulls in front of you moving slowly, try to anticipate their next move and make adjustments accordingly.
By following these defensive driving tips, you can help keep yourself and others safe while on the road.
Prepare for the Worst
Driving defensive is all about being proactive and prepared for the worst. If you are driving defensive, then it means that you have a plan in case something happens while on the road.
It is essential to have a defensive driver’s plan when they drive.
If there is an accident up ahead due to a traffic jam, defensive drivers will know to take an alternate route. It also includes giving yourself enough time to come to a stop when you are driving.
In conclusion, if you are on the road, be aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes open. If you are distracted, pull off the road to take a break.
Use common sense while driving and avoid being too aggressive when on the road. Lastly, make sure you are wearing your seatbelt for optimum safety.
Ryan is the CEO and Founder of STIL SWANGN Auto Paint & Collision, a premier collision shop based in Phoenix, AZ. With over a decade of service in the Phoenix valley, STIL SWANGN has built a reputation for delivering exceptional auto paint and collision repair services. Under Ryan’s leadership, the shop has become a trusted name for quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Ryan’s dedication to excellence and his passion for the auto industry have driven the success and growth of STIL SWANGN, making it a go-to destination for all collision repair needs in the area.
