|
As a driver, it’s essential to be highly skilled the art of safer and defensive driving to ensure your safety and that of other road users.
Safer driving or Defensive driving is a set of techniques that drivers use to anticipate and avoid accidents on the road.
In this blog, we’ll provide you with the tips and tricks that you need to know to get the right skills and grab the art of defensive driving.
What is Safer or Defensive Driving?
Safer or Defensive driving is a driving technique that involves anticipating potential hazards and responding to them appropriately to avoid accidents.
It could be a driving risk or perceived risk.
It’s all about being aware of your surroundings and the actions of other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Safer driving is not only about following traffic rules and regulations but also about being proactive in preventing accidents.
It requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and good judgement.
Why is Safer or Defensive Driving Important?
We need safer behaviours and lifestyle choices to become a safer driver. Defensive driving is essential because it helps prevent accidents on the road. Defensive driving helps to reduce the severity of accidents that do occur, minimising property damage and injuries.
Safer and defensive driving course: There are different organisations who provide Safer and defensive driving courses as well.
Safer or Defensive Driving Techniques:
There are several defensive driving techniques that drivers can use to prevent accidents.
These include:
Maintaining a safe following distance: 3 seconds gap in a normal weather condition. Drivers should keep a safe distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them to allow for sudden stops or lane changes.
Crash avoidance space is about a meter around your car.
Speed Management
Check your blind spots
Choose the right gap
Making the right decision
Scanning the road ahead: Drivers should scan the road ahead to anticipate potential hazards, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.
Using turn signals: Drivers should use turn signals to indicate their intentions to other drivers, especially when changing lanes or turning.
Avoiding distractions: Drivers should avoid distractions, such as eating or adjusting the radio while driving.
Adjusting speed: Drivers should adjust their speed to match the road conditions, such as weather, traffic, and construction zones.
Tailgating: Following too closely behind the vehicle in front of you can lead to rear-end collisions.
Speeding: Speeding reduces the drivers reaction time and increases the severity of accidents when they occur.
Failing to yield: Failing to yield the right of way can cause accidents, especially at intersections.
Distracted driving: Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone while driving, is illegal and can lead to accidents.
Aggressive driving: Aggressive driving, such as cutting off other drivers, can lead to accidents and road rage incidents.
Take a defensive driving course: Defensive driving courses teach drivers the skills and knowledge they need to prevent accidents on the road.
Practice defensive driving techniques: Practice scanning the road ahead, maintaining a safe following distance, using turn signals, and avoiding distractions.
Stay up-to-date on traffic laws and regulations: Knowing traffic laws and regulations can help drivers anticipate potential hazards and avoid accidents.
Get enough rest: Drivers who are tired are more likely to make mistakes and have slower reaction times.
Improved driving skills: Defensive driving courses teach drivers the skills they need to anticipate and avoid potential hazards on the road.
Lower insurance rates: Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have completed a defensive driving course.
Reduced fines and points: Some states allow drivers to reduce fines and points on their driving record by completing a defensive driving course.
Cars: Drivers of cars should maintain a safe following distance, scan the road ahead, and use turn signals to indicate their intentions.
Motorcycles: Motorcyclists should wear protective gear, such as helmets and leather jackets, and be aware of their surroundings.
Commercial vehicles: Drivers of commercial vehicles should be aware of blind spots, maintain a safe following distance, and obey traffic laws and regulations.
Defensive driving techniques will vary depending on the type of vehicle you’re driving. Safer Driving or Defensive Driving: A Life-Saving Skill. Mastering the art of defensive driving is essential for all drivers. It requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and good judgement. Defensive driving helps prevent accidents on the road, reducing the number of fatalities and injuries. By following the tips and techniques we’ve shared above, drivers can improve their driving skills and become safer drivers. Remember, defensive driving is not just about following traffic rules and regulations; it is about being proactive in preventing accidents on the road.
"It is a choice and behaviours to become a safer driver."
Book Your driving lessons with driving instructors of Driving Test Pro. They are very experienced and teach you defensive driving skills and training to be safe on Australian roads. (Click Here)
Copyright-Driving Test Pro © 2024 - Developed by Driving Test Pro