Master Defensive Driving Skills to Protect Driving Safety
In this article we will learn how to drive defensively together!
Stay Focused and Keep Your Hands on the Wheel
The defensive driver pays full attention to the road conditions and places his hands on the steering wheel at 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock respectively. They will not do other things while driving (some of which are illegal), including:
- Eating
- Making up
- Holding a pet
- Taking care of children
- Using a mobile phone (without using a hands-free device)
- Sending text message
Look at the Six Paths
Constantly check the side mirrors and rearview mirrors, carefully observe the road conditions ahead, and pay attention to whether there are dangers and traffic slowdowns so that you can predict possible situations before problems occur.
Stay Alert
Don’t drive when you are tired or upset.
Drive with the Flow of Traffic
Most drivers know that speeding is a leading cause of car accidents, but driving too slowly can also be dangerous. Maintain the same speed as most vehicles.
Use the 2-Second Rule
When encountering heavy traffic, use the 2-second rule to maintain an appropriate driving distance from the vehicle in front.
- Select a fixed object on the road ahead.
- When the vehicle ahead passes the object you selected, count silently for 2 seconds. If you pass the same object before you finish counting, slow down slightly. The 2-second rule helps reduce the chance of a rear-end collision when the vehicle ahead suddenly stops.
Let Others See You
Many accidents occur because drivers fail to pay attention to other vehicles. There are some simple ways you can make yourself noticed and make yourself safer for motorists around you, including:
- Signal: Use your signal to tell other motorists which direction you are going. Other drivers see your flashing lights and can predict your movements and slow down safely.
- Headlights: Remember to turn on your headlights in the evening or when it rains. This is primarily to allow other drivers to see your car, and secondarily to allow you to see the road. In some places, it is illegal to turn on your headlights if you turn on your wipers.
- Brake Lights: Properly functioning brake lights are necessary for safety. Brake lights warn other vehicles that you are slowing down and signal them to slow down with you.
- Avoid driving blind spots. Don’t wander into the blind spot of the vehicle ahead. Many people just check their mirrors before changing lanes. If you are behind or in one lane of the vehicle in front, the driver in front cannot see you. Speed up or slow down safely and don’t let your car stay in this common accident spot. This is an important defensive driving technique.
Tolerate Angry Behavior
Certain actions by aggressive drivers may irritate you, but retaliating with similar tactics can be dangerous. You should respond to angry behavior conservatively. Here are some strategies you can use when encountering certain angry behaviors:
- Drivers who are following closely: If the driver behind you is following too closely, you can brake a few times to let him know that he is not maintaining a safe driving distance. If he’s following closely, you can gradually slow down and he’ll probably overtake you.
- Speeding drivers: If you see a car behind you speeding or changing lanes, stay in the same lane and maintain your speed.
Adapt to the Road Conditions
Drizzle can also be dangerous, especially in early spring, when the water combines with oil from the road to make it slippery. The faster the vehicle speeds, the easier it is for the tires to lose grip, so you must slow down when the weather is bad. This is also a defensive driving technique.
Be Familiar with Traffic Rules
Read the Ministry of Transportation’s brochure and review the traffic rules. It guides the right of way, road signs, and traffic laws, and includes tips for safe driving.