Defensive Driving 101

Whether you are a new driver or have had your license a long time, you have probably heard the term “defensive driving.” Defensive driving means that one constantly “looks out for potential problems before they occur.” After all, it is important to be a safe driver and, in the process, you will save money, time and lives.  How does one drive defensively? Below are some tips to be aware of for you to effectively practice defensive driving.

1 )   Head’s up. It may be tempting to look just right in front of your car, but you have to know what is going on all around your car. You want to be mentally prepared for anything ahead, such as potholes or oncoming traffic.

2)   Be sure you have good vision. If you are supposed to wear prescription eyewear, then do it -they were prescribed for a reason. Sometimes you can’t find your glasses but without them you could cause an accident, and if the officer doesn’t see you are wearing your glasses or contacts you may be fined or have your license taken away.Cut down on distractions. We realize this may be easier said than done, but it’s important to consider. Today’s cars are equipped with many features now like GPS systems, on-board computers and touchscreens. These features are handy but it’s important to not let them get in the way of keeping your eyes on the road.

3)   Cut down on distractions. We realize this may be easier said than done, but it’s important to consider. Today’s cars are equipped with many features now like GPS systems, on-board computers and touchscreens. These features are handy but it’s important to not let them get in the way of keeping your eyes on the road.Leave room in between your car and the one in front of you. When it’s 5 o’clock and you just want to get home, it is tempting to get right behind the car in front of you. However, make sure you leave enough room in case you need to stop quickly.

4)   Leave room in between your car and the one in front of you. When it’s 5 o’clock and you just want to get home, it is tempting to get right behind the car in front of you. However, make sure you leave enough room in case you need to stop quickly.Ensure you are visible. We know you might think you are visible by just being in a car but what we mean is using lights and signals. Make sure that you use your turn signals as you want other drivers to know when you are turning. Repair any headlights that no longer work right away, because drivers may not be able to make your vehicle without them on at night or in inclement weather.

5)   Ensure you are visible. We know you might think you are visible by just being in a car but what we mean is using lights and signals. Make sure that you use your turn signals as you want other drivers to know when you are turning. Repair any headlights that no longer work right away, because drivers may not be able to make your vehicle without them on at night or in inclement weather.Wear your seatbelt. This is a big one. In the event of a possible accident, a seatbelt may be life-saving. Seatbelts can turn what may have been fatal accidents into ones where people only wind up with minor injuries.

6)   Wear your seatbelt. This is a big one. In the event of a possible accident, a seatbelt may be life-saving. Seatbelts can turn what may have been fatal accidents into ones where people only wind up with minor injuries.Watch for oncoming traffic. If you are on a two-way street, especially if you are on a motorcycle, always keep your eyes on the traffic in the opposite lane.  All you need is to have a car or truck cut in front of you while taking a left and you will have an accident.  If you are on a motorcycle, it could be fatal.

7)   Watch for oncoming traffic. If you are on a two-way street, especially if you are on a motorcycle, always keep your eyes on the traffic in the opposite lane.  All you need is to have a car or truck cut in front of you while taking a left and you will have an accident.  If you are on a motorcycle, it could be fatal.

It is crucial for all drivers to practice defensive driving. It may take some practice, but by doing it you will be a safer driver.

Article Courtesy of: Thompson Toyota

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