Defensive driving involves a proactive approach designed to help drivers anticipate road hazards and use their skill sets to avoid accidents or reduce the chances of accidents. It generally emphasizes preparedness and anticipation of potential road dangers.
The concept of defensive driving is not just about complying with basic traffic rules. Beyond that, it involves having an increased awareness and perception of the road, which can help you become more mindful and alert while driving. Ultimately, this will help you anticipate potential road hazards and avoid road crashes.
What Does Defensive Driving Mean?
Defensive driving is the practice of driving consciously in a manner that utilizes safe driving strategies to reduce the chances or likelihood of an accident or other dangers associated with driving. Unlike the name suggests, it is not about driving aggressively to keep every other road user at arm’s length. Rather, defensive driving involves having a skill set that helps to create a safer driving environment and keep all road users safe.
Several skill sets are required for defensive driving and creating a safe driving environment. For instance, staying attentive and alert while on the road cannot be overstated. It can help you react or respond promptly to unexpected situations and avoid accidents. In addition, complying with certain road safety practices forms a big part of defensive driving. For example, defensive driving involves maintaining a safe following distance between vehicles.
Another key aspect of defensive driving is road awareness. It generally means being aware of the environment, potential road hazards, and other drivers’ actions. Road awareness helps drivers to take proactive action to avoid an incident in the event of an unexpected situation.
Rules of Defensive Driving
The following are essential rules of defensive driving to deal with unforeseen situations while using the road:
- Prepare for the unexpected: Always keep an eye on the actions of other road users so you can respond quickly when a careless driver suddenly does the unexpected, like pulling out of an unmarked road, concealed driveway, or a side alley.
- Maintain a safe driving distance: Always watch the vehicle ahead and create a safe driving distance of three to five seconds, depending on factors like adverse weather conditions or traffic. Also, ensure to always create space between your vehicle and others on the road.
- Use correct signals: Know when and how to use the turning signals. Signaling at the wrong time or turning left when your signal indicates turning right can lead to traffic crashes.
- Beware of intersections while driving: Learn to always slow down when approaching intersections, especially blind ones.
- Avoid distractions: At all costs, stay focused and avoid distractions such as drinking, using your phones, eating, operating the car sound system, or playing with children while driving.
- Avoid overly fast speeding: Be mindful of your driving speed when using the road. It is always harder to stop a vehicle when driving above certain speed limits.
- Wear a safety belt: Using your safety belt while driving helps to absorb the force of a crash in the event of an accident and can hold you from being thrown out of the car.
- Pay attention to traffic lights: Always be attentive to traffic lights. Slow down and bring your vehicle to a complete stop when the light turns red.
- Pass safely: Always ensure the road behind and ahead of you is clear before passing another car to avoid an incident. Avoid tailgating before passing another vehicle.
- Avoid speeding in snow or rain: Learn to always take it slow when driving in rain or snow. It is often advised to slow down half in the snow and at least a thief in the rain.
- Understand your car’s blind spots and stay out of others’ blind spots: Blind spots typically hide other cars. It is important to know the largest blind spots in your vehicle and be careful while switching lanes. Also, be mindful of staying outside the blind spots of other road users.
- Avoid driving when stoned, fatigued, or ill: Stay away from driving once you are impaired by alcohol or drugs or if you are ill or feel fatigued.
Benefits of Defensive Driving
Defensive driving has several benefits, including the following:
- Reduced Insurance Premiums: Drivers who complete a defensive driving course may enjoy reduced insurance premiums as incentives from their insurance companies.
- Minimize Car Accidents: Defensive driving can help a driver recognize potential road hazards and prevent them from causing or getting into vehicle crashes, hence preventing the loss of lives or property.
- Boosts Employment Retention: Commercial drivers employed in the trucking industry have a high chance of retaining their jobs and extending their career opportunities if they consistently practice defensive driving.
- Eco-Friendly Driving: Defensive driving can help contribute towards better vehicle performance and lower fuel consumption, hence reducing carbon emissions.
- Lower Stress Levels When Driving: Practicing defensive driving can help you avoid road rage and consequently lower your stress levels.
- No Violation Charges: Defensive driving can prevent you from violating traffic laws and paying unnecessary fines.
What is a Defensive Driver Course?
The defensive driver course is a comprehensive training course for drivers that combines theoretical knowledge with practical driving activities. It is generally designed to enhance driving skill sets and promote road safety among road users, especially drivers. Interested persons can enroll for this course and either take the classes in person or online, depending on the organization offering the course.
A typical defensive driver course covers several key areas, including the following:
- Traffic laws
- Understanding other drivers’ psychology and predicting their actions
- Strategies to reduce risks associated with distracted and aggressive driving
- Anticipating and reacting to different road hazards and conditions
- Safety equipment and crash prevention techniques
- Situational awareness and reaction times
Participating in a defensive driver course can help lower insurance premiums, significantly reduce the chances of accidents, and contribute to better fuel efficiency. In addition, it will reduce the likelihood of traffic violations, hence penalties, and enhance overall road safety for the driver and other road users.
Interested persons can contact the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) in their state or reputable organizations like the ones listed below to enroll in a defensive driver course:
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- The United States Truck Driving School, Inc (USTDS)
- The National Safety Council (NSC)
- AAA
The Role of Defensive Driving in Preventing Accidents
According to a 2022 traffic safety report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were at least 12,151 fatalities in speeding-related crashes. An estimated 300,595 people were reportedly injured in these crashes.
Participating in defensive driver training and practicing defensive driving can help reduce accident rates, drive the number of crashes to the barest minimum, and create a safe road for everyone. Vehicle owners and commercial drivers are encouraged to enroll in a defensive driving course and consistently practice defensive driving to help them become better drivers. This will ultimately help them in preventing road accidents.
