{"id":879,"date":"2019-10-01T13:52:57","date_gmt":"2019-10-01T20:52:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freedomgeneral.com\/blog\/?p=879"},"modified":"2021-09-16T05:27:46","modified_gmt":"2021-09-16T12:27:46","slug":"20-defensive-driving-tips-to-remember","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freedomgeneral.com\/blog\/20-defensive-driving-tips-to-remember\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Defensive Driving Tips to Remember"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Did you know that automobile accidents are common enough to be one of the most common causes of death <\/a>throughout the United States? That doesn\u2019t mean you should simply hide out in your house or walk everywhere you go. It simply means that it\u2019s worth taking some time to focus on how your driving might be creating an unsafe situation for you or others, and finding ways to improve your safe driving. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple ways to make sure that you\u2019re more likely to avoid a collision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Some people who hear the phrase \u2018defensive driving\u2019 might think that it carries a negative connotation, like when a person acts \u2018defensive.\u2019 But in fact, defensive driving is simply the name for alert, careful driving that takes into account the actions of other drivers. It\u2019s how you ensure that you\u2019re always prepared to \u2018defend\u2019 yourself from events that might take place on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you might have heard some of these defensive driving<\/a> tips before, it\u2019s always good to have a reminder about the best practices for driving safely. Meanwhile, you might discover some new ways to stay safe whenever you\u2019re out and about driving on roads with other drivers. You\u2019ll find that many of our tips aren\u2019t directly focused on your driving skills at all\u2014they\u2019re more centered on how you prepare for and respond to the actions taken by other drivers. These responses can often be the difference between a serious car accident and arriving home safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that in mind, here\u2019s our list of 20 of the best defensive driving tips to remember when you want to stay safe on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay Focused<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common causes of accidents in the world is distracted driving. As technology becomes more portable, it means that there are countless growing ways to bring that technology into the car and have it become a distraction. The most obvious culprit of this is cell phones, which should never be in your hands while driving under any circumstances. While most states have enacted hands-free driving laws, you should always avoid having a phone in your hands even in states where it\u2019s legal. Even making hands-free calls can be a distraction, so use these features only when necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another major cause of distraction in vehicles is other passengers. Whether that\u2019s a friend chatting in the passenger seat or a child crying in the back, you should always remember that your number one priority as driver of the vehicle is to keep the passengers safe. Everything else will have to wait. If you have a child that\u2019s having an emergency or simply a tantrum, safely pull over if you must to take care of it rather than trying to handle the situation while you drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assume Drivers Will Make Mistakes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One common mistake that drivers make is that they assume no other drivers will make mistakes. Unfortunately, drivers make serious mistakes all the time\u2014and many of them lead to serious injuries, or worse. One of our top defensive driving tips is to always assume that everyone on the road is doing some distracted driving in some way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, when you\u2019ve stopped at a 4-way stop and it\u2019s now your turn to proceed, watch for other cars approaching the intersection from either side. Wait for them to at least start to brake as they approach the intersection, showing you that they see the stop sign and are preparing to stop. Don\u2019t assume that a car moving full speed in your direction is going to slow down\u2014wait until it shows you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This also goes for cars merging from highway entrances and other situations. Don\u2019t assume they\u2019re going to act appropriately for the situation. If you can, put yourself in a position where even a mistake on their part won\u2019t run you off the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mind Your Speed<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This tip shouldn\u2019t come as a shock to anyone who\u2019s received a speeding ticket, but the risks of speeding might be even worse than you could have guessed. Every year, around 30,000 people die as a direct result of speeding. Not only does faster driving result in more force in the event of an impact, but faster cars take longer to come to a stop. That makes accidents more likely overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This doesn\u2019t mean that you should drive several miles below the speed limit or below the speed of other cars\u2014this carries its own risks. Simply follow the flow of traffic around you<\/a>, assuming it doesn\u2019t move more quickly than the speed limit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use Car Safety Equipment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vehicles and accessories designed for safety have made remarkable progress over the last few decades when it comes to their ability to protect you and your passengers. From advanced airbags and vehicle designs to modern car seat designs and restraints for children, there are plenty of ways that you can ensure you and your passengers are safer on the road. However, there is a catch\u2014you have to actually use <\/em>this safety equipment for it to have an impact. Always <\/em>keep children in age-appropriate restraints, car seats, or seat belt adjusters. Not only could it save your child\u2019s life\u2014it\u2019s also the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if you\u2019re wondering whether all these child safety laws make a difference\u2014studies have shown that children who aren\u2019t seated in age-appropriate equipment during a crash are twice as likely to receive serious or fatal injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listen to Your Mother \u2014 Buckle Your Seat Belt<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We can\u2019t leave out the most famous safety feature of all\u2014the seat belt. Wearing a seat belt while driving cuts your chances of being injured in half. On average, seat belts save the lives of nearly 20,000 people every single year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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And yet, millions of people drive their vehicles at highway speeds, surrounded by other cars, without wearing a seat belt. The most common culprits? Teenagers, people driving in rural areas, people who are intoxicated, and commercial truck drivers on long-haul trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please\u2014buckle your seat belt. It’s one of our top defensive driving tips, it takes a matter of seconds and is proven to be able to save your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When You Aren\u2019t Sure What to Do, Yield<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It might have been your turn when someone jumped the line and t-boned your car at an intersection, but that won\u2019t be much comfort when you\u2019re in the hospital recovering from a broken collarbone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research has shown that many people have a difficult time yielding to other drivers, especially when they feel the other driver isn\u2019t following the rules or is acting out of turn. But pride or justice aren\u2019t worth the risk of car damage, injury, or worse. Even if you feel certain that you\u2019re in the right, don\u2019t push it. Let other drivers proceed while you yield the way, no matter how wrong or smug they might be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is particularly relevant for male drivers, who studies show are 50% more likely to receive failure to yield violations than women. That said, it\u2019s equally applicable to everyone. So here’s our defensive driving tip\u2014when in doubt, yield the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Red Means Stop, Green Means Go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Everyone knows what stoplights mean, but not everyone pays attention to them like they should. Many accidents result from drivers who don\u2019t notice a red light, fail to see it due to glare from the sun or distractions, or try to beat a yellow and realize they\u2019re too late only once they\u2019re in the middle of the intersection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of our defensive driving tips is to slow down a little bit before you approach any intersection. This will allow you to have more time to assess the light, make sure you know its status, and decide how to proceed. Avoiding a 1-2 minute wait at a light isn\u2019t worth risking a serious injury or worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell Other Drivers Where You\u2019re Going<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve all experienced the frustration of a driver who doesn\u2019t use their indicators before making a turn or lane change. But many of us are guilty of the same offense ourselves, whether you’re aware of your surroundings or not. Failing to alert other drivers about what you\u2019re going to do is one of the most common causes of accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it\u2019s not enough to simply use your blinkers. You need to leave enough time between turning on the blinker and when you actually make the lane change or turn, so that other drivers have enough time to notice it and adjust accordingly. Signaling as <\/em>you make a turn doesn\u2019t do anyone much good, and failure to signal properly causes 2 million accidents every single year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ease Off the Road Rage<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Everyone gets frustrated on the road. We\u2019ve all been cut off, tailgated, offended, or had someone do something dangerous. There\u2019s nothing wrong with getting a little upset and irritated at another driver. However, when that frustration causes you to make poor decisions that could put your safety or the safety of others at risk, that\u2019s when it becomes unacceptable road rage<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The truth is that no one has ever \u2018won\u2019 an argument over driving. Everyone ends up angrier at best, and at worst there could be an altercation or physical violence. You also never know the mental state of other drivers, which puts you at even greater risk. If you see someone behave in a truly risky way, stay away and call the police.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give Other Drivers Room<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One out of every three car accidents is the direct result of someone following to closely behind another car. Tailgating is incredibly risky, not to mention an inconsiderate way to behave. For our next defensive driving tip, try to assume the best about the people driving around you\u2014maybe they\u2019re just learning to drive, or they feel more comfortable at lower speeds. Tailgating someone rarely, if ever, causes them to speed up\u2014and it puts you both at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone is driving dangerously below the speed limit, consider a short honk to let them know. Don\u2019t ride directly behind their bumper\u2014it\u2019s not just rude, it\u2019s illegal and unsafe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Be Blind to Blind Spots<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Everyone has heard the common advice to always check their blind spots. But one thing that many drivers fail to think about is whether they\u2019re driving in the blind spots of other cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The nature of driving means that cars are constantly passing in and out of each other\u2019s visual blind spots all the time. However, it becomes unsafe when you consistently stay in the blind spot of another vehicle. Because they don\u2019t see a car nearby for quite some time, they could simply move over into your lane without ever knowing you\u2019re there. If you find yourself matching the pace of another car and staying in their blind spot, either slow down or speed up slightly (and safely) in order to remedy the situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drive Sober. Period.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is one of our simplest defensive driving tips . Never, ever drive impaired in any way. If you have to ask yourself whether you\u2019re too impaired to drive safely, then the answer is no. <\/em>Putting yourself, other drivers, and any passengers you might have at risk is absolutely not worth the price of a taxi ride home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prepare for the Weather<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wet roads mean a longer time for your car to come to a stop safely. You shouldn\u2019t drive the same way on wet roads as you do in normal weather conditions. We recommend avoiding the use of cruise control when bad weather arrives,<\/a> and adding some extra gap between you and other vehicles on the road. You should also consider slowing down\u2014the speed limit is a maximum limit, not a required speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, you should know what to do in the event that your car hydroplanes, or slides on the surface of water. That\u2019s beyond the scope of this article, but there are plenty of resources online about what to do in the event of hydroplaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Know Your Snow<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it snows, one of our defensive driving tips is that you should use chains on your tires. However, chains are not appropriate for use on ice. If your region commonly experiences ice and snow storms, the safest thing you can do is put winter-specific tires on your car. And, just like when it rains, avoid using cruise control. Put yourself in constant control of your speed and acceleration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take Care of Your Tires So They Take Care of You<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of tires, it\u2019s important for your safety that you never neglect them. Caring for tires essentially comes down to two main factors\u2014keeping them inflated at the right pressure rating, and replacing them when they become damaged or too worn. Tire life is generally measured in years, not miles, and recommendations generally hover around 5 years per replacement. That said, you should replace tires that become overly worn before that time. Use your best judgement, because it might just save your life. Worn tires take longer to stop, are more likely to slide, and can\u2019t grip the road effectively\u2014especially in wet conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Light Your Way<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The next defensive driving tip on our list\u2014use your headlights! Whenever it\u2019s dark, rainy, foggy, or otherwise more difficult than normal to see, your headlights will increase your visibility. If you\u2019re driving somewhere remote that is particularly dark, feel free to use your high beams\u2014that\u2019s what they\u2019re for. Just be sure to turn them off if other drivers approach. You don\u2019t want to impair their ability to see safely, which could lead to an accident<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give Your Vehicle Some Attention<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keeping your vehicle properly maintained and cared for is also essential for safety. That includes safety lights, brakes, tires, and anything else that requires regular maintenance and attention. If you do experience a breakdown while you\u2019re on the road, get your car to safety if possible. If not, exit your car when it is safe to do so and remove yourself from the road. Then call for a tow truck or whatever help you might need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Handle Tailgating the Right Way<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If someone is tailgating you, don\u2019t respond by slamming on your brakes suddenly to \u2018teach them a lesson.\u2019 Simply move out of the lane. If this isn\u2019t an option, the recommended response is to reduce distance between your car and the next. This is because if a tailgater strikes you from behind, you\u2019ll be less likely to slam into the car ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steady As She Goes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common causes of traffic accidents is sudden change in speed or acceleration. You should always try to be as smooth as possible whenever you adjust your speed while on the road. Give the drivers around you time to react to your new speed. Don\u2019t slam on your brakes unless necessary for safety, and don\u2019t blast to a higher speed just to show off your car\u2019s acceleration. The best advice<\/a> for defensive driving is to \u201cBe Predictable.\u201d The more predictable you are, the better other drivers will be able to safely respond to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look Ahead, Plan Ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When driving, you should continually look far down the road to watch out for any incoming situations. Avoid surprises by looking ahead for stopped traffic, intersections, unsafe items on the highway, or accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We hope these tips will help you become a better defensive driver. You can also find great defensive driving course options online. But no matter how careful you are, sometimes incidents are bound to happen. That’s why Freedom National offers cheap car insurance quotes online.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to see how affordable auto insurance can be? Click here<\/a> to use our online quote form to see your savings today.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get a Free Quote<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Did you know that automobile accidents are common enough to be one of the most common causes of death throughout the United States? That doesn\u2019t mean you should simply hide out in your house or walk everywhere you go. It simply means that it\u2019s worth taking some time to focus on how your driving might be creating an unsafe situation for you or others, and finding ways to improve your safe driving. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple ways to make sure that you\u2019re more likely to avoid a collision. Some people who hear the phrase \u2018defensive driving\u2019 might think that it <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":881,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n20 Defensive Driving Tips to Remember<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"No matter how much experience you have behind the wheel, defensive driving is always a good idea. 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