You’ve probably heard a lot about defensive driving. You know it’s something you’re supposed to do to keep yourself safe, but what is it, exactly? In this post, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of defensive driving, and how you can incorporate it into your daily life.
Let’s dive in.
Definition of Defensive Driving
We all hear about “defensive driving”, and that we should be doing it. But what is it exactly? Here’s the definition: Defensive driving involves utilizing safe driving tactics that allow you to identify hazards and avoid preventable accidents. Defensive drivers improve their driving skills by anticipating driving risks and situations. And by making informed decisions accordingly.
This style of driving cuts down on the possibility of having an accident and can make accidents less severe.
4 Benefits of Taking a Defensive Course
Learning how to drive defensively has a lot of attractive benefits. Here are a few of the biggest:
-
Fewer points on your license. If you take an official driving course, you may be able to reduce any points you’ve accumulated on your driver’s license from tickets received. This can be a good way to improve your record and prevent license suspension due to an accumulation of traffic points.
-
More affordable insurance rates. Taking a safe driving course can lower your insurance rates. Most insurance companies currently offer a 5% discount for customers who take safe driving courses, although the discount can be higher.
-
More capable as a driver. Courses in defensive-style driving allow you to learn important skills that you can use in the future to keep yourself and others safe on the road.
-
Personal responsibility. This style of driving bestows a sense of personal responsibility on the people who practice it. You learn that you’re responsible for your safety and the safety of the people around you.
Examples to Learn From
Official driving courses are governed by each state and designed to support drivers in each state. There are, however, a few reliable basics in most driving courses. These include the following:
-
Scanning the roadway and all surroundings
-
Understanding your vehicle’s stopping distance
-
Following the two-second rule for stopping distance and following distance
-
Scanning for and understanding environmental hazards (rain, flooding, etc)
-
Knowing how to handle vehicle emergencies (like overheating or a flat tire)
-
Sharing the road and understanding right-of-ways for pedestrians, bikers, and more
-
Speed adjustments, railroad crossings, and more
If you live in a state with specific hazards or other roadside dangers, a local safe driving course may teach you how to navigate those things safely, or how to look out for certain issues that could affect you and other drivers.
Start Practicing Defensive Driving Now
While defensive driving won’t always help you avoid an accident, it can allow you to follow the laws, drive defensively, and ensures that you’re much less likely to be in an accident or experience an injury. If you have been in an auto accident, our team can help. Our skilled personal injury attorneys can help ensure you get the representation you need and have access to an attorney who can protect your rights. Contact our Pensacola team today to learn more.