Defensive driving is a set of skills that allows you to protect yourself from potential car incidents caused by different factors, such as weather, irresponsible drivers, and more. Being vigilant on the road is the primary key to a long safe trip, especially when your family is inside with you in the car. Prevention is better than remorse; preventing possible collisions is the best decision to keep one's welfare.

Even so, defensive driving is forgotten chiefly by other drivers, which leads to more car accidents across the globe. According to WHO or World Health Organization, around 1.3 million people will figure in accidents due to road traffic crashes in 2021. Seeing that number justifies the importance of defensive driving on a driver's skill set as it can help avoid these mishaps from happening.

If you have forgotten what defensive driving is or don't know it, it's time to learn it. To review this significant driving skill, below are some essential tips for defensive driving that you can apply on the road.

Speed Control

The most common cause of car accidents is speeding; some drivers tend to speed up their driving because they want to reach their destination fast. Please take note; it's challenging to control a speeding car. Even though your car has brakes, it doesn't mean it will secure your safety from speeding as there will always be a drawback that can cause you injuries. Remember, you're not speeding up your time to travel, but instead, you're risking your life.

It is best to keep your cool on the road. If you want to be on time to your destination, plan to leave early. Ensuring your safety is the priority in driving, especially if you have other people inside. You're not only risking yourself but others' welfare too. Make sure as you drive to keep on track with your speed. If you're going too fast, then slow down your car, or if it's too slow, adjust the vehicle to a manageable speed.

Obey Rules of the Road

Rules on the road prevent collisions and regulate vehicles on how they move and interact on the roadway. These rules are taught in driving lessons as it is a piece of essential knowledge for drivers to be responsible while driving. Unfortunately, people sometimes forget and disobey these rules, causing possible car incidents even in driving schools and assessments.

For a quick reminder to protect yourself from driving, take time to review these rules to freshen up your mind. Then, make sure to obey these rules to maintain the safety of yourself and others. If you observe that others are not following these regulations, be a good example and follow them. However, even if others are doing it, it does not mean you are obliged to follow them and put others at risk.

Show Clear Intentions

Another essential tip for defensive driving is to make sure your intentions are clear on the road. Miscommunication is dangerous as it could lead you and other drivers to a collision if you are not communicating correctly. If you're wondering how you would communicate with other drivers, use your car's built equipment, for example, horns, headlights, turn signals, and other utilities.

Before deciding to do something on the road, make sure other drivers or your surroundings know what you will do. For example, if you're going to the right, turn the signal to the right to let them know you're going right. Or, if you are in an emergency, turn on your hazard lights and blow your horn to let them know you're in a rush so that they can give you space in the road to prevent obstructions.

Remove Distractions

Another top reason for car collisions is different distractions inside the car, which in most cases are cell phones. Dividing your attention from driving, like talking, texting, and eating will put you at risk while driving. For example, you were too busy texting over your phone, then you were already at the intersection and didn't notice the car right in front of you, which led to a collision.

Always remember to keep your mind on the road. Anything can happen, and you must be ready to take action to keep yourself and your passengers safe. As much as possible, avoid doing these distracting activities or stop beside the road if it's urgent.

Make Sure Your Conditioned To Drive

For the last essential tip, conditioning your body to drive is vital for drivers, especially for long-distance travel. If your body is not fit physically and mentally to drive, it's best not to engage in driving for a while.

An excellent example of this is if a person is drunk, letting a drunk person drive has a higher potential of making wrong decisions while driving and risking their welfare. Before driving, check yourself if you're fit to drive. If not, ask someone to drive for you to ensure your safety on the road.

Takeaway

Defensive driving is essential to any driver; by following these simple tips, you can keep yourself from risks and dangers on the roadway. Always remember to be vigilant on the road and make smart decisions. In this way, you can defend yourself and others from dreadful accidents.

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