7 Defensive Driving Tips

Even some of the most experienced drivers could use some refreshers for the road. So we came up with 7 defensive driving tips that we think can help both new and veteran drivers.

Stay Focused on the Task of Driving

Focus on being mentally present with the task of driving. Follow the laws and safe driving practices while at the same time, be diligent and watch for other drivers on the roadways. This is key to great defensive driving.

There are far too many drivers that find the task of driving to be boring, so they are constantly being distracted mentally and physically while driving. Society has made positive headway by expressing the true dangers of distracted driving, but the problem is there are millions on the road that are still being distracted while driving every day.

Young woman, a drowsy drive, yawning sitting at the drivers seat in the car, causing a danger of driving because of a serious lack of sleep

Keep Space Around Your Vehicle

Try using the 3-4 second rule as a guideline to help keep space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Watch not only the vehicle in front of you but further down the road to help anticipate other potential issues before you arrive at them. Think about always having a way out of a potential hazard (a driving escape plan) as you drive can be helpful to stay safe on our constantly changing driving environment.

Don’t Make Unnecessary or Even Constant Lane Changes

Studies have shown that many collisions occur most often during lane changes. Too often, drivers make unnecessary or constant lane changes with the belief it will help gain time to reach their destination, but it simply puts themselves and other drivers in life-threating danger.

Drowsy Driving Can Be As Dangerous As Impaired Driving

A body that is tired/exhausted has slower reaction times for any potential hazards on the road. An estimated 10% of Collisions occur because of drowsy driving.

Road Rage-Stay Calm

Take a few deep breaths if others on the road have upset you. Don’t let other drivers take you out of the driving task. If we allow others to get us angry, then we won’t be able to think clearly while driving and make good driving decisions.

An irritated young man driving a vehicle is expressing his road rage.

Create Space Away From Problem Drivers

If you notice other drivers that are a potential risk, then do your best to keep a safe distance from them. Problem drivers could be distracted, impaired, tailgaters, individuals with road rage, extremely fast/slow or any type of erratic driver.

Impaired Driving is Deadly

Far too many drivers are impaired with alcohol, prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs or illegal drugs. Impaired drivers cannot process problems quickly, they have issues thinking, reasoning and using motor skills which are essential to help operate a motor vehicle.