How Can Defensive Driving Protect You on the Road?
There’s more to being a good driver than simply getting your license and following the rules you’re taught when you learn to drive. You might not be able to control how others behave on the road, but you can drive in a way that helps to keep you and any passengers safe. Defensive driving is a way to lower risk when you’re behind the wheel, even if you can’t completely remove the chance of getting into an accident. It involves using a range of techniques and driving practices that help you to be safer when you’re on the road. Here are some ways you can practice it and how it will help you.
Avoid Accidents from Tiredness
One of the biggest causes of accidents on the road is tiredness. When you get behind the wheel when you’re tired, it’s similar to driving after you’ve been drinking. Your brain is less engaged and you can even start to fall asleep at the wheel if you’re tired enough. One of the most important things that you can do is pull over if you’re tired. Taking a break could save your life and someone else’s. Wherever you’re going, getting there isn’t more important than that.
Prevent Accidents Caused By Others
You may not have any control over how others are driving, but you can pay attention to what they’re doing. One of the principles of defensive driving is to watch how other drivers are behaving and react accordingly. Doing so could help you to avoid rear-end collision injuries or accidents caused by speeding, distracted driving, and more. Look around you and watch the traffic, as well as pedestrians or anyone else who may be using the roads or the space around them. Avoid making assumptions about what other drivers are doing and expecting them to make the right choices.
Drive with Weather Conditions in Mind
The weather and temperature can make a significant difference to driving conditions. If it’s wet, icy, foggy, or even very sunny, it can change how you need to behave when you’re driving. Being aware of the weather and how to drive in different conditions will make you a better driver. Check the weather forecast before you get out on the road, especially in areas where the weather can change quickly. It’s often important to be more cautious in adverse weather conditions, which can mean driving more slowly and carefully.
Maintain a Safe Distance
Keep the three-to-four-second rule in mind if you want to drive defensively. The biggest risk is in front of you, so make sure you’re keeping a safe distance from vehicles in front at all times. If they stop suddenly or there’s a crash, you want to have the best chance of slowing down and stopping before you collide with them. In bad weather, make sure you leave even more space because it will take you longer to brake.
Defensive driving can give you more protection when you’re on the road. Choose defensive driving if you want to be safer.
Image from Pixabay – CC0 License
Contributed posts are written by third parties and contain affiliate links. Woman Around Town may receive payment for sales through the links.