Defensive driving is a term that is commonly related to driving and accidents. It is not just limited to driving slowly, following the rules, and being careful while driving.
Defensive driving is usually defined as a way of travel that prevents or reduces accidents. It prevents mistakes that drivers usually make while operating a car or any other vehicle on streets and roads.
Defensive driving is an approach towards driving, that helps drivers drive safely as well as prevent accidents on the road.
It is a driving practice that increases the level of safety and prevents the chances of accidents. It helps the drivers know the importance of observing traffic rules, turning a crash into a minor event, and following speed limits.
To get all the benefits of defensive driving, the learners have to make sure that they are following the rules properly.
Those who do not follow the rules of defensive driving, later find it tough to avoid driving incidents and accidents that result because of careless driving. The top five rules of offensive driving that each driver/learner must know are listed below.
1. Look Up Ahead
One of the most important rules of defensive driving is looking up ahead. The purpose behind looking far ahead is to maintain a good distance.
Looking ahead, instead of what is directly in the front of your vehicle helps you prevent the chances of accidents that otherwise remain high with motorists. This also helps you know how to better evaluate your next move.
2. Avoid Distractions
Another important rule of defensive driving is to avoid distractions while driving. Many times one of the major reasons behind road accidents is distractions.
When you start looking at other building, things, cellphones, people, kids, pets, or even vehicle, it not only just distract you from the road but also prevent you from keeping a look at upcoming traffic or vehicle.
Distraction while driving just increases your chance of causing an accident or getting into one. It is always better to stay focused while driving and remember that maintaining attention at all times is essential to avoid distractions that could result in accidents.
3. Maintain Safe Distance
Many times drivers do not pay much attention to the distance between them and other vehicles.
On road, it usually remains unexpected to know when the car going in front of you will make a sudden stop. Sometimes even you have to stop your car suddenly when a person or animal suddenly walks onto the road.
Those who do not maintain a safe distance and/or are not aware of the Texas defensive driving course rules, always remain prone to injuries and other types of physical trauma.
This is one of the major reasons that Texas defensive driving experts always suggest maintaining a safe distance while driving.
4. Cover Blind Spots
When driving on road, the focus of the driver is on a variety of things. Sometimes you ignore the blind spots or do not cover them due to medium traffic or just because you are driving at a regular speed.
But the blind spots are loved by those drivers who prefer jumping into the other lane. These drivers drive rashly and put themselves as well as others at risk of dangerous accidents.
Instead of being struck by rash drivers, it is always better to keep yourself away from the blind spots of other vehicles on the road.
Accelerating or slowing down the car helps you keep a considerable distance from such drivers.
5. Do Not Over Speed
Overspeeding on the road always turns out to be dangerous and expensive. But many drivers have a misconception that speeding will help them save high time.
While the fact is, driving at high speed usually doesn’t save much time. It just puts you at high risk of accidents and makes it tough for you to have good control of the vehicle.
Observing the speed limit and keeping the car under control is a defensive driving rule that helps you drive safely.
It is always better to consider whether the risk of overspeeding is worth the gain or not. Choosing a speed that matches traffic helps you drive safely and prevent the risk of road accidents.
Final Thoughts
Defensive driving is driving in a manner that includes safe driving strategies. Being aware of the intersections, wearing a seat belt, following traffic rules and regulations, and watching the speed limit, are some other rules of defensive driving that enable drivers to address known hazards in a predictable manner.
Joining experts for defensive driving courses help you become a better driver and get all the other benefits that come with it.