Being a safe driver requires knowing the conditions you have control over. For example, you usually can manage your ability to stop at lights, control your speed, or use caution on rough roads. However, there are other factors you cannot change, such as the weather and other motorists.
Accounting for uncontrollable factors is key to defensive driving, which encourages safety and awareness of hazards while operating a motor vehicle. Defensive driving involves much more than following traffic laws. It also means anticipating potentially dangerous situations and taking into account other drivers’ behaviors. To become a more defensive driver, practice the following strategies:
Plan Ahead
Establish good habits before you hit the road, such as checking for weather patterns that could cause unsafe road conditions. Also, figure out how long it will take you to drive to your destination and allow enough time to get there. If possible, adjust your work commute time to avoid heavy traffic.
Scan Your Surroundings
Know what goes on around you from all angles, whether or not your car is in motion. The more you can anticipate where and when vehicles appear, the quicker you can react. If you hear someone who has been in an accident say, “That truck appeared out of nowhere,” they could have missed something when scanning their surroundings.
Although it is impossible to see absolutely everything around you, you can decrease your chances of a car wreck. Thoroughly scan intersections and crosswalks, and check your mirrors often. If you are at a stop sign, look left, right, and left again so that you do not hit a car or motorcycle that seems to appear out of “thin air.”
Be Smart with Your Brakes
In ideal situations, braking should not be a split-second decision. Of course, there are times when you must press on your brakes quickly to avoid a collision. However, defensive driving involves leaving at least 1.5 seconds of space behind the driver ahead of you. Always assume that you need reaction time before you decide to apply the brakes. When you need to brake, do it early, especially if you are on slippery or icy roads.
Avoid Distractions
Errors due to inattention cause about 41% of all car accidents. Put away the phone and ignore any other distraction that could pull your focus from the road. If you expect a call or text, pull over in a safe spot before grabbing your phone.
Do Not Assume Other Drivers Will Always Be Safe
Be prepared for other drivers who might not pay as much attention as you. Suppose you and another driver are at a four-way stop sign, and you have the right of way. Instead of simply stepping on the gas, prepare for the slight chance that the other driver might dart out in front of you. Extra vigilance can make the difference between braking in time and getting into an accident.
Resist Road Rage
When another driver dangerously cuts in front of you or fails to give you the right way, it can be tempting to show your displeasure with a horn honk or hand gesture. However, such displays only fuel road rage in others. Instead of letting your emotions get the best of you, keep calm. You might also create some distance from the other driver if you sense hostility.
Drive Defensively, But Prepare for the Unexpected
Despite your best efforts at defensive driving, you still might be involved in a collision. Legal representation will be critical if you need compensation for any accident-related injuries. Contact an experienced lawyer in the Cincinnati area who can help you navigate the legal process if this happens to you.