How to Drive Defensively

As drivers, we often ignore the golden rule of driving safely and defensively. There are many reasons why we don't drive defensively. Perhaps we have become too complacent, or perhaps we're in a hurry. When we ignore the opportunity to drive safely, we place our lives and the lives of others in a danger zone of trouble. To drive safely and defensively, we must remember a few simple rules.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Buckle up. Seatbelts (if worn) could prevent about 50 percent of car accident deaths and injuries.

2. Stay awake and alert. Nearly all collisions occur because one or both drivers were not paying attention. Whether it's due to sleepiness or cell phones, being distracted when you're driving is hazardous.

3. Think ahead. Although you can never know what other drivers are thinking or what they will do, try to anticipate their next moves. Keeping your eyes open and being prepared to react to any possible driving mistakes is an important rule of defensive driving.

4. Pay attention to stop and yield signs. Even if you have the right of way, be prepared to let the other driver go first. It's better to wait half a minute at a stop sign than to end up in the hospital or the morgue.

5. Apply the three-second rule. Keeping a minimum of three seconds of following distance between you and car in front of you creates time and space for you to react to unexpected situations. Slowing down or changing lanes to let tailgaters pass will create space behind your vehicle, also.

6. Check your blind spots. Changing lanes without checking your blind spots is a hazardous habit. To drive safely, try to stay out of other drivers' blind spots too.

7. Use your turn signals. They are an important tool for the defensive driver and were made to let other drivers know your intentions. This can save your life and the lives of others on the road.

Tips & Warnings

• Never, ever speed. Driving too fast puts you in a dangerous situation. It cuts your reaction time and it increases the momentum of your vehicle, making it even more dangerous in a collision.
• Never, ever drink and drive. If you're going out, find a driver who will stick to soft drinks. Nearly half of all fatal motor vehicle accidents involve alcohol.