- Image by LevelTen_Colin via Flickr
There are more cars on the road than in previous years. Many family homes have four or more vehicles. However, with more cars comes more traffic. With more traffic comes more danger. The more cars that are on the road, the more critical it becomes that every driver follows the rules of the road. Careless or haphazard driving can lead to accidents, and those accidents can involve a multitude of vehicles. While you can control what you do on the road, there’s only so much about the other drives on the road. That’s where defensive driving, which is all about being aware and alert to what other drivers are doing.
The first rule of defensive driving is to make sure your vehicle is in prime condition. Before you drive off, make sure your mirrors are arranged properly. Find a comfortable position. You’ll want to have clean windows and windshield with minimal glare. You want maximum visibility of the road from all angles so you have plenty of time to react if something should happen. Always use your mirrors carefully and turn to watch at all angles when pulling out, whether it’s in your driveway, on a street, or in a parking lot. Don’t “taxi stop.” Come to complete stops at stop signs.
The basics of defensive driving are things drivers are taught early but don’t always stick to over time. Don’t speed. Look both ways before making a turn. Always use your turn signals. To maximize your driving safety, you should go a step beyond these things. Follow one car length behind the car in front of you for every 10 miles per hour you drive. Tailgating leads to accidents. It also can make the driver of the car being followed anxious, especially if he has to make any sudden stops or turns on his path. Signal well ahead of the turn.
