Defensive Driving Tips and Techniques

Before starting out on defensive driving technique #4, we should define “unsound”. The definition of “unsound” according to the Random House Unabridged Dictionary is “defective, decayed, impaired or damaged.” When used in the context of driving, “unsound” means that an element exists which reduces a driver’s capability of safely controlling their vehicle.

Alcohol & Drugs: The #1 Cause of Driving Impairment.

If ever there was a defensive driving technique which should be automatically adopted by all drivers, it is “don’t drink and drive”. Strangely enough, that’s not the case!

One of the most common causes of driving in an “unsound” state is alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant, and begins to reduce a person’s faculties with the very first drink. It is a proven fact that even blood alcohol levels that are way under the “legal limit,” cause impairment of a driver’s physical and mental capabilities.

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When you boil it down, the only REAL defensive driving technique to master is attitude. If you are an experienced driver, you should be pretty familiar with the road rules and know how to drive defensively. To you, driving is such a normal part of life that you don’t consciously think to yourself “driving is very dangerous, I must be careful”.

Of all the defensive driving tips and techniques to embrace, reminding yourself occasionally about the dangers of driving is one of the most important.

If you drive, there is no doubt that you will be involved in traffic conflicts. Whilst you may be unable to totally control them, what you CAN control is how you react to them. The key attribute which makes the difference to remaining safe in today’s chaotic traffic environment, is keeping a detached, calm and positive attitude. “Easier said than done” I hear you say!

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