Defensive Driving Techniques

Driving is an essential part of most people’s everyday life, as it provides convenience, mobility, and independence. However, driving a motor vehicle comes along with a number of inherent risks that can be significantly reduced if proactive measures are taken. Driving defensively is incredibly important as a driver, as it can reduce the likelihood of accidents and enhance your overall safety on the road. In this article, we will explore what defensive driving is and some techniques that can help keep you safe while on the road.

What Is Defensive Driving?

Defensive driving can be characterized as the practice of anticipating potential hazards and making safe, well-informed decisions to avoid accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 42,514 individuals died in motor vehicle accidents in 2022 alone, therefore proving how imperative it is that safe and defensive driving is practiced and enforced. By incorporating defensive driving techniques into your daily drive, you can protect yourself, your passengers, and all individuals on the road from potentially catastrophic accidents.

Keep a Safe Following Distance

Maintaining a safe following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you is a very important defensive driving technique that can help reduce the chance of a rear-end accident. The National Safety Council (NSC) recommends that you keep at least three seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you. This is known as the “three-second rule.” It is important to keep in mind that this distance should be increased if there are adverse weather conditions, such as thick fog, slippery ice, or heavy rain.

Slow Down 

The next thing that you should do to ensure your safety on the road is to slow down. According to the NSC, speeding took the lives of 12,151 individuals in 2022.  Additionally, the Wilmington car accident attorneys at Shipman & Wright LLP report that speeding is one of the main causes of car accidents. When drivers are speeding, they greatly reduce the amount of time that they have to react to unexpected situations and come to an abrupt stop. In addition, traveling at high speeds can significantly worsen the impact that the accident will have on all individuals and motor vehicles involved. Furthermore, it is important that you obey all posted speed limits and also adjust your speed if necessary to account for any other factors such as the flow of traffic or weather conditions.

Monitor Your Blind Spots

Blind spots are the areas around your vehicle that you are not able to see through your mirrors. Failing to regularly check your blind spots, particularly when changing or merging, can be very dangerous and can greatly increase the chance of accidents. Furthermore, it is crucial that you have a general awareness of any vehicles driving around your vehicle at all times. Not only is it important that you check for any vehicles that may be in your blind spots, but it is also crucial that you make a conscious effort to stay out of other vehicles’ blind spots. This is particularly important when driving around trucks that have larger-than-average blindspots, known as “no zones.”