Defensive driving is about keeping yourself safe on the road and avoiding hazards.
Take steps to drive defensively and reduce your chances of suffering a painful and costly motor vehicle collision.
Cut out distractions
Keep your focus on the road at all times. When you are texting, chatting on a phone call, eating a snack or fiddling with the radio, you are not giving driving your full attention. Using one of your hands to complete another task is a physical and mental distraction. When your full attention is on the road, you have a better chance of reacting to the actions of other drivers and avoiding preventable accidents.
Avoid driving while drowsy
When you drive while tired or sleepy, in addition to the risk of falling asleep at the wheel, your reactions are slower. Drink a caffeinated beverage or play loud music or an interesting podcast to keep yourself alert. When attempts to stay alert do not work, get off the road.
Give other drivers space
You learn not to follow too closely when you learn to drive. This extra space gives you time to react to unexpected stops or actions. Following this thought, when you pass other vehicles on the road, leave enough room before changing lanes so that you do not cut off the vehicles you pass and force them to react to you.
While all drivers on the road have a duty to drive safely and obey traffic laws, do not rely on other drivers to keep you safe. Be aware of your surroundings and where you are going. Look ahead and keep an eye out for avoidable hazards.
