Over the decades, cars have become a lot safer. Accidents have reduced a lot over the years as technology has improved.
However, automobile accidents are still one of the primary causes of death in many countries, including the US.
Technology may reduce the number of deaths, but there is no substitute for developing safe driving habits. Safe driving techniques keep you safe and keep others on the road safe.
Here are some defensive driving techniques that can help you get home unharmed.
Table of Contents
Be In Control
The road can be quite a dangerous place, and you can never be too sure of anything. Even if you are driving well, the other person on the road may not be that much of a safe driver. Often you can be the victim of someone else’s poor driving skills on the road.
Hence, it is pretty essential to be in control of the entire situation. On the road, you should be able to predict what will happen next. For that, you need to be alert and focused.
Be focused
Driving is mentally taxing. It tires you more mentally than physically. It also strains the eyes a lot. So, when you are behind the wheel, you need to perceive and process a lot of things.
Keep an eye on the road: It would help if you kept an eye on the street to assess the road conditions, the weather, your position and speed, the traffic signals, the signposts.
Be conscious about things: You also need to know what is around you and beside you. The list goes on. Being aware of so many things is not at all an easy task. Expert drivers can do it much more easily, but maintaining the focus for prolonged periods can be quite tricky for most people. This is why, to be focused, you must get rid of all the distractions.
Keep your phone silent: The primary source of distraction when on the road is the phone. If you are a new driver, put your phone on silent, or better, turn it off completely.
Avoid Eating when driving: Also, eating while driving the car is another major distraction. Not only teen drivers but also adults have this lousy driving habit too. So, Avoid eating when you are driving for a safe trip.
Don’t be overconfident: Often, experienced drivers cause accidents just by being overconfident. Therefore, you should remind yourself to avoid accidents at all times.
Be Alert
Being alert allows you to respond to the problems instantly. If the driver in front of hits the brake hard, you should also bring your car to a stop right then and there. When you are alert, you can make the right decisions and handle situations much faster.
Be calm and conscious: To be alert, you need to ensure that you are getting a good night’s sleep. Moreover, if you are under the influence of alcohol or any prescription drugs that make you drowsy, you should avoid driving. Because driving while being sleepy can cause a severe accident. Therefore, ensure that you get enough rest before your trip. Also, avoid continuing to drive for a long time. Take breaks, if possible.
Watch out for other drivers
Not every driver is a careful one. An essential part of staying in control is being aware of other drivers and their random moves. While most drivers will cooperate, you will come across someone who takes unnecessary risks once in a while. For instance, you may find a driver speeding to get ahead of you. However, if there is a slow-moving truck in the same lane, you can easily assume that the driver will try to pull into your lane.
Trying to anticipate what other drivers are doing can reduce the risks of driving. If you can adjust your driving, you will be at a lower chance of an accident.
9 Tips for Defensive Driving
Safe driving techniques keep you prepared for any sudden road incidents. Here are some safety tips that will help you drive defensively on the road. This list can be your safe driving tips for winter or driving tips for all seasons and people of all ages.
1. Safety is the priority
When you are behind the wheel, you will have to make numerous decisions based on your current situation. Always choose the safer option. This will put you in a better position to deal with another driver’s bad driving habits. Leave enough space in the front and rear of the car when you are on the road. Always lock the car doors and most importantly, wear the seat belts. In case of a crash, the seat belts are often the only thing standing between life and death.
2. Check your surroundings
It is essential to be aware of your surroundings and not just what is in front of you. Make sure your mirrors are clean and well-adjusted so that you can quickly have a look at what is behind you. Scan your surroundings every 10 seconds or so. If you find a driver who shows signs of aggressive driving, slow down, or pull over. Let them pass and then continue driving. On the road, watch out for cyclists, pedestrians, and pets.
3. Never depend on other drivers
Respect other drivers on the road, but do not rely on them. Always look out for yourself first when you are on the road. Do not automatically assume that the driver in front of you will move out of the way, or allow you to merge lanes. Assume the worst and drive accordingly. This will keep you prepared for the worst-case scenario.
4. Follow the 3-seconds rule
The 3-seconds rule is a thumb rule for defensive driving that tells you to keep enough braking distance in the front and rear. This rule means that if the car in front of you stops suddenly, you should have around three or four seconds for braking. Alternatively, if you need to come to a sudden halt, you should give the same time to the driver behind you to avoid a rear-end collision. The 3-seconds time is good enough for day-to-day commuting, but depending on the weather, road conditions, and speed limit, you may need to increase this.
5. Keep your speed down
The speed limits that you see apply only to ideal conditions. It is your responsibility to drive at a speed that goes along with the conditions you are experiencing while driving. Then again, a pace too low can cause traffic congestion. So, use an optimal speed that allows you to keep your vehicle in control.
6. Reduce Distractions
Mute the phone and turn down the car stereo when you are driving. Reducing distractions allow you to be more alert and react faster.
7. Learn to Manage risks
Often you will find yourself facing multiple threats. When faced with such situations, try to deal with only one at a time. Trying to deal with too many risks will cause more harm.
8. Plan an alternate route
When driving, always make sure that you have an alternate route planned. The shortest or the fastest way may not always be the safest. Also, never drive in the blind spot of other drivers. To avoid accidents, make sure you stay visible on the road. Pick the lane where you can be seen. This way, another driver will be aware of your existence and drive accordingly.
9. Use a driving sunglass
Eyes get burned in the bright sunray. Use one of the best sunglasses for driving to ensure your eyes are relaxed and you can drive safely.
Conclusion
You are done about knowing the safe driving techniques. Follow the instructions and make your driving safe and comfortable for you. All the best to you.