February 24, 2024
What Is Defensive Driving?
Most people have heard “defensive driving,” but what does it mean? It is not just about obeying traffic laws – it is a proactive approach that prevents accidents and saves lives. The techniques help drivers avoid collisions and minimize the severity of accidents when they do occur.
About Defensive Driving Courses
Defensive driving courses educate students about using good judgment and extra caution when driving. When behind the wheel, drivers face many factors that impact their behaviors; some are under their control, and others are not. For instance, you cannot control another driver who cuts you off, but you can decide not to pursue them.
These courses help students overcome negative reactions and develop positive attitudes. Instructors help class members stay updated on road safety and refine their driving skills. Students are typically less likely to get into accidents; they can also end up using less fuel, lower their stress levels, and become eligible for car insurance discounts.
Defensive Driving Tips
These defensive driving tips can keep you, your passengers, and others who share the roads safer.
- Remain calm. Small annoyances can escalate into road rage, so keep calm even when other drivers are reckless. Let vehicles pass, and do not get upset when someone tailgates you. It is safer to move over. When another driver threatens your safety, have a passenger call for help or pull over somewhere safe to do it yourself.
- Keep a safe following distance. If you are too close and the vehicle in front stops suddenly, you may get into a rear-end collision.
- Resist the urge to speed. Speeding is a common and aggressive driving behavior that contributes to about 26 percent of road fatalities.
- Remain focused. Circumstances change quickly on roads, so be aware of your surroundings at all times. Put phones on Do Not Disturb, and avoid other things that compete for attention, like loud music, arguments with your passengers, food, and drink.
- Never drive under the influence. Alcohol, drugs, and medication contribute to 10 percent of fatal crashes every year.
- Buckle up. Ensure you and all your passengers always wear seat belts in moving vehicles.
- Be courteous. It is safest to give the right of way to other vehicles when the next move is unclear. If you are at a four-way stop and unsure who was there first, just let the other vehicle go. It is not always easy to tell who has the right of way, so assume they were there first.
- Be extra cautious in poor weather and at night. Bad weather conditions and driving at night call for even more vigilance. If you or someone you are responsible for is not experienced in these situations, drive with supervision until confidence is achieved. Practice in a safe place with no risk of getting into a crash, like an empty parking lot.
Contact a Lansdale Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Firm of Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. for a Free Consultation
Even the most careful drivers get into accidents and suffer serious injuries. Contact a skilled Lansdale car accident lawyer at the law firm of Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. for legal guidance. Complete our online form or call 267-861-7100 to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Chester County, and Norristown.