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Being a defensive driver and using safe driving practices can help you avoid accidents and keep your auto insurance premiums low. Whether you’re sharpening your own driving skills or teaching a teen to drive, follow these defensive driving tips for a safer experience on the road.
What Is Defensive Driving and Why Is It Important?
Defensive driving is a driving approach that focuses on staying alert, anticipating problems, and making smart decisions to keep yourself and others safe on the road.
Why does it matter? Roads can be unpredictable. One moment, you’re cruising along, and the next, you’re dealing with a distracted driver or sudden weather changes. Defensive driving gives you the skills to handle these surprises with confidence and stay safe no matter what comes your way.
And here’s a bonus: mastering these skills can also lower your insurance costs. Many providers offer auto insurance discounts for completing defensive driving courses, so you’ll stay safer and save money at the same time.
Top Defensive Driving Tips to Stay Safe on the Road
Follow these safe driving practices below, and you’ll be well on your way to handling challenges on the road with ease.
#1 Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions
One of the most important defensive driving principles is staying focused. Distracted driving—whether it’s texting, eating, or fiddling with your GPS—is one of the leading causes of accidents. According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 3,000 people tragically lost their lives by distracted driving in 2022.
Before you hit the road, set up your navigation, adjust your mirrors, and choose your playlist. This way, you can keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.
#2 Keep a Safe Following Distance
Ever heard of the three-second rule? It’s a simple way to maintain a safe following distance and help prevent rear-end collisions. Pick a fixed point on the road ahead, and when the car in front of you passes it, start counting. If you reach the same point before counting to three, you’re too close, so back off a bit.
In adverse weather or heavy traffic, give yourself even more room. Wet roads and unexpected stops take longer to handle, and extra space means extra time to react.
#3 Anticipate the Actions of Other Drivers
A big part of defensive driving is predicting what might happen next. This means always staying a step ahead by scanning the road in front of you, checking your mirrors often, and keeping an eye out for erratic behavior from other drivers. For example, if you notice a car swerving slightly or constantly braking, that’s a sign to give them some extra space. Or, if you see someone signaling to merge, be prepared for them to move into your lane—even if they don’t seem to notice you.
Another good habit is to watch for brake lights several cars ahead. This gives you time to adjust your speed before you’re forced to slam on the brakes.
#4 Adjust for Weather and Road Conditions
Bad weather can quickly make driving difficult. Rain, snow, ice, and even dense fog can make roads slippery and limit what you can see, so slow down and stay extra cautious. Reducing your speed gives you more time to react and helps prevent skids and hydroplaning.
Preparation is just as important. Before heading out in bad weather, check your tires for good tread, ensure your windshield wipers are working well, and top off your washer fluid.
One big thing to watch out for? Overconfidence. Even if you’re an experienced driver, adverse conditions demand caution. Feeling “in control” can sometimes lead to risky decisions, like driving too fast on slick roads.
Tip #5: See the Big Picture
While it’s easy to focus on the car directly in front of you, it’s just as important to stay aware of the entire road. When you see the big picture, you can anticipate problems and react before they turn into accidents.
Use your peripheral vision to keep an eye on the sides of the road, check your mirrors often to stay aware of what’s behind you, and always look over your shoulder to check your blind spots before changing lanes. These small habits make sure no surprises catch you off guard. For example, spotting a driver approaching a red light too quickly could give you the few extra seconds needed to avoid a collision.
How to Become a Good Defensive Driver
How does one become a good defensive driver? Consider enrolling in a defensive driving course. These programs cover everything from advanced defensive driving techniques to understanding the psychology of other drivers. Some courses even include exams to test what you’ve learned. For example, you could be asked to identify safe vs. unsafe driving behaviors or respond to hypothetical road scenarios.
But it doesn’t stop after you pass the test. Being a good defensive driver is a lifelong commitment. Roads, vehicles, and traffic laws are always changing, so it’s important to keep learning and sharpening your skills.
Conclusion
The more you invest in being a cautious, defensive driver, the safer you’ll be. Keep these tips in mind every time you sit behind the wheel, and you can protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the road.
Defensive driving can also help you save money. Mercury Insurance rewards safe drivers with discounts. So, if you’re looking for ways to stay safe and get cheap auto insurance, defensive driving is a smart place to start.
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