Driving defensively means being prepared for whatever situation you are presented with in traffic. It also entails being cautious, but taking action to avoid conflict and not allow other drivers to control your destiny. The US Department of Transportation reports that 90 percent of all car accidents stem from some type of driver mistake. Abiding by these eight defensive driving rules will help you avoid hazards on the road:
1. Put safety first. Leave the aggressive and careless driving to others. Allow a large cushion of space between you and the car up ahead. Also, lock the doors and wear a seatbelt to prevent you from being ejected from the vehicle during an accident.
2. Watch out for cars around you. Refer to your rear view and side mirrors often, and try to look 20 to 30 seconds up the road to see what you may be facing in the near future. If you identify a car that appears to be driving recklessly, reduce your speed or pull over to avoid any confrontation. If the vehicle is moving so precariously that you fear for your safety, attempt to exit the roadway with a right-hand turn or by taking the very next off ramp. You should also be wary of bicyclists, people on foot, and pets alongside the road or crossing the street.
3. You shouldn’t rely on other drivers. You should always be considerate of other, but first and foremost, you need to ensure your own safety. Do not take it for granted that another driver is going to change lanes to allow you entry. Presume that cars will run red lights and stop signs; prepare yourself for the worst, and carefully choose your actions.
4. Think outside the box. In any driving scenario, you have the highest probability of averting danger if you are visible to others and others are also in plain view. An alternative course of travel, or escape route, is essential in case a problematic situation arises. You should be cognizant of the location of other vehicles when plotting your secondary plan.
5. Observe the 3-to-4-second rule. You have the best odds of getting into an accident in front of you. Utilizing the 3-to-4-second rule, you can estimate a safe trailing distance, which will give the driver sufficient time to stop in average traffic and clear weather.
6. Monitor your speed. Speed limit signs are intended as guidelines for driving in perfect conditions. It is the driver’s duty to reduce their speed below the limit if weather calls for it.
7. Address one risk at a time. When you realize there are multiple hazards in your presence, you should attempt to eliminate them one by one. The last thing you want is to have to worry about simultaneous risks because you will begin to lose focus on driving.
8. Get rid of distractions. A distraction is any behavior that breaks your concentration on the task of driving. Do not take part in any activity (e.g., reading the newspaper, lighting a cigarette) that diverts your attention from driving.