1. By: National Traffic Safety
Institute

2. “Defensive driving is driving your car in such a way that you avoid
collisions and accidents regardless of the conditions and/or actions of the
other drivers around you.” This term was first used by the National
Safety Council when it launched back in 1964 a systematic driving course
based on the experience and safety guidelines set forth by professional
drivers who know whereof they speak. It implies that you are a defensive
or safety driver if you observe more than traffic laws but also the laws of
physics, — that is, by keeping a trained eye on other moving vehicles and
evaluating driving options in tight situations.
No question that driving is fraught with risks. One of the primary risks is
posed by other drivers who act as if they own the road. There are speed
maniacs who like to overtake everyone. Some people speed aggressively.
Others wander into another lane because they may not be paying
attention. Drivers may follow too closely, make sudden turns without
signaling, or weave in and out of traffic.

3. Thus, such aggressive drivers are said to account for one-third of all car
accidents. Also becoming more of a problem is inattentive driving which
applies to multitasking people who while driving talk on their mobile
phones, send or check text messages, snack or even watch TV.
You can’t control the actions of other drivers. But updating your defensive
driving skills can help you avoid the dangers caused by other people’s bad
driving. So before you get behind the wheel of that two-ton frame of glass
and steel, here are some tips to help you stay in control:
Keep focus. Driving is primarily a thinking task, and you have a lot of
things to think about when you’re behind the wheel: road conditions, your
speed and position, observing traffic laws, signs and signals, following
directions, being aware of the cars around you, checking your mirrors,
and so on and so forth. By avoiding distractions, such as talking on the
phone or eating, you can see potential problems develop and properly
react to them.

4. Be alert. Being alert while driving allows you to react quickly to
potential problems, as when the car ahead of you suddenly brakes.
Obviously, alcohol or drugs affect a driver’s reaction time and judgment.
Driving while drowsy has the same effect and is one of the leading
causes of crashes. So rest up before your road trip.
Think safety. Avoiding aggressive and inattentive driving tendencies
yourself will put you in a stronger position to deal with other people’s
bad driving. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front.
Always lock your doors and wear your seatbelt to protect you from being
thrown from the car in a crash.
Have an escape route. In all driving situations, the best way to avoid
potential dangers is to position your vehicle where you have the best
chance of seeing and being seen. Having an alternate path of travel is
essential, so take the position of other vehicles into consideration when
determining an alternate path of travel. Always leave yourself an out —
a place to move your vehicle if your immediate path of travel was
suddenly blocked.

5. Follow speed limits. Posted speed limits apply to ideal conditions. It’s
your responsibility to ensure that your speed matches conditions. In
addition, higher speeds make controlling your vehicle that much more
difficult if things go wrong. To maintain control of your vehicle, you
must control your speed.
If you’re interested in taking a defensive driving course to help sharpen
your driving knowledge and skills, contact National Traffic Safety
Institute. Most states maintain a list of approved defensive driving
course providers. Many of them offer online programs. In some states,
you may be eligible for insurance premium discounts, “positive” safe
driving points, or other benefits. These courses do cost money, but it’s
worth the investment to be a smarter and safer driver.