Many people feel overwhelmed by the stress of daily commutes, especially when dealing with aggressive and impatient drivers. Practicing defensive driving techniques can help reduce your stress, and make the roads safer for everyone.
Defensive driving involves being aware of the surroundings and proactively acting to avoid potential hazards. It also includes being able to adapt your driving to road and weather conditions, as well as staying informed about the latest traffic laws.
Focus on the road
Taking your focus off the road for even a split second can put you at risk of an accident. In fact, distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic crashes. To keep yourself and others safe, it’s important to eliminate distractions while driving, including eating, adjusting the radio, talking on the phone, or listening to emotionally charged podcasts. The road demands your undivided attention.
Erratic drivers, especially those who are drunk or on phones, can swerve into your lane, change speeds suddenly, and make unpredictable maneuvers. It’s essential to be prepared for these types of unexpected situations by practicing defensive driving techniques, such as leaving room between you and the vehicle in front of you, scanning regularly, and keeping an eye on the behavior of other drivers.
HSI’s defensive driving courses help fleet drivers learn the best ways to avoid dangerous driving situations, including how to stay calm and focused while on the freeway. These courses also teach students to anticipate problems and prepare for them, such as poor weather conditions or other drivers who may exhibit erratic behaviors.
Stay in your lane
One of the most important aspects of defensive driving is staying in your lane. This can be difficult for new drivers, but practice makes perfect. If you keep up the practice, you will soon be a professional driver!
It’s also essential to stay focused on the road and avoid distractions while driving. This means not eating, talking on the phone, texting or adjusting your music volume. It’s also a good idea to use your mirrors frequently, to monitor traffic behind and beside you. This will help you stay aware of when your vehicle drifts out of its lane.
Finally, be sure to adjust your driving style according to weather conditions. Taking precautions against inclement weather can save you a lot of trouble on the road. Defensive driving techniques can help you stay safe and save money on car maintenance by reducing wear and tear and enhancing fuel efficiency. In addition, a defensive driving mindset can improve your mental health by helping you avoid stress and anxiety while driving. This can be especially beneficial when driving with erratic or aggressive drivers.
Leave plenty of room
Many drivers make the mistake of following other vehicles too closely, which limits their ability to see the road ahead. Leaving a generous space cushion gives you the time and distance needed to react to hazards or accidents.
A 3-second cushion is the minimum, but a 4-second cushion is preferable. There are times when even four seconds isn’t enough, such as when (a) you are being tailgated, (b) you are following large vehicles that block your view, such as school buses and trucks transporting hazardous materials (which must stop at railroad crossings) or when you’re driving downhill, where it takes longer for your vehicle to slow down, (c) the driver behind you is pulling a trailer or has a heavier load, which increases stopping distance, or (d) the road surface is slippery, such as on ice.
It’s also important to leave room on both sides of your vehicle. This prevents other drivers from driving in your blind spots and it gives you more room to maneuver if the vehicle on your right or left suddenly swerves into your lane.
Keep your eyes on the road
Keeping your eyes on the road and avoiding distractions while driving is one of the most important aspects of defensive driving. A distracted driver can quickly find themselves in trouble on the road. Whether it’s adjusting the radio or GPS, talking on the phone or texting, or grooming (shaving, shaving, or applying makeup), any activity that takes your attention off the road increases your risk of accident and injury.
Even if you don’t have any passengers, it is essential to avoid distractions while driving. You should also try to stay calm and anticipate other drivers’ moves, instead of getting frustrated. A recent study found that 57 percent of car crashes in the United States are caused by distracted drivers.
Aside from potential insurance savings, defensive driving habits can save you money on vehicle maintenance costs. Smooth acceleration and braking reduces wear and tear on your car, extends its lifespan, and improves fuel efficiency. In addition, a defensive mindset and the knowledge of safe driving techniques can decrease your stress levels while on the road and make your fleet vehicle driving experience more enjoyable.
Maintain a good following distance
Leaving a good following distance can help prevent rear-end collisions. It can also give you more time to react if the vehicle in front of you unexpectedly hits the brakes.
Most drivers are taught the three-second rule in driver’s ed, but this isn’t enough when driving at highway speeds or in bad weather. A better way to figure out your safe following distance is to pick a stationary object along the road, such as a sign or traffic light. Then, when the car in front of you passes it, start counting. If you reach “one thousand, two” before passing that point, you are too close and should slow down to increase your distance.
Many drivers will try to cut you off and close the gap, but it’s not worth risking your life or the lives of others. Keeping your distance will take some practice, especially in heavy traffic or when other vehicles are tailgating you. But you can master it over time, and it’ll only make your drive safer. Driving defensively is an important skill set for everyone.
Avoid distractions
While driving, you must fully focus your attention on the road and operation of your vehicle. Any distraction will interfere with this ability and may lead to an accident. Distractions include anything that takes your mind, eyes or hands off of the road. Examples include texting, using hands-free devices, eating, drinking, grooming, adjusting the radio or GPS system and even daydreaming.
Distractions can be caused by passengers as well, so limiting the number of people in your car will ensure you can concentrate on the road. Ideally, children should be left at home and pet owners should wait to attend to their animals until they are parked or stopped at a stoplight.
It is also a good idea to properly store your belongings so you do not need to root around in the back seat or on the floor for them while driving. Grooming, such as shaving or putting on makeup should be completed before getting behind the wheel and you should avoid using your cell phone for any reason while driving.
Keep your hands on the wheel
One of the most important aspects of defensive driving is keeping your hands in the correct positions on the steering wheel. Many drivers do not follow this advice, and it can cause serious injuries if an accident occurs. Fortunately, it’s easy to learn how to keep your hands in the proper position on the wheel by practicing before your driving test, a great way to start would be to go through an online pre-licensing course.
Practicing defensive driving techniques will also reduce the amount of stress you feel when you’re on the road. This is because you’ll be more equipped to anticipate the actions of other motorists and make smart decisions to maintain safety. In addition, drivers who practice defensive driving tend to experience less wear and tear on their vehicles, which can save them money in vehicle maintenance costs.
Let’s face it, we all know some people who are just plain idiots on the road. However, by implementing these defensive driving techniques, you can significantly improve your chances of staying safe on the road, and you may even be able to keep a tally of all the idiot drivers you encounter on your commute!
Maintain a calm demeanor
Driving is a stressful experience. Despite the fact that you cannot control the actions of other drivers on the road, you can practice safe driving habits to reduce the stress and risk of a collision. By adopting a defensive mindset and applying defensive driving techniques, you can make your fleet drives safer and more enjoyable.
Being a defensive driver requires a high level of awareness and anticipation. A defensive driver will always look at the big picture, anticipate others’ actions, and respond quickly to avoid accidents or dangerous situations. Regularly practicing these skills will help to sharpen your reaction time and ensure that you drive safely at all times.
The road demands your undivided attention, so you should eliminate distractions as much as possible while you’re on the road. Texts, calls, and even emotionally charged podcasts can wait until you’re finished driving. Keeping calm and remaining focused will also help to decrease vehicle maintenance costs by reducing wear and tear on your engine and other mechanical parts. It’s impossible to control other drivers’ erratic behaviors, but you can keep your cool and stay safe by following these defensive driving tips.