Defensive Driving Tips

While driving has become an essential part of life, there is always the underlying danger of the hazards that are present on the road. Even if you’re doing everything you should be doing when driving and obeying the laws of the road, the chance persists that another motorist will endanger your life through their reckless actions. In these instances, it is essential that you have the tools required to avoid an accident.

Here are some tips on how to be a defensive driver:

Always keep a steady pace

The slower you drive, the more reaction time you will have to avoid and prevent collisions and accidents. It is therefore critical that you don’t overspeed on the road, and always keep a safe following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

Make sure you focus

There are always a host of variables that can distract your drive, including the radio, your phone, kids or somebody talking to you. Make sure that you don’t let these distractions overwhelm you and always keep your focus firmly on the road so that you are prepared for any eventuality.

Expect the unexpected from other drivers

No matter how well you drive, you still have to be constantly aware of other drivers’ mistakes on the road. By anticipating their mistakes, you will always be one step ahead and have the means to pre-emptively avoid disaster on the road. In essence, you should learn to be more aware of your peripheral surroundings, which will improve your readiness in this regard.

Safety First

One of the key defensive driving pointers is to ensure that your vehicle is equipped with all the latest safety features such as airbags and booster seats, while your passengers should adhere to basic road safety principles such as buckling belts and not sticking any body parts out of a moving vehicle.

Yield first, ask questions later

In circumstances on the road when you are unsure, the safest course of action is to always give the right of way to other drivers. It makes no difference who is right or wrong; even if you have the right of way, the best way to avoid an accident is to take a cautious approach.

Cut out the road rage

Tempers can flare on the road, especially when you perceive other motorists to have endangered your life and the lives of other motorists. However, if you don’t keep your cool in these situations you will make things worse, as you might also break the rules of the road and endanger others in your moment of rage. As such, always try to remain as calm and collected as possible and to always keep your wits about you when dealing with errant motorists.

 As you take these tips on board, it is also important to protect your vehicle from would-be thieves by installing a tracking device from Cartrack.