Auto Care Guide
The principles of defensive driving
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Courtesy Metro Creative Connection
Defensive driving can prevent accidents and save lives . Defensive driving also could save drivers money on car insurance . With so much to gain from driving defensively , a refresher on the principles of defensive driving could benefit drivers of all ages .
What is defensive driving ?
Drivers undoubtedly have heard the term “ defensive driving ,” but may not fully understand what it means . In the simplest sense , defensive driving is an approach to driving that focuses on anticipating and reacting to potential hazards when behind the wheel . Defensive drivers apply various skills and techniques to defend
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against potential accidents caused by reckless drivers .
Who can benefit from defensive driving ?
Anyone can benefit from a defensive driving course . New drivers may benefit the most because it gives them a strong foundation for safe driving . A defensive driving course also may help drivers remove tickets from their driving record or remove points from a license for first-time offenders , indicates DefensiveDriving . org . Defensive driving courses also may help prevent high insurance premiums or rate hikes following a ticket or accident .
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The principles of defensive driving
Defensive driving
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courses differ , but the following are some of the basic principles of driving defensively .
• Be alert to surroundings . This is one of the most important aspects of defensive driving . Paying attention to the road and avoiding distractions prevents accidents . The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says removing one ’ s eyes from the road for five seconds while driving 55 miles per hour is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed . Drivers should scan the horizon , check blind spots and know what ’ s going on around their vehicles .
• Employ the three-second rule . Leave sufficient distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you . A driver should
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A refresher on the principles of defensive driving could benefit drivers of all ages .
pass a stationary object on the side of the road no earlier than three seconds after the vehicle driving ahead of them has passed it .
• Don ’ t drive impaired . Drugs , alcohol and fatigue can adversely affect performance behind the wheel . Precise movements , fast-thinking and focus are adversely affected when driving tired or under the influence .
• Leave yourself an out . Figure out a way to avoid collisions at all times
while driving . This includes not being boxed in by other drivers or barriers . This can be achieved by leaving significant distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you , by obeying the speed limit and ensuring there ’ s a lane to move into that ’ s free and clear .
• Avoid bad drivers . Steer clear of drivers who are acting recklessly , and give them a wide berth . Move over , slow down and keep an eye on these drivers to avoid a collision
. Similarly , move over for tailgaters and avoid succumbing to road rage .
• Be courteous and follow the rules . Respect the rules of the road that you learned in drivers ’ education classes . This includes wearing a seat belt , obeying the speed limit , slowing down for bad weather , and giving over the right of way to a reckless driver if it means staying safe .
• Defensive driving is a strategy that can help reduce accidents and save lives .
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Philip ’ s
REPAIRABLES & COLLISION CENTER LLC
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