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Driving is a responsibility that demands our full attention and respect for the safety of ourselves and others on the road. Defensive driving techniques are essential for navigating today's increasingly busy highways and streets. Here are ten tips to help you become a more defensive driver and three major pitfalls to avoid:
10 Tips for Defensive Driving:
Stay Focused on the Road: Keep your attention on the task at hand—driving. Avoid distractions like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio while behind the wheel.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Leave enough space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. A good rule of thumb is the "three-second rule": Pick a stationary object on the road ahead and when the car in front passes it, count "one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three." You should pass the same object after counting to three.
Anticipate Potential Hazards: Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential dangers. Scan the road ahead for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. Stay vigilant at intersections and watch for unexpected actions from other drivers.
Use Your Mirrors: Regularly check your rearview and side mirrors to be aware of vehicles approaching from behind or in your blind spots. Adjust your mirrors properly before starting your journey.
Obey Traffic Laws: Adhere to speed limits, traffic signals, and road signs. They exist for your safety and the safety of others. Remember, speed limits are maximums, not targets.
Signal Your Intentions: Use turn signals and indicators to communicate your intentions to other drivers. Signaling your turns, lane changes, and stops helps maintain predictability and prevents accidents.
Be Prepared for Inclement Weather: Adjust your driving behavior to suit the weather conditions. Reduce speed, increase following distance, and use headlights during rain, fog, snow, or icy conditions.
Avoid Tailgating: Tailgating increases the risk of rear-end collisions. Respect the space of other drivers and avoid tailgating, especially in heavy traffic or at high speeds.
Stay Calm and Patient: Road rage and aggressive driving only escalate dangerous situations. Maintain your composure, be patient with other drivers, and avoid engaging in confrontations.
Practice Defensive Parking: Park in well-lit areas, lock your doors, and remain vigilant when entering or exiting your vehicle, especially in unfamiliar or isolated locations.
3 Major Things to Avoid While Driving:
Using Your Phone: Texting, calling, or using social media while driving is extremely dangerous and can lead to accidents. Put your phone away or use hands-free options if necessary.
Drinking and Driving: Never operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Plan ahead for a designated driver, use public transportation, or call a ride-sharing service if you have been drinking.
Being Distracted: Any activity that diverts your attention from driving, whether it's eating, grooming, or daydreaming, increases the risk of accidents. Stay focused and attentive behind the wheel.
Accidents are going to happen, you just need to be as prepared as possible. Do you have employees, staff or installation crews that are required to drive a company vehicle? Cal/OSHA requires that drivers must be certified to operate that vehicle, not just based on your drivers license, but based on your company vehicle. Be educated, cautious, and properly prepared. If you would like to know more about our defensive driving training, please feel free to give us a call at (800) 433-9819 or visit our website.
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