When it comes to defensive driving, there are a lot of things that go into it. You need to be aware of your surroundings at all times, and you need to be prepared for anything that could happen on the road. This blog post will discuss some tips from experts on how to drive defensively. Stay safe out there!
Keep Your Distance
It’s essential that you’re always a little further away from the cars that are in front and behind you. Michigan residents often reach out to a Detroit car accident lawyer because they had a collision caused by being too close to another car. Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles is the best way to avoid accidents.
This gives you enough time to react if the car in front of you brakes suddenly, and also means that the car behind you is less likely to run into you if they’re not paying attention. You should also avoid tailgating, or driving too close to the car in front of you. Not only is it dangerous, but it’s also rude. If someone is tailgating you, give them a chance to pass.
Follow The 3 Second Rule
This rule refers to the safe following distance you should keep between your car and the car in front of you. The general rule of thumb is to maintain a following distance of three seconds. This gives you enough time to react if the driver in front of you breaks suddenly.
To help gauge the three-second following distance, choose a fixed object on the road ahead, such as a sign or tree, and watch as the vehicle ahead passes it. Once it has passed, count “one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three.” If you reach the object before finishing your count, then you are following too closely and need to back off.
Obey Traffic Laws
It’s absolutely essential for you to obey traffic laws in order to ensure the safety of everyone around you. Doing so isn’t always easy. Sometimes, you may get caught up in the moment and forget to signal when you’re turning or you don’t see the stop sign until it’s too late. However, knowing all the laws by heart, and keeping your eyes on the road will ensure this happens on very rare occasions.
Always look at the traffic signs displayed on the road. Obeying the speed limit is important not just to avoid getting a ticket, but also to drive safely. If the weather conditions are not ideal, it’s even more essential that you obey the speed limit in order to arrive at your destination safely.
You should also never drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one drink, it’s better to be safe than sorry and take a cab home. You don’t want to risk your life or the lives of others by getting behind the wheel when you’re not in the right state of mind.
Yield To Pedestrians
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable traffic users. They are less visible than other users, they don’t have the protection of an enclosed vehicle, and they are often distracted (by things like cell phones). As a result, yielding to pedestrians is an important part of defensive driving.
For example, yielding to pedestrians gives them time to cross the street safely and helps to prevent accidents. This way, you also reduce the risk of injuries which will make you feel good because you know you’ve done the right thing.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
You have to stay completely focused on the task of driving defensively. This requires being aware of your surroundings at all times. You need to know what is happening around you and be prepared for anything that might happen.
It is also important to be aware of the other drivers on the road. You need to know what they are doing and be ready to react if necessary. Defensive driving is all about being prepared and being aware of your surroundings.
If you are not paying attention, you could easily miss something important. For example, you might not see a car in your blind spot or you might not notice a pedestrian crossing the street.
Avoid Distractions
There are lots of things that may distract you while driving the car. These could be the following:
- Passengers
- Pedestrians
- Other drivers
- The radio
- Your phone
- Snacking and drinking
If you let these things take your mind off the task of driving, you’re putting yourself and others at risk. Make sure to learn how to ignore distractions and keep your focus on the road.
Stay Patient
It’s essential to keep your calm while you’re behind the wheel for the sake of you and anyone else on the road. Getting frazzled not only makes you a more aggressive driver, but it can also lead to mistakes. One study found that “driving while angry” can increase your risk of getting into an accident by as much as 400%.
If you find yourself getting upset in traffic, take a few deep breaths and try to relax. And if someone cuts you off or does something else to anger you, don’t take the bait because it’s not worth it.
Defensive driving is all about staying aware of what’s happening around you and being prepared for anything that might come up. This means keeping your eyes peeled for potential hazards and staying alert so you can react quickly if necessary.
Get Going On Time
You’ll never have the need to rush through traffic if you simply leave earlier for your destination. This will also help you avoid being angry and stressed out before you even start driving. Make a point to leave at least five to ten minutes earlier than you need to so that you can take your time and drive defensively.
It can be difficult to get out the door on time in the morning, but being on time is one of the best ways to practice defensive driving. When you’re running late, you’re more likely to make mistakes and take risks behind the wheel. But when you give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going, you can relax and focus on being a safe driver.
Defensive driving is what keeps people safe on the road, which is why it’s essential that you embrace it. You need to keep your distance because of the three-second rule and make sure to obey every single traffic law, even the ones you don’t like. Yield to every pedestrian you cross paths with and be completely focused on your task. Learn how to avoid distractions and stay patient and calm throughout the drive. Finally, always head out on time wherever you go so that you’re not tempted to rush to your destination!