One of the most important defensive driving tips for drivers to master is a simple one – pay attention (stay tuned!) when driving. How hard is that? Most accidents involve inattention from one or both drivers, and can be caused by many things. Sleepiness, daydreaming, physical distraction, chatting and “highway hypnosis” are common types of inattention which we have all been guilty of from time to time.
A common statement heard after a traffic accident is “He came from nowhere. I didn’t see him!” Isn’t it funny how many invisible vehicles find themselves in accidents!


Most Accidents Happen Close To Home

It is a well known statistic that most collisions happen close to home. It is not hard to understand why. The closer we get to home, the more comfortable we feel and it is easy let our attention wander. Other drivers who live in the same area probably do the same thing, effectively doubling the chance of an accident caused by “inattention”. As we spend a lot of time driving in our own neighborhoods, it is fair to say we will have most of our mishaps there. It is also easy to overlook the fact serious or fatal injuries can occur in low speed collisions.

Moving Vehicles Create Massive Force

When they are moving, motor vehicles are dangerous projectiles hurtling forward with massive force. As a driver it is your responsibility to avoid using that force to injure or kill others. Once again, the primary attribute for safe driving is focus and alertness. There is no question that paying attention is one of the most important defensive driving tips to master because it allows time to recognize dangerous hazards and avoid potential collisions.

How To Practice “Paying Attention”

While it sounds simple to start paying attention when you are driving, it is not always easy. Have you ever driven somewhere and been so lost in thought that you were unable to recall the trip itself? One of the best defensive driving tips to practice is to try concentrating solely on the driving task. Put all other thoughts out of your mind, thinking of nothing else but your driving. Then observe how long it is before your mind starts to wander. Many of us would not even get out of the driveway!

Experienced drivers don’t need to think about driving much. It is something that comes automatically, therefore leaving our minds free to wander – and wander they will!

Paying attention is like any other habit. You need to constantly reinforce the habit and always work at it. Make regular choices NOT to fiddle with the CD player while driving, or whatever it is that takes your attention away from your primary task of driving. Combine your mind with your eyes, working at consciously analyzing your view while you drive. This defensive driving technique is called “situational awareness.”

The most dangerous thing most of us ever do is drive. Because it is so dangerous, driving deserves your full attention. Mastering the defensive driving technique of “paying attention” and making this an unconscious habit is enough to make you 99% bullet-proof. Paying attention makes it possible for you to have an instant awareness of the hazards lurking on the road, almost before they appear.

Of all the defensive driving tips you could embrace, “staying tuned” or paying attention whilst driving is the one which will serve you best.