In a recent post, I wrote about how defensive driving can really help you out. But what exactly is defensive driving? Here are some practical tips that you can bear in mind while on the road. These are REAL defensive driving techniques that can keep you in one piece as you travel from point A to point B.
Go with the flow
Say you are on a road with a speed limit of 65 mph. The people in the slow lane are driving at 63 mph, and the people in the fast lane are moving at 70 mph. What should you do? Let’s say that your preferred speed is 65 mph – the limit. Technically, you really should not go beyond the speed limit, so the best choice would be to slow down and go on the slow lane. Your other option would be to speed up and break the law. What you shouldn’t do, really, is stay in the fast lane and hold up traffic by going at 65 mph. This will just frustrate everyone else there and you might even cause an accident.
Anticipate
This is perhaps the most used item in the defensive driver’s arsenal. Anticipate the needs and moves of other drivers in your immediate vicinity. If the car in front of you suddenly brakes, then you can adjust accordingly. If you see a car behind coming up quickly wanting to pass, then you can act accordingly as well.
Know the road
If you are traveling to a new destination, make sure that you have an idea of the road conditions. You can easily do this these days by searching for information on the Internet. It is not that hard to do. Knowing what to expect will help you drive better and safer.
Buying a car is not a one time expense – everybody knows that. In fact, it could very well cost you a lot of money years down the road. In these times of financial instability, you need all the help that you can to save money. Here are my top 3 tips to help you do just that!
Buy diesel
Before you get all riled up, hear me out. I know that there are people who do not like diesel. Some hate it for environmental reasons, and I respect that. In this day and age, we need to do all we can to save the environment. But the thinking that diesel is bad for the environment is so outdated. Technology has made progress in this respect, and there are countless “clean diesel” engines available in the market today. Even better, with diesel, you get better mileage at lower costs.
Drive a stick
Do you know how to drive a stick shift? If you do, then you’re better off than a huge number of Americans today. Automatic cars are all the rave but the fact is that these cars consume more fuel. They also cost more as well. So learn how to drive a manual.
Buy hybrid
Even better than diesel, hybrid cars will save you more money down the road. The initial cost may be a bit higher than “normal” cars but the long term savings are worth it. Another thing, I foresee cheaper hybrids in the near future as this seems to be the trend. So really, there will soon be no excuse for not buying hybrid.
One of the most common phrases that you see in driving web sites and hand books is “defensive driving.” They normally say that defensive driving is the way to go if you really want to be safe on the roads. After all, you can be the best driver in the world but you can never control how other people drive around you. So, the best way to keep yourself safe from the dangers that other people pose is to practice defensive driving.
But does it, really? It seems that I am not the only one who has thought about this idea. As a matter of fact, I just read an article on the same topic over at Auto-Mobi. The article expresses the same sentiments as I do:
Actually, for some, defensive driving is more of practicing safety or paranoid measures when driving. Safety practices are implemented significantly. Thus, there is no denying the fact that indeed, defensive driving really helps drivers get on and survive the intricacies and complexities of driving in the modern turbulent highway.
The author, Mike Pontic, also wrote some practical advantages of defensive driving. These are the points that I think are really important:
• Safer and accident free driving procedures and techniques are instituted. Not only would the highways and roads be made a better place for driving and mobility. There would be less damages and less incidence of accidents and occurrences that often claim lives.
• Protection techniques towards road rage and the practice of speed driving are instituted. In the end, less accidents on the road are observed.
• Responsible and safe highway driving, extreme weather driving and night driving are observed. This means that the skills and safety measures practiced on the road are extended and widened further.
Makes sense, doesn’t it? So why don’t you learn more about defensive driving techniques?
They say that you will never face a better test of your driving skills until you have to drive in winter. While the season is almost over, we do know that the global climate changes have made things a little crazy in this department. There are still cities and states which are experiencing an extended period of bad weather. As most of us face the tail end of the winter, here are some of the best winter driving tips that you can bear in mind.
Don’t drive in bad weather.
That’s the best tip of all, actually. If you hear about a snowstorm on the radio or on TV, the smartest thing to do would be to stay put and wait it out. And once the storm is over, do not be in a hurry to get out and drive. Make sure the plows have done their job and that there is no ice on the road.
Take your foot off the accelerator.
If you cannot stay put and you find yourself driving on icy roads, your best bet would be to go against your need for speed. That accelerator is also meant to be stepped on lightly, you know. Decrease your speed, brake gently.
Never use cruise control.
While cruise control is FUN, it will not do you any good to use it on bad roads. Driving in bad weather requires all your attention and focus. It’s best for you to pay attention and not leave things up to cruise control.
