How to Use Defensive Driving

Defensive driving is one of the best ways that you can reduce the chances of being in a car accident. By using the principles of defensive driving you can protect yourself and lower your auto insurance premiums. Defensive driving is not a hard concept to employ while driving. If you are looking for some very basic means of using defensive driving every day, here are a few principals to remember.

You should always be looking ahead when you are driving. Looking ahead can tell you what is going on fifty to one hundred feet in front of you and keep you from having to slam on the breaks. This can also alert you quick slowdowns and or accidents that could have occurred in front of you. By looking ahead you will also be able to avoid rear-end collisions with the cars in front of you. This will also give you enough time to alert the drivers behind you that you are slowing down by tapping your breaks.

Being aware of your surroundings is a major concept for defensive driving. Take notice of upcoming twists and turns in the road. Take notice of the exits that you need to get on and switch lanes two or three exits before so you know that you will be able to take the right exit without an incident or having to change lanes hastily. Watch the people that are behind you so you know if somebody is driving carelessly or following too close.

Driving conditions are one of the most important aspects of defensive driving. Whether it’s snowing outside or barely drizzling, being aware of the driving conditions can keep you and your passengers safe. Always take caution when there are any kind of driving conditions and remember that roads are the most slippery in the first couple of minutes of rain. For snow and sleet, make sure that you leave at least 15 minutes before you would normally leave so you are not rushing to get when you need to be.

An out is one of the best ways to keep from getting in an auto accident. This basically means that you will not follow too closely to other vehicles and that you will use outside lanes. If something does happen in front of you or somebody is driving erratically, you will be able to avoid getting into an accident The outside lanes are a great way to avoid getting into somebody’s blind spot. This will also allow you to exit quickly from a road when needed.

Defensive driving isn’t just about avoiding accidents; it’s also about allowing other people to avoid an accident. Make sure that other drivers see you. Don’t linger in their blind spots and do not come up behind them too closely when changing lanes. When another car cannot see you they might assume that a lane is clear and cause an accident. Always pass a car quickly so you are not in their blind spot for too long.

Charles Dovbish is a freelance writer that specializes in auto insurance, home and garden and Internet marketing topics.

Image Credit: Defensive Driving, Swerving