Not everyone thinks twice before getting behind the wheel of a car. It's really essential that when you start a vehicle you are in the right state of mind. A slight wrong turn can be life-threatening. You may know that you are in full control of your vehicle but sometimes a moment of distraction can cause severe accidents.
What is Defensive Driving?
When it comes to defensive driving, it does not imply knowing your vehicle well, knowing the traffic rules, and following the regulations. It's about being skilled and having the expertise to foresee danger and act on time. It refers to using strategies instantly that can keep you and others in your surroundings safe while being on the road.
This is something not everyone is prepared for. Not everyone is sound enough to handle the situation well and that results in severe accidents and crashes. So, here you will learn about the top 5 defensive driving tips. Read on:
Limit Distractions
The first important technique is to limit your distractions. You need to be focused on the road, especially at times of heavy traffic and sloppy roads or tricky turns. To some people loud music causes trouble, to others, it helps focus. So, you need to figure out what helps and what can be a hurdle in focusing on your drive and the road. In defensive driving, you eliminate factors and keep your vehicle uncluttered. You need to make sure that all the areas of functions stay uncluttered.
Keep Your well-maintained
The second most important aspect is to keep your car well-maintained. You need to check the axle, brakes, and stability of your car. You should be able to maneuver it when in a difficult situation. The only way a driver can handle a crucial situation is when he has confidence in his driving and the car.
Don't Rely on Other Drivers
Here’s a smart driving tip: don’t just focus on the car directly in front of you. Instead, pay attention to the cars further ahead. Why? Because when you see a car far ahead applying its brakes, you’ll have an early warning that the car directly in front of you is likely to do the same. This gives you extra time to adjust your speed and avoid sudden stops.
There could be a bumpy road, a speed breaker, or any other obstacle up ahead. By looking further down the road and not solely relying on the actions of drivers close to your vehicle, you can better prepare for these situations and reduce the risk of an accident.
Respond Promptly
The next important aspect is to have the expertise to stay vigilant and aware of the weather conditions and road conditions. You need to be able to maneuver your car if the road is wet, in case of heavy rainfall, and if there is severe heat in the surroundings. Whether you're driving a 15-Passenger Van or a smaller vehicle, you stay connected with how to respond in severe weather.
Get Defensive Training Lessons
There is no wrong to learn about things you may not know or you are not sure about. In the defensive driving training for small vehicles, you learn about many aspects including handling brakes, checking the road signs, and making quick strategies based on your surroundings. You can take classes to practice and learn about easy-to-execute techniques that can help you in the long run. Every year try to go for a safe driving test to recheck your skills and get a good grip on your expertise to handle a car.
Some Additional Tips for Defensive Driving
Apart from the top 5 Defensive driving training for large vehicles shared above there are other aspects that can help you out as well. Here are the following additional guidance:
Maintain a Safe Following Distance
It's important to maintain a safe following distance between your car and the other vehicles on the road. In this way, you get room to maneuver your car smoothly without crashing into others at the time of any sudden chaos.
Stay Aware of The Blind Spots
To be fully aware of the road you are driving on is important. You need to know about all the blind spots. There is a general three-second rule to handle such situations. As per this rule - choose a stationary object on the road, and when the vehicle ahead passes it, ensure that you pass it at least three seconds later.
Use Your Signals
Whenever you are about to turn, use indicators to inform the drivers around you. Before any major turn start the indicator at least 3 - 4 seconds earlier so that other drivers can get enough time to make a decision.
Reckless Driving in the US
As per the U.S. Department of Transportation, the annual economic cost of crashes is $340 billion. It has contributed to the death toll where drunk driving is the prime cause. Other factors include motor type, condition, driver age, road type, and weather conditions. Hence, there can be many different factors that cause a life-threatening situation. It's not safe for any driver to be reckless or carefree when driving on the road.
Conclusion
Defensive driving is a vital skill set that every driver should learn. By limiting distractions, maintaining your vehicle, anticipating the actions of other drivers, responding promptly to changing conditions, and continuously improving your skills through training, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Remember, the road is a shared space, and your proactive and cautious approach to driving not only protects you but also ensures the safety of everyone around you. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and drive defensively to make our roads safer for all.