Defensive Driving - Drive And Survive

By Philip Turner

Defensive Driving techniques are increasingly seen as necessary
by professional drivers. There are a lot of unskilled and
reckless drivers on our roads today and drivers who drive
defensively are less likely to be involved in an accident with
one.

What is Defensive Driving? Essentially it is driving your
vehicle correctly, while at the same time adjusting your
driving to take into account the possible and actual actions of
less experienced or more aggressive drivers.

You can do courses in Defensive Driving, and this should be
your aim. You can only learn so much by reading.

How do I drive defensively?

1. Expect the unexpected. There may be a runaway horse
galloping towards you just around that blind bend. Hey, there
was a man killed in Ireland in March 2006 by running into two
horses!
2. Expect aggression from other drivers, but avoid reacting to
that aggression.
3. Use your mirrors and be aware of everything that is going on
around you.
4. Know the dimensions of your car, so that you know exactly
how far you can pull over, if necessary.
5. Avoid loud music while you are driving. You need to be aware
of everything that is happening to your vehicle and to others on
the road around you.
6. Make sure your vehicle is well maintained, with tire
pressures set correctly. If your vehicle is well maintained you
will be able to adjust your speed more quickly and more safely
to traffic and other conditions on the road around you.
7. Driving needs all of your attention, all of the time. Make
sure your passengers understand that. Avoid smoking, using the
phone, or drinking soda while you are driving.

Look for clues as to what other drivers are going to do.

These clues may be simple ones like the lowered suspension
favored by many aggressive drivers, or the direction another
driver is looking in.

Look which way the front wheels are turned.

Listen for gear changes that signify another driver is getting
ready to accelerate.

Watch the line other drivers take as they approach
intersections, it gives you a good indication of where they are
going, even if they do not use indicators.

Look out for small children in other vehicles, they may
distract the driver at a crucial instant.

About the Author: Sebastian Romero works in security and drives
30,000 miles a year. Find more articles at http://www.
http://every-article.info. Check out
http://www.defensive-driving-help.info/ and
http://www.defensive-driving-services.info/ for more help on
driving safely.

Source: http://www.isnare.com