Road safety is a shared responsibility of all road users. This is a prerequisite to ensuring the well-being of motorists, passengers, and pedestrians. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), 94% to 96% of car accidents are due to human error.
The likelihood of car accidents can be decreased by driving defensively. When you are a skilled and defensive driver, you take necessary precautions to reduce risks on the road. This article covers different defensive driving practices to follow.
What Is Defensive Driving?
We hear “defensive driving” tossed around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? This term means anticipating potential hazards when operating on the road. Defensive driving is not just about following traffic rules. It also means paying attention and making the road safer for everyone.
The following good driving habits and tips will come in handy the next time you’re behind the wheel:
Conduct a Pre-Drive Inspection
Before your car gets on the road, a simple inspection should be done. Adjust both rearview and side mirrors. These should be clear and set properly. Aside from this, your tires should have the correct pressure and tread. You should also check the lights, engine, brakes, fluid levels, and battery.
Know Your Blind Spots
A blind spot is an area that you can’t see in your rearview or side mirrors. To ensure vehicle safety, be aware of blind spots in your own car. Just look over your shoulder briefly to check the area behind your vehicle. Always check your blind spots when changing lanes, passing, or turning into a side road.
Use Turn Signals Properly
Responsible drivers communicate what they intend to do through turn signals. When you’re using turn signals properly, you reduce the chances of collisions. Turn signals will help keep you and other drivers safe. This is generally required by law, so always provide an indicator when you are driving.
As part of defensive driving techniques, you need to use your turn signals when:
- Making a left or right-hand turn
- Merging in or out of traffic
- Changing lanes
- Pulling or backing into a parking space
- Passing another vehicle
Reduce Distractions
An open, straight road can be boring to some people. That’s why many people get distracted when driving. Distracted driving is one of the main reasons behind accidents. When you lose focus even for just a second, you might find yourself in a car crash.
Practice good driving habits by staying alert at all times. Do not use your mobile devices because these could divert attention from driving. As much as possible, avoid texting and taking phone calls. In case of an emergency, pull over on the side to answer your phone.
Adjust Your Speed
Most collisions should have been avoided if drivers didn’t exceed speed limits. The faster you drive, the greater the impact of your vehicle. In addition, it is more difficult to stop when you’re driving too fast. Drivers should always stay compliant with the speed limit. Going over the speed limit by just 10 mph increases the risk of an accident by 50 percent.
During poor weather conditions, you may slow down. Roads can get wet during rainy weather. It’s recommended that you drive 5 to 10mph slower than the designated speed limit.
Follow the 3-Second Rule for Safe Following Distance
Don’t forget to maintain a three-second gap when following another vehicle. The following distance rule helps prevent rear-end vehicle crashes. As a defensive driver, you should allow three full seconds between you and the car in front. According to the rule, this is enough time to react and hit the brake.
For trucks and larger vehicles, it should be at least four seconds. When driving at night or under bad weather, you can give a space of five seconds or more. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Conclusion
Having the right attitude while driving is also important. Always pay attention to your surroundings and stay safe on the road. By following these defensive driving techniques, you’ll help reduce your risk of an accident while driving.
If you’ve ever been in a car crash or any roadside emergency, reach out to Allentown Towing Company. We offer 24-hour towing, jump starts, fuel delivery, and winch-outs. Call us today for cheap and affordable towing services!