Defensive Driving Characteristics and Tips

The thing with the drivers behind the wheels is that they all think they are good at driving. You as
a defensive driver should never trust anyone but yourself. This is the first quality of a defensive
driver. There are aggressive drivers and there are defensive drivers. The aggressive drivers are
known as the hazards on the roads and the latter category as the safest who has, most of the
times at least, a chance to avoid an accident.

As a regular driver, you might have already observed that not all drivers follow the road safety
measures. Making sudden turns without using the indicators, speeding aggressively, following too
closely, weaving in and out of traffic are a few reasons for the occurrence of the road accidents.

You have limited chances to control the other drivers but you can take full control of your vehicle if
you are a defensive driver. Here are 3 characteristics of a defensive driver. Check if you could
resemble them in your driving style.

• When You are Driving, Think Only About Driving - Driving is a task that requires great mind
and body coordination. Getting lost in thoughts when you are behind the wheel could lead
to dire consequences. Stay focused and think of driving when you are driving.

• Eyes Everywhere - You might be using your two eyes in your day to day life but when it
comes to driving you should have 4 eyes including the two side-view mirrors. Being aware
of the surroundings through these 4 eyes is the key for a safer driving.

• Check if You're at Your Best - If you are feeling sleepy, sick or under the influence of
alcohol, drugs or even a few of the over the counter medicines that are sedative, do not
drive no matter how confident you are about your physical stability.
These 3 defensive driver characteristics will keep you aware and provide with some time to react in
the face of an emergency. Continue reading to know to know more about the defensive driving
techniques to ensure road safety from behind the wheel that is attached to a ton of glass, iron and
other metals.

1. Don't Trust Anyone On the Road - No, we are not mentioning the people who ask for a lift on
the road but about the people in the driving seats. Never assume that the other driver will make a
movement as you anticipated. Always think of a worst case scenario and be prepared for it.

2. Apply the 4 to 5 Second Rule - If you are behind a vehicle, maintain a 4 to 5 seconds gap. This
will give enough time to react and apply break in the right moment. If you are driving in bad
weather conditions, maintain the 6-7 second rule.

3. Follow the Speed Limit Signs - Follow the speed-limit signs as they are indicated considering
various conditions and the driver's reaction time. In fact, maintaining 10-15 kmph slower than
the sign board can reduce the chances of an accident, significantly.

4. Have an Escape Plan - Always position your vehicle in the place where it is visible to other and
others are visible to you. Leave your vehicle enough space beside to escape if your immediate
path is blocked.

5. Don't Be Distracted - Your multi-tasking skills as a driver should refrain to the steering wheel,
gear, clutch, accelerator, and breaks. Try to avoid changing songs, drinking water or coffee,
adjusting makeup or checking phone at higher speeds.

Defensive driving is the safest driving method if you follow these tips without fail. Enroll yourself in
your local defensive driving school to learn more tips. If drivers are focused and alert, over 90% of
accidents could be avoided.

For more BLS ambulance service, Visit: www.ambulanceoncall.com