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How do I Choose the Best Defensive Driving Tips?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

Defensive driving is a manner of operating a motor vehicle in which safety is emphasized. Individuals who drive defensively follow all traffic rules and road signs, recognize potentially hazardous situations and dangerous drivers, and devise strategies to get out of trouble. People looking for defensive driving tips can ask experienced drivers and conduct Internet searches to find helpful information. Some people, especially new drivers or those who have had accidents or tickets, enroll in training programs to learn expert defensive driving tips.

Often, the best defensive driving tips come from people who have had years of experience on the road. Many subtle aspects of safe, defensive driving are not outlined in motor vehicle laws; rather, they are learned through practice. An experienced driver may be able to relate information on the importance of understanding the behavior of other drivers on the road. Since an erratic driver can put other vehicles in serious danger, experts know that noticing unsafe practices and moving away from hazardous situations is essential.

Good defensive driving is often learned by practice.
Good defensive driving is often learned by practice.

Experienced drivers can also testify to the importance of increased awareness when driving in inclement weather. The risk of accidents increases dramatically in especially rainy or icy conditions, and a defensive driver can explain techniques that a less experienced person can use to stay safe. Skilled drivers can manage their vehicles properly by slowing down, avoiding skids, and staying as far as possible from other vehicles to prevent collisions.

Somone issued a traffic ticket might be required to attended a defensive driving course.
Somone issued a traffic ticket might be required to attended a defensive driving course.

An individual who wants to learn more defensive driving tips can utilize Internet search engines. Several blogs, newspaper articles, and instructional websites offer detailed information about driving defensively. The most reliable online defensive driving tips generally come from sites that are geared at promoting education, rather than making a profit from selling books or merchandise. Websites often feature photographs and videos to help curious drivers better understand defensive driving situations and concepts.

Being on the lookout for hazardous road conditions is a form of defensive driving.
Being on the lookout for hazardous road conditions is a form of defensive driving.

A more formal route of acquiring defensive driving tips is attending a physical or online defensive driver's training program. Training programs are frequently offered to anyone who wants to improve driving skills, and some regions require participation in order to earn a driver's license or compensate for a traffic ticket. In a training course, students may watch videos comparing safe and unsafe drivers and take short quizzes to test their knowledge. Accredited instructors may relate personal stories or general information about defensive driving and encourage students to participate in classroom activities. Upon the completion of a defensive driving course, individuals are well prepared to protect themselves and others on the road.

Discussion Comments

Wisedly33

Agreed, Scrbblechick. You have to be willing to be the adult. Adults -- real adults -- don't give in to road rage. They might cuss out the other driver in the privacy of their car, and might even call the cops on the other driver, but they don't try to retaliate. That's so stupid.

A guy in our town is sitting on death row because he shot a man he *thought* cut his girlfriend off in traffic. The victim had no idea what he had done. It was very sad.

Good defensive driving means driving like an intelligent adult who has the sense to allow other drivers to have the right of way if they insist, and to keep their cool behind the wheel.

Scrbblchick

Use common sense, really. That's the best defensive driving technique. Common sense driving means you slow down when the weather is bad, whether that's rain, snow or fog. Just slow down and don't be an idiot! You can't see better than anyone else on the road, so keep your speed down and let other people pass you if they feel the need.

Also, don't pull off the road in a heavy rainstorm unless you find a parking lot or other place where people can safely park. If you pull over to the side of the road, you might be hit from behind by someone who can't see you and decided to pull over in the same place. Anytime you pull over, turn on your emergency flashers to make your vehicle more visible.

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    • Good defensive driving is often learned by practice.
      By: naka
      Good defensive driving is often learned by practice.
    • Somone issued a traffic ticket might be required to attended a defensive driving course.
      By: Food photo
      Somone issued a traffic ticket might be required to attended a defensive driving course.
    • Being on the lookout for hazardous road conditions is a form of defensive driving.
      By: Horst Schmidt
      Being on the lookout for hazardous road conditions is a form of defensive driving.
    • Defensive drivers follow all traffic rules and road signs.
      By: Aleksandar Mijatovic
      Defensive drivers follow all traffic rules and road signs.
    • Defensive driving class can lower a driver's insurance bills and help them drive more safely.
      By: peshkova
      Defensive driving class can lower a driver's insurance bills and help them drive more safely.
    • Avoiding distractions is important when driving.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Avoiding distractions is important when driving.