Defensive Driving Tips
You can increase your chances for a safe trip by following a few simple precautions. Here are twenty helpful tips to keep you driving happy.
Good driving decisions depend on a solid basis of learned techniques and practices to keep you safe. Learn to drive defensively and make sure you’re covered by a solid car insurance policy. Talk to an independent insurance agent near you for help finding affordable coverage.
What Is Driving Defensively?
Although you can’t control the actions of other motorists, you have a great deal of control over how you operate your vehicle.
Defensive driving is a style of driving that encompasses several tactics, simple precautions, and safe driving practices to reduce the chances that another driver’s errors will cause you to be involved in a collision.
When you drive defensively, you are more likely to have a safe trip. Here are twenty helpful safe driving tips to keep you driving happy.
1) Safe drivers focus on the task at hand.
Don’t let cell phones, the radio, air conditioning adjustments, kids in the backseat, or a heated discussion with your spouse distract you from your job as the driver. Always pay attention to the road and your vehicle.
According to the CDC, drivers under the age of 20 are the most prone to distractions while driving. In fact, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that distracted driving is responsible for 58% of accidents involving teen drivers.
2) Expect other drivers to make mistakes.
Don’t trust anyone but yourself.
3) Slow down.
In the US, speeding is responsible for about 10,000 deaths a year. In fact, 29% of all fatal car crashes are caused by drivers traveling above the speed limit.
The faster you drive, the longer it takes to stop, and the bigger the impact when you crash. But do travel along with the flow of traffic, as long as it does not exceed recommended limits.
4) Take advantage of safety devices.
Find a car with a high safety rating and a large number of airbags. Invest in the right child restraints and seat belt adjusters for your family, and don’t forget to use them. According to the CDC, “Placing children in age- and size-appropriate car seats and booster seats reduces serious and fatal injuries by more than half.”