Traffic accidents occur every day, bringing with them horrendous consequences for drivers, their friends and loved ones. In order to stay safe and protected on the road, it is vital to develop and learn good defensive driving technique.
A safe defensive driving technique can be learnt from driving schools, advance driving programs or online traffic courses. In most cases, defensive driving courses have been developed by experts after thorough research into the causes of past serious road accidents. The result of this research has produced learning material covering defensive driving tactics and strategies to adopt as standard practice when traveling on the roads and freeways. Drivers who develop a good solid defensive driving technique use most of the following techniques:
1. Always use a seat belt. Statistics show that drivers and passengers are more likely to survive an accident if they use a seat belt. In many countries around the world it is illegal to drive without a seat belt.
2. Take extreme care in heavy traffic. Experts on defensive driving technique suggest that drivers in a large pack of cars are at great risk. One careless move by any of the cars could affect everyone else. The recommended action for avoid accidents is to safely manouvre away from the pack of cars, preferably moving to the front of the pack.
3. Avoid traveling near heavy vehicles for a long period of time. Keep a vigilant eye on heavy vehicles in your rear view mirror, and stay away from heavy loads which don’t look secure.
4. Carefully watch the road ahead. Drivers possessing good defensive driving technique always watch ahead to anticipate the need for early braking or evasive action.
5. Avoid distracting activities. Talking on the telephone, changing the radio station or stereo music, and any other distracting activities all take a driver’s attention from the road ahead.
6. Ensure mirrors are set before driving begins. This allows drivers to have a good view of the road and vehicles behind them.
7. Avoid operating a vehicle in the blind spot of another vehicle for an extended period of time. A good rule of thumb is “if you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you!”
8. Leave enough space between your vehicle and those ahead, allowing plenty of time to brake and stop safely.
9. Keep both hands on the wheel. A good defensive driving technique includes gripping the steering wheel with both hands at the nine and three o’clock positions at all times.
10. Carefully scan the road ahead for others moving onto a freeway or moving through an intersection. Even when moving through an intersection on a green light, carefully check for other drivers who may be running a red light.
Once learnt, a good defensive driving technique will provide you with the skills to stand you in good stead for the rest of your life, protecting you from other irresponsible and dangerous drivers on the roads.
