“Defensive driving” is always emphasized as the key to driving safely, but what does that really mean? The Department of Motor Vehicles touts defensive driving as crucial to avoid becoming a statistic. If it’s essential to becoming a safe driver that everyone understands this, shouldn’t everyone know how to do it?
How does “defensive driving” keep you and others on the road safer? Most drivers are reluctant to drive without supervision, so defensive driving is an alternative. By reducing the natural fear that many drivers have, it reduces the chances of getting into an accident.
Defensive driving involves anticipating what other drivers will do and reacting accordingly. There is no need to feel tense about the potential threats on the road all the time. Maintain full control of your vehicle while driving cautiously. It means anticipating other drivers’ reactions. The number of road fatalities in the United States exceeds 38,000 each year. Defensive driving reduces your risk and that of others when you take preventive measures.
Defensive Driving Tips Everyone Must Follow
The following are five defensive driving tips that every driver should know before hitting the road.
Be cautious while you drive
Staying alert lets you react to potential issues like someone slamming on their brakes in front of you. Alcohol, fatigue, and drugs, including some over-the-counter medicines, affect judgment and reaction time. Don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and get plenty of sleep before hitting the road. Their behavior should be adjusted based on what other drivers do.
Don’t drive with your phone in hand
In spite of receiving an important text or call while driving, do you really need to reply immediately? If the call is not life-changing, then it can wait. You won’t pay sufficient attention to the other drivers around you if you’re trying to use your cell phone while you’re driving.
Cell phones are extremely distracting, and many people underestimate the risk of using them while driving. Wait until you find a safe place to park before answering that important text or answering that urgent call. Make the situation as simple and safe as possible.
Pay Attention To All Traffic Signs While Driving
Traffic signs and signals are vital to all defensive drivers. As a result of considerable research into the best ways to instruct drivers on how to operate their vehicles, they are on the road for a reason. Keeping your driving predictable by others is a key part of defensive driving, and following the road signs and signals perfectly is the best way to do that.
Also, keep in mind that you should never follow other drivers. It’s not uncommon for other drivers to ignore road signs or to disregard them completely. The driver may be driving irresponsibly, putting you at risk of an accident. To avoid car accidents, always follow those traffic signs.
Keep Your Distance From The Vehicle In Front Of You
The key to driving defensively is to be aware of the vehicles around you. Ensure you are at a safe enough distance to stop safely by paying attention to how close your vehicle is to the car ahead of you. When you need to stop quickly, there may not be enough room to brake safely. It is the quality of the safe driver that he always keep the vehicle to vehicle distance
Keeping your distance and avoiding rear-end collisions are your responsibilities. To be safe, make sure your car is at least two car lengths ahead of the car ahead. You might face higher insurance rates and other liabilities if you get into a rear-end accident, even if you weren’t at fault.
Become Proficient at Driving In All Weather Conditions
In bad weather or at night, it is not uncommon for relatively new drivers to be reluctant to drive. You should avoid driving in those conditions if you are worried about driving in them. Defensive driving demands that you wait until you are confident enough to do so.
As you gain confidence in your driving skills, you can drive with supervision. Make sure you practice in different weather conditions, as well as in safe, empty parking lots without any risk of car accidents.
Yield to other vehicles
In a defensive driving course, the instructor tells you what to do at every four-way stop. Watch out for pedestrians and vehicles around, then count from 1 to 3 and drive cautiously. Our safe drivers are also aware of these rules. That is why SafeDriverDubai is considered as the best safe driver solution provider in the UAE.
It’s good advice for defensive driving in almost every situation. If you’re not sure who has the right of way, cede it. It’s sometimes hard to tell who has the right of way, so you’re better off assuming they do and letting them go first.
Taking a defensive stance and paying attention to the other drivers around you, as well as anticipating their reactions in complicated situations, will keep you much safer than those who drive aggressively. Although the strict driving laws of the UAE have reduced aggressive driving.
Never Drive Aggressively
About a third of traffic accidents are caused by aggressive driving. Multitasking while driving has become more common in recent years, like eating, talking on the phone, texting, or watching TV while driving. Drivers who drive defensively recognize that they can’t prevent or control other drivers’ actions, but they can help avoid relevant potential hazards.
Conclusion
Young drivers have a lot to learn about driving. Many of them love to drive, racing down highways and darting in and out of traffic. You’re on your way to an accident. It’s much better for a young driver to learn and practice defensive driving. By doing this, they can avoid potential accidents.
At SafeDriverDubai, we have professional drivers that are aware of defensive driving skills. That is why, hiring a driver for casual and corporate meetings, school pick and drop of your children and for inter city travel is necessary.
