Defensive driving is one of the safest things you can do while at the wheel. Not only does it save lives, but it can also prevent stress and run-ins with the law.
Rather than a singular action, defensive driving is a style of driving that prioritizes safety, and it’s something that everyone should do.
If you’ve never learned about defensive driving or how to do it, not to worry! In this post, we’re breaking down some of our top tips for driving defensively. Read on to find out more.
What is “Defensive Driving”?
It’s a phrase we’ve all heard: “defensive driving.” But what does that really mean? Well, defensive driving is a style of driving that includes keeping yourself and others safe while on the road. It means that you are driving with the objectives of staying safe and protecting lives, despite the conditions or other drivers around you. Practicing defensive driving is much more than simply following traffic laws. In the next section, we’ll give you some of our best tips for defensive driving.
5 Tips for Driving Defensively
Want to find out what you can do to be safer at the wheel? Using these tips will make your drive much more safe and enjoyable! Here are some of our best strategies for incorporating defensive driving into your drives:
1) Keep Your Eyes on the Road
It seems simple, but a lot of people don’t always keep their eyes on the road. While it may be tempting to look at your phone or stare out the window at a beautiful landscape, it’s better to keep your eyes on the road. Think of it this way: if your eyes are off the road, your vehicle will be, too.
2) Pay Attention to the Signs
Road signs are posted so frequently that it can be hard to think people don’t notice them. Unfortunately, it happens all the time. People don’t see speed limit changes, low bridge warnings, or animal advisories, and they end up in trouble. Part of keeping your eyes on the road means paying attention to all road signs and reacting to them accordingly.
3) Be Aware of Other Drivers
While driving, you need to keep your eyes on the road and pay attention to signs. But, you also need to make sure you have your eyes on other drivers. You can’t trust everyone else to drive as safely as you do. So, make sure you are attentive to what other drivers are doing, keep your distance from other vehicles, and take extra caution when going through intersections.
4) Avoid Distractions
At the time, we think little distractions won’t do much to affect our driving. We send a text, turn to talk to our friends or mess around with the stereo without thinking of the consequences. Unfortunately, those consequences are much more serious than you might imagine. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over three thousand people were killed in crashes that involved distractions in 2019.
5) Keep Your Calm
“Road rage” can be extremely dangerous. It causes unnecessary stress for drivers, and can even end up being fatal in some cases. Luckily, keeping your composure while at the wheel will make you immune to “road rage.” Even if another driver is expressing anger towards you, remaining calm will allow you to be unaffected and prevent any fight. To set yourself up for staying calm on the road, leave early for your destination, follow the rules of the road, and avoid saying anything to other drivers.
Sign the Pledge to Stay Safe Today
At Drive Friendly AZ, our goal is to help people in the Mesa/Gilbert and East Valley areas gain knowledge about safe driving behavior. If you’ve enjoyed reading our tips for driving defensively and want to commit to safe driving practices, sign our pledge today. You’ll be joining other people who want to drive friendly and arrive safely.
More reading to help you Drive Friendly and Arrive Safely on your next road trip:
The No-Zone: When Trucks Can’t See You
Clean Your Windshield
Maintain Your Safety Mindset While Driving