Safe driving is crucial to protect yourself and others when on the road. When motorists drive defensively, they remain aware of possible hazards and can use the proper strategies to avoid them.
It is every driver’s responsibility to operate their vehicles in the safest manner possible. Here are a few defensive driving tips that can benefit you.
Leave room between vehicles
Tailgating is the act of driving too close behind the car in front of you. Should that vehicle stop suddenly, you might not have the time to avoid a rear-end collision. That is why you should always leave at least three car lengths of space between you and other vehicles. Leaving this much room ensures you can stop quickly should a problem arise.
Check your surroundings
Checking for vehicles are around you when driving can help you avoid numerous collisions. In addition to checking your side and rearview mirrors frequently, you should also scan your blind spots when turning or changing lanes to check for other vehicles. This is especially important when driving on the highway.
Never text and drive
While virtually all drivers know they should not text and drive, you might not understand just how dangerous this common habit truly is. Use of a mobile device behind the wheel occupies your eyes, hands, and mind, which negatively affects reaction time and awareness. Even looking at a phone briefly causes the driver to miss many potential hazards. The best course of action is to place the device in an area of the vehicle that is not accessible.
You cannot always avoid every accident on the road, especially if you encounter a careless driver. However, defensive driving greatly reduces your risk and can also decrease the severity of an accident should one occur.
