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.