Defensive Driving Skills To Put You In Control Behind The Wheel

Defensive driving is what helps you steer clear of hazards that could be caused by other people’s bad road sense, rather than your own driving. One third of accidents on the road are caused due to aggressive driving. While some people text and drive, or talk on the phone, eat or simply get distracted, they invite trouble not just for themselves but also for others. Defensive driving skills put you in control behind the wheel. It’s not possible to control what others do on the road, but defensive driving sharpens your reflexes and improves your road sense, thus helping you avoid trouble.

Defensive driving tips that steer you clear out of road trouble

Be alert – This is a key factor of defensive driving. When you’re alert your reflexes to avert tricky situations are super-fast. Of course, being sleepy or being under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medications that make you drowsy are huge impediments for your alertness. So if you haven’t rested enough or are a bit tipsy, please be responsible and don’t get behind the wheel until you’re completely alert. Being alert while you’re driving also means that you need to watch out for other drivers so that you’re not caught off guard in case of a sudden unusual movement or action.

Be focused – If you’re driving, concentrate on just that and nothing else. This isn’t just a key rule of safe driving but it’s also a skill for defensive driving. Following traffic signals, rules and directions, checking your speed and road conditions, looking out for stray pedestrians, checking the rear view mirror and all of these actions can be done justice to if you are focused on driving.

Anticipate the worst and then act – Defensive driving gets you ready to deal with worst case scenarios. You surely need to be considerate toward other drivers but always put yourself first. You can’t depend on another driver to move out of your way because he’s supposed to. He might just choose not to. Someone overtaking you might do so in the most undesirable manner. You’ve got to anticipate the worst and take a stance to avoid an accident.

Have an alternate travel path – While driving you’d be in the best position to avoid an accident if your vehicle is visible to others and where you can see the road and others clearly. You also need to have an escape route planned out keeping the road ahead and positions of other vehicles in mind.

Pay attention to aggressive drivers – Keep a frequent check on your mirrors – this is another key thumb rule for defensive driving. If and when you do notice an aggressive driver, avoid getting into his direct path. You can either slow down, pull over and let him pass, or take the next exit if you find his behavior too erratic for safety.

No matter how careful you are on the road, someone else’s negligence could always get you into trouble. You can sharpen your defensive driving skills by enrolling for courses that provide you with all the practical advice and guidance to drive not just safely but also defensively.