Defensive Driving Tips and Techniques

Despite statistics to support the the case for compulsory seat belts, there is still plenty of controversy surrounding the claim that mandatory seat belt laws save lives. Many of us have been around long enough to remember when seat belts were not even installed in vehicles. In the rare event that seat belts were installed, they were often regarded as a nuisance and pushed aside. Drivers in their fifties and sixties cannot recall wearing seat belts as a child – back then, adults usually didn’t wear seat belts and neither did children.

There is plenty of recognized research to show that many lives could have been saved had the occupants in motor vehicle accidents been wearing seat belts. People turn into deadly projectiles during a high speed vehicle impact, smashing into windscreens, steering wheels, other occupants and being hurtled outside the car. Even a minor accident can kill someone if they are not wearing a seat belt. One blow to a vulnerable part of the head is all it takes.

As an Australian resident, I have lived for many years with a seat belt law that helps protect and save lives. I never get into a vehicle without wearing a seat belt and will not allow passengers into my vehicle without wearing one. I also remind drivers to wear their seat belts when I am their passenger. Why? Because “buckling-up” a seat belt saves lives – and it only takes a few seconds prior to driving off.

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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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