As a defensive driver, you can avoid crashes and help lower your risk behind the wheel. Show If you've been out on the roads, you know that not everyone drives well — but most people think they do. Some drivers speed aggressively. Others wander into another lane because they aren't paying attention. Drivers may follow too closely, make sudden turns without signaling, or weave in and out of traffic. Aggressive drivers are known road hazards, causing one third of all traffic crashes. But inattentive or distracted driving is becoming more of a problem as people "multitask" by talking on the phone, texting or checking messages, eating, or even watching TV as they drive. You can't control the actions of other drivers. But updating your defensive driving skills can help you avoid the dangers caused by other people's bad driving. Skills That Put You in ControlBefore you get behind the wheel of that two-ton frame of glass and steel, here are some tips to help you stay in control: Stay focused. Driving is primarily a thinking task, and you have a lot of things to think about when you're behind the wheel: road conditions, your speed and position, observing traffic laws, signs, signals, road markings, following directions, being aware of the cars around you, checking your mirrors — the list goes on. Staying focused on driving — and only driving — is critical to safe driving. Distractions, like talking on the phone or eating, make a driver less able to see potential problems and properly react to them. It's not just teen drivers who are at fault: People who have been driving for a while can get overconfident in their driving abilities and let their driving skills get sloppy. All drivers need to remind themselves to stay focused. Stay alert. Being alert (not sleepy or under the influence) allows you to react quickly to potential problems — like when the driver in the car ahead slams on the brakes at the last minute. Obviously, alcohol or drugs (including prescription and over-the-counter drugs) affect a driver's reaction time and judgment. Driving while drowsy has the same effect and is one of the leading causes of crashes. So rest up before your road trip.
Watch out for the other guy. Part of staying in control is being aware of other drivers and roadway users around you (and what they may suddenly do) so you're less likely to be caught off guard. For example, if a car speeds past you on the highway but there's not much space between the car and a slow-moving truck in the same lane, it's a pretty sure bet the driver will try to pull into your lane directly in front of you. Anticipating what another driver might do and making the appropriate adjustment helps reduce your risk. page 2Eight Secrets of Super DrivingWhen you drive defensively, you're aware and ready for whatever happens. You are cautious, yet ready to take action and not put your fate in the hands of other drivers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 90% of all crashes are attributed to driver error. Following these defensive driving tips can help reduce your risk behind the wheel:
If you're interested in taking a defensive driving course to help sharpen your driving knowledge and skills, contact your local AAA or your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Many states keep a list of approved defensive driving course providers, and lots of these offer online programs. In some states, you may be eligible for insurance premium discounts, "positive" safe driving points, or other benefits. These courses do cost money, but it's worth the investment to be a smarter, safer driver. Safe driving! Jan 14, 2016
Inspect the VehicleIt’s a good idea to take a quick look at the car’s exterior before you get going each time. Your inspection doesn’t need to be as thorough as a garage’s, of course; just walking the perimeter of the vehicle should suffice. Looks for dents and scratches that are new, see if your tires looks low, and make sure your windows and lights are clear of debris. This has a couple of advantages. First off, if you do notice a problem, you can try to find any evidence that your car has been tampered with to give the police. Second, you can prevent dangerous highway conditions by checking the lights and tires. Buckle up for SafetyBy now, most people have heard of the massive advantages seat belts offer in terms of accident survivability, yet some people still refuse to use them. Whether they do so out of the mistaken belief that they will escape the statistics or a misguided notion that other safety precautions are adequate, the fact is the numbers are against them. Seat belts save lives every day, and you should always fasten yours before your car starts moving, even if the trip is a local one. Check Your MirrorsA car’s mirrors are a wonderful tool for safety, but only if used properly. Mirrors let you see behind and to your sides with only a slight movement of your eyes or head, but if they are not calibrated to your height and head position, they will do you no good. Set your rearview mirror so you have a clear view of the area behind your car, and your side mirrors so they cover the lane directly to either side of you. When you are on the road, take periodic glances at the mirrors so your situational awareness stays engaged. Check the LightsWhen you turn your car on, the indicator lights will usually flip on as well. After a second or two, however, most of the lights should go out. If they don’t, then you might have a problem. Get in the habit of checking the lights so you are sure your car isn’t trying to warn you of a developing problem before you get on the road. It’s far better to notice a problem with engine heat or oil level before the car is moving than when it is barreling down the highway. Your car can be dangerous, but it is also a great tool for improving your lifestyle and productivity. Powerful tools need care and thoughtful use. Pay attention to your safety and the safety of those around you, and you’ll be just fine. |