As the definition goes Defensive driving is a more advanced form of training that drivers can take, over and above the mastery of the rules of the road, and the basic mechanics of driving. Its aim is to reduce the risk of driving by proactively avoiding dangerous situations. This can be achieved through adherence to a variety of general purpose rules, as well as the practice of specific driving safety techniques.
Talking in much simpler terminology, drive with due caution, care and courtesy.Caution implies to be anticipative from the aggressive drivers. Care refers to be careful from the obstacles (pets, children etc.
) you encounter on roads and highways. Finally, courtesy directs you to "drive and let drive attitude".Defensive driving means that you're all set to drive and ready to take action, but not to be victimized for irresponsible drivers. Let's quickly unveil the strategies pertinent to defensive driving. These are the simple driving tips to drive defensively and you can find many such on driving safety news.
Two second Rule - Leave sufficient spacing between your vehicle and the car ahead of you. Ideally speaking, allow at least two seconds of time gap. This time period needs to be increased depending on the situation, say its 3 seconds while on a highways and 4 seconds on a rainy day.
Look ahead - Watch out the road least 100 yards in front of you.Scan for the potential road hazards. This prior inspection prepares you to take the necessary course of action be it an emergency braking or finding an alternate route.Think of an escape route ? It is essential to identify an accident avoidance route.Keep checking your mirrors to see what's beside and behind you.
Depending on the cars positioned around you, decide on the route so as to avoid accident.Limit your Speed ? apparently, the prescribed speed limits apply in normal and ideal conditions, how ever it is your responsibility to lessen the speed in accordance with the climatic conditions (Rain, Ice, and snow).Lights and Signals ? Signaling is a way of expression on roads. To see and to be seen, do turn your headlights on in dim daylight, rain, or other low-visibility weather conditions, and do remember to always use your turn signals.Predict misdemeanors - Don't assume that the other driver is going to move out of the way or allow you to merge.
Anticipate the worst case scenario and plan out your movements. This proactive planning keeps you posted on how to deal a possible bad situation and keep up a good deal of driving safety.Don't change lanes frequently - Try to maintain a speed in sync with the flowing traffic.Remember your lane discipline and keep right unless passing.
Remember to check the blind spot before making a lane change, too.Wear your seat belt ? A must for every body and the age specific belts have also been prescribed.With the seat belts buckled up, you can protect yourself in case the unexpected happens.
Remember airbags can do their job only when you wear a seatbelt. They are worth every penny and in some states it's the DMV specified driving law.Proper driving position ? Make sure you are comfortable and upright while driving. (With your hands on the steering and elbows bent a little) This will put you in a better position to make sudden avoidance maneuvers.No Multitasking ? A big No for eating, driving and CD-changing or talking on phone while driving.
Either minimize these activities or it is ideal to carry them out once you halt. In case of a demanding situation where in you ought to speak, better go for a hands free device.Defensive Truck driving ? Truck drivers are responsible for keeping the highways safe for others to a greater extent than others on road.
First and fore most watch out the vehicles around you and maintain certain amount of spacing between your truck and the other vehicles. Prior decision of your movements at least before 15 seconds is highly recommended.Prior checking - Before starting off and hitting the road, there are certain things you need to check for.Tire pressure.Oil, gas.
Water levels before leaving are important.Make sure you have all the insurance and other documentation that you need before pushing off.Tackling road ragers - The best way to deal with road ragers is to choose not to intervene. It is safer, instead, to go to a well-populated area, such as a store parking lot, where you can attract the attention of others.Defensive driving courses are the best solution for people who are looking for solutions to prevent accidents and problems from happening. You can find the information with regards to the apt schools on driving safety portals such as traffic school news.
Although defensive driving includes all of the above considerations, it's better described as a share and care policy that is a realization that driving is a right that you share with many others on road and your aggressive or irresponsible driving could mean yours as well somebody's life .Defend and protect lives to retain road safety.
.Shane Medley is one of most renowned traffic school instructors in Miami with an experience of more than 10 years in the same arena. Though retired, she prefers to share her knowledge through her freelancing.You can reach her at edcrystal9@yahoo.com or can view the http://www.miami-trafficschool.
com site for which she is working as an instructor.
By: Shane Medley
