Defensive Driving Techniques

What is defensive driving? 

It is a set of driving skills that allows you to defend yourself against possible collisions caused by bad drivers, drunk drivers, and poor weather. If you look ahead and keep your eyes moving, you will spot potential hazards more easily. Once you have identified a potential hazard and decided what to do, act immediately.

Defensive drivers are able to avoid dangers on the road by using their safe driving practices.

Tips for defensive driving:

• Plan ahead for the unexpected.
• Be able to control the speed
• Be prepared to react to other drivers
• Do not expect the other driver to do what you think he or she should do
• Respect other users of the roadway.
• Be aware of driving in special road and weather conditions
• Be alert and avoid distractions, e.g., cell phone use, eating

Driving Defensively

Don't make assumptions about another drivers intentions. If you expect drivers in parked vehicles to remain parked at all times, always yield at intersections, or remain in one lane at all times, etc., you risk being caught off guard when drivers do not do what's expected.

Expect other drivers to make mistakes and be prepared to react. If a mistake is made, you will be ready to defend yourself.

Never assume that other drivers are sober, alert, and follow the rules of the road at all times.