Defensive Driving Tips and Techniques

Defensive driving tips abound on the internet and at driving schools. However, one important technique for avoiding accidents and injury for drivers is often overlooked, and that is……Don’t trust anyone! Only ever trust yourself and what you are about to do.

When driving defensively to stay safe on the roads it is vital to never, ever rely on what the other driver will do. Take a moment to recall the driving mistakes you’ve been guilty of over the years. Then look ahead and imagine the ones you will probably make in the future. Guess what? All the other drivers are just like you! Only trust yourself!

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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!

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Being a competent, defensive driver is not just restricted to learning technical driving skills and tactics. One of the simplest and most effective defensive driving techniques to learn is to ALWAYS wear a seat belt. It is a proven fact that seat belts save lives, and drivers should arm themselves well with all the correct seat belt safety facts.The following myths about seat belts are often relied on, but are completely untrue:

Seat Belt Safety Fact or Myth #1

• It’s only a short trip so I won’t need to wear a seat belt.
  Untrue. The majority of road accidents occur within 10 km of home, so it’s buckling up on a short trip is very important.

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