The road can be a dangerous place. Even though there are lines to keep us in our lanes and speed limits to regulate traffic flow, that doesn’t mean they will be obeyed. Although we can follow traffic rules for our own safety, not everyone does.
We’ve all seen it: the person turning or changing lanes without signaling, the driver whose eyes are off the road and on their phone, the car running a red light, or the driver going 30 km/h over the speed limit. To combat the unpredictability of other vehicles, being a defensive driver is imperative. Our defensive driving tips will help you become a more defensive driver so you can get to your destination safely.
Follow these defensive driving tips:
- Be a defensive driver, not a distracted one. Follow our distracted driving tips to avoid unsafe practices in your car. By being an attentive driver, you will be alert and prepared for any danger ahead. Keep your hands firmly on the wheel, your eyes on the road and your mind on the drive.
- Put your head on a pivot. In addition to looking at the car in front of them, defensive drivers look at the cars on both sides of and behind them. Alternate regularly between looking in the rear view mirror, left mirror, right mirror and far ahead. Don’t hold your gaze for more than a second, but do this 360-degree scan often.
- Do not drive in blind spots. This tip is especially important when driving near large trucks and semis. Speed up (within reason) or hang back to avoid being in another vehicle’s blind spot. If they change lanes unexpectedly or carelessly swerve, you have space and time to move safely.
- Implement safe following distances. Maintain at least a following distance of at least three seconds, which corresponds to the distance you can travel in three seconds at average speed. Or think of it as the distance of three cars between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. Increase that distance during night driving, rain, ice, fog and snow up to twelve car distances.
- Stay away from road rage. Do you notice another vehicle being aggressive on the road? Road rage can look/sound like honking, speeding around vehicles, raising your arms, cutting others off, etc. When you see these dangerous signs of reckless driving, steer clear. If another driver is angry with you for something on the roads, do not look at them or engage in conflict. Get off at the nearest stop if you need to take a moment to regroup or want to let them go ahead or away from you.
- Expect the unexpected. A top tip for being a defensive driver is to stay alert and prepared for anything. You share the roads with other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, nature, trash, animals and more. At any time, anything can happen. Don’t count on others to drive safely. When you get behind the wheel with this in mind, you will have a safer drive.
With these defensive driving tips, you can drive with more confidence and peace of mind. For extra protection on the roads, we recommend two things. First, stock your car with an emergency kit in case disaster strikes. And secondly, talk to one of our local, independent agents about your car coverage to ensure you have the protection you need for every drive.