What You Need to Know About Defensive Driving Explained

Defensive driving is a type of driving that helps protect drivers, passengers, and others on the road by anticipating dangerous situations and taking measures to avoid them. It

is an important skill to learn and can help prevent accidents and serious injuries. This comprehensive guide will provide the necessary information to understand defensive driving, its benefits, and how to practice it.

What is Defensive Driving?

Defensive driving is a term used to describe a driving technique that is focused on safety. It is based on the premise that the best way to avoid an accident is to be prepared for one. Defensive driving involves being aware of your surroundings and anticipating what other drivers might do. It also involves making good decisions and being able to control your vehicle in all types of situations.

What are the Benefits of Defensive Driving?

Here are some tangible benefits of defensive driving:

1. Decreased Risk of Accidents and Injuries

One of the biggest benefits of defensive driving is that it can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Defensive driving techniques can help you anticipate and avoid hazardous situations on the road. In addition, defensive driving can help you take action to avoid accidents if they do occur.

2. Lower Auto Insurance Premiums

Defensive driving can also help you save money on auto insurance premiums. Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have completed a defensive driving course.

3. Better Fuel Efficiency

Defensive driving can also help you improve your fuel efficiency. When you drive defensively, you are less likely to make sudden changes in speed or direction, which can waste fuel.

4. Improved Reaction Time

Defensive driving can also help improve your reaction time. When you are driving defensively, you are constantly scanning the road for potential hazards. This can help you react more quickly to potential dangers.

5. Increased Confidence on the Road

Finally, defensive driving can also help you feel more confident on the road. When you know how to respond to dangerous situations, you will feel more in control while driving.

What are the Principles of Defensive Driving?

1. Stay Focused on the Road Ahead

When you are behind the wheel, it is important to stay focused on the road ahead. This means not letting your attention wander to other things, such as your passengers, your phone, or the scenery.

2. Obey All Traffic Laws and Signs

Obeying traffic laws and signs is one of the most important aspects of defensive driving. This includes following the speed limit, coming to a complete stop at stop signs, and using your turn signals.

3. Keep a Safe Following Distance

To react quickly to a hazard, you need to keep a safe following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This will give you time to brake if necessary.

4. Avoid Distractions While Driving

Distractions can come in many forms, such as talking on the phone, eating, or fiddling with the radio. It is important to avoid all distractions while driving so you can stay focused on the road.

5. Scan Your Surroundings for Potential Hazards

It is important to constantly scan your surroundings for potential hazards, such as a child running into the street or a car stopped in the middle of the road.

6. Be Aware of the Actions of Other Drivers

You should also be aware of the actions of other drivers on the road. This includes watching for aggressive driving behaviours, such as tailgating or cutting off other vehicles.

7. Be Prepared to React Quickly in an Emergency

Even if you are the safest driver in the world, accidents can still happen. That is why it is important to be prepared to react quickly in an emergency.

Conclusion

Defensive driving is a set of skills and techniques that drivers can use to help them stay safe on the road. By being aware of potential hazards and learning how to react to them, drivers can help reduce the risk of accidents.

Sprint Driving is a bus driving school based in Toronto. Our goal is to provide commercial driver training and truck driving lessons to drivers interested in making a career out of school bus driving. We help drivers learn to respect the road and honour the rules to ensure safe driving practices. Learn more about our classes and book a schedule today.