It’s crucial to acknowledge that driving goes beyond reaching one’s destination. It’s also about caring about the safety of road users sharing the road. Practicing defensive driving is one of the surefire ways to prioritize safety while sharing the road with others.
This technique involves anticipating potential hazards and taking measures to help prevent accidents. It goes beyond complying with traffic regulations; it’s about cultivating habits that make a driver more responsible.
1. Maintain a safe following distance
One of the cornerstones of defensive driving is not following the vehicle ahead too closely. A reasonable following distance provides a cushion that allows a driver enough time to react if the vehicle ahead suddenly stops. In adverse weather conditions, increasing the distance is crucial to account for reduced traction and visibility.
2. Eliminate distractions
It’s unsettling that some drivers are tempted to multitask while operating their vehicles. Multitasking introduces distractions that rob a driver’s attention that they need to evade potential hazards. A good defensive driving practice every driver should adopt is eliminating all distractions once they get behind the wheel.
3. Anticipate the actions of others
Another valuable defensive driving strategy is to assume that other road users may make mistakes, such as:
- Run a red light
- Fail to yield
- Jaywalk
- Cycle on the wrong lane
- Stop abruptly without warning
Paying attention to the behavior of nearby road users can help drivers avoid potential collisions.
4. Adapt to road and weather conditions
Drivers should acknowledge that vehicle operation can be more challenging on poor roads and in poor weather conditions. When conditions are less than ideal, a driver is much safer if they:
- Slow down
- Use headlights appropriately
- Avoid sudden maneuvers
Drivers should also conduct regular maintenance routines to help ensure the car is in good condition.
5. Use mirrors and check blind spots
While modern vehicles often have advanced safety features, nothing replaces the importance of using mirrors and checking blind spots manually. Before changing lanes or merging, drivers should briefly turn their heads to ascertain there is no vehicle or cyclist in their blind spot.
Every driver ought to adopt a mindset that prioritizes safety and vigilance on the road. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that defensive driving does not guarantee that a driver will not encounter an accident. In the event of a collision, affected drivers should not hesitate to hold an at-fault party accountable.
