Defensive driving is defined as driving to save lives, time, and resources, despite conditions around you and the action of other road users. To develop defensive driving skills, one should train beyond mere master of road rules and basic vehicle operation. Its objective is to lower the risk of crashes by anticipating perilous situations.
2. Defensive driving is defined as driving to save lives, time,
and resources, despite conditions around you and the
action of other road users. To develop defensive driving
skills, one should train beyond mere master of road rules
and basic vehicle operation. Its objective is to lower the
risk of crashes by anticipating perilous situations. Visibility, space, and effective
communication are the three fundamental principles behind defensive driving.
Visibility
To stay safe on the road, you should always be aware of traffic in front, behind,
and beside you. It is important for drivers to look ahead and scan their
surroundings every five seconds or so by looking at their mirrors. By looking
ahead to where you will be in 20 to 30 seconds, the less likely you will be caught
off guard, and the more time and space you will have to avoid or maneuver
around hazards. Aside from scanning and looking ahead, visibility is also about
being seen. This means, you should use your signal lights as appropriate.
Space
Ensuring that there is adequate space around your vehicle provides you with a
safety cushion. If you follow
another vehicle too closely or if
you brake abruptly, a crash may
be difficult to avoid. To ensure
that you are at an appropriate
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3. following distance, use the three-second rule. To do
this, select a stationary structure on the road, for
instance, a power pole. When the vehicle ahead of you
passes that object, it should take you three seconds to
pass the same object. If you pass the object in less
than three seconds, you are driving too close. The three-second rule is only
applicable during normal driving conditions, though. You should increase your
following distance when driving on wet or slippery roads, or when you’re driving
behind trailers and large vehicles.
Effective communication
To avoid accidents, it is important that you communicate with other road users.
By communicating effectively, they will see you and know what you are doing or
going to do. Make eye contact or use hand gestures to communicate with
pedestrians and cyclists at intersections and use the appropriate signals whenever
you need to slow down, stop, turn, or change lanes. Use your horn if you want to
get another road user’s attention.
In order to stay safe on the road, you should also comply with the road rules
made by your federal, provincial, and municipal governments. Traffic rules can
vary from state to state. For instance, practices that are allowable in one state
may be penalized in California. To know or update
yourself with road rules, consider enrolling in a
traffic school in California.
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