5 Ways to Be a Defensive Driver on the Road
Whether you have just gotten your license or you’ve been driving for years, the best way to stay safe on the road is to practice defensive driving habits. Defensive driving helps to minimize your risks of an accident on the road and also helps ensure you have plenty of reaction time to try to avoid an accident caused by someone else. The following are some proven tips that can help you avoid collisions and crashes:
Eliminate Distractions
Distractions can be deadly when driving. While we are constantly hearing about the dangers of texting and driving (and those dangers are very real), that is just the tip of the iceberg. Playing with the radio, talking on the phone, eating food, and doing anything else other than focusing on your driving can be a big danger to you and to others. Whenever you are behind the wheel, make sure your safety and the safety of others is your main concern. Everything else can wait until you are out of the vehicle.
Employ the 3-4 Second Rule
Rear ending someone is one of the most common types of accidents, and also one of the most preventable. Following the 3-4 second rule will help ensure you always have sufficient time to stop should the driver ahead of you slam on their breaks. Giving yourself approximately 3-4 seconds of room based on your current speed ideal for good weather driving. If the roads are wet, or visibility is reduced, adding a little extra time when following behind someone is appropriate.
Follow Posted Traffic Laws
As much as it may not seem like it sometimes, traffic laws are not there to be an annoyance to drivers. No, traffic laws are carefully chosen based on each road’s level of traffic, condition, and other factors. Following the posted speed limits, especially around curves and other dangerous areas, can dramatically reduce the risk of an accident. Excessive speed and other traffic violations put yourself, and everyone around you, at risk.
Plan “Escape Routes” Ahead
When driving, always be thinking about how you will “escape” a hazard should it occur. For example, if a car is driving right next to you, what would you do if it suddenly begins to change lanes into your lane? Could you quickly speed up, slow down, or move over? If so, which one of those options is best? If none of those options are available, what can you do to create a potential “escape route” for yourself? You may already be doing this subconsciously, so doing this exercise consciously may help you figure out if you are an effective defensive driver.
Constantly Track Your Surroundings
Defensive driving requires that you are constantly updating your awareness of your surroundings. Watching what is ahead of you, behind you, and to each side will help keep you aware of potential risks, so you can react quickly. Regularly looking at your mirrors will make you aware when another vehicle enters the area. Watching ahead and to the sides can alert you to hazards on the sides of the road like broken down vehicles, animals, and more.
Get the Help You Need After an Accident
While the above tips can certainly minimize your risk of an accident, they can’t eliminate them all together. If you are injured in an auto or truck accident, you need to act quickly to protect your legal rights. Contact Abdallah Law to go over the details of your accident, and get help in determining the proper course of action right away.