Best Tips for Practicing Defensive Driving & Avoiding Car Wrecks

When you drive defensively, you can reduce the chances of accidents and feel safer when you drive. It’s also a good idea to teach the new drivers in your home how to drive defensively to increase the chances that your teenagers are protected when they’re on the road. Here are some practical tips that will help to keep you confident while driving and avoid wrecks.

1. Pay Attention

It’s important to maintain your focus while you’re on the road since driving involves a lot of thinking. You have to make sure you’re driving the speed limit, be aware of the weather and road conditions, and pay attention to the traffic laws. This means that you don’t have time to be focused on other things, like texting or doing your makeup. Staying focused on the road will increase the chances that you can swerve quickly and safely when you’re coming up on a pothole, or put your foot on the brakes when a car suddenly comes in front of you from another lane.

2. Be Alert

We all lead pretty busy lives, and there’s a good chance that you’re tired after a long day. However, it’s best not to get behind the wheel when you’re extremely sleepy. This slows down your reaction time and could increase the chances that you won’t change lanes fast enough or accidentally rear-end someone. Of course, the same rules apply if you’ve been drinking or taking medication that can cause drowsiness. Have a friend or family member drive you to any necessary destinations, and if you’re planning to take a road trip, be sure to get plenty of rest before you start driving.

3. Watch Out for Other Drivers

Even if you’re a safe driver and try to follow the rules of the road, this may not be the case for all drivers. Keep a watchful eye for other drivers who don’t stop at red lights, change lanes without signaling or follow too closely. Paying close attention when you’re on the road will help you anticipate what another driver will do so that you can respond appropriately and avoid a crash.

4. Don’t Follow Too Closely

If you count three or four seconds, this can help you determine the distance that should be before your car and the car in front of you. This will keep you from following too closely and rear-ending someone. If you’re driving in bad weather, increase the following distance by one second for every weather condition, i.e., rain, snow or fog. You should also follow this rule when you’re behind a motorcycle or large truck.

5. Don’t Speed

Finally, it’s best to follow the speed limit or to drive slightly below the limit. It’s harder to control your vehicle when you’re driving too fast. Not to mention, you could get a speeding ticket, which could be costly. When you’re driving in inclement weather, go slower than you normally would keep your car from swerving off the road, since it’s harder to maintain control when the roads are not in normal conditions.