6 Defensive Driving Techniques to Avoid a Car Accident

Since you can’t predict what other drivers will do, it is important that you drive defensively.

There is always a certain amount of risk involved when you get behind the wheel of a car. Since you can’t predict what other drivers will do, it is important that you control the risks that you are able to. Driving defensively, so as to avoid an accident, is an excellent decision. These are six defensive driving techniques that just might save your life and the life of others.

1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

When you are driving, don’t just pay attention to the car in front of you. To drive defensively, you have to put more attention into everything around you, including things like road debris and nearby trucks. Notice when other drivers change lanes and be aware of upcoming exits, which might result in scattered driving.

2. Don’t Be Distracted

It might be tempting to look at you phone, but don’t. It only takes a couple of seconds to get into a car accident. Using your cell phone or doing anything else that distracts you from driving can lead to disaster. Keep your eyes on the road. Your loved ones will be glad you did.

3. Don’t Speed

You want to get to your destination, but what is more important is that you get there alive. Speeding is one of the biggest risk factors for getting into a car accident. If you maintain a proper speed and accommodate for any hazardous conditions, you can substantially decrease your risk of being in a car accident.

4. Don’t Drive Impaired

It is important not to drink and drive, but it is also important not to drive when you are sleep deprived. Although many people don’t think of sleep deprivation being as dangerous as drinking and driving, if you are tired and fall asleep behind the wheel or have decreased reaction time, you are engaging in a very risky driving behavior. If you are tired, give the keys to someone else.

5. Don’t Tailgate

The truth is, you aren’t ever going to get someone to go faster by getting right up on their bumper. In fact, tailgating can lead to road rage. Give the car in front of you a good buffer window so that if they have to break suddenly, you have enough time to as well. Tailgating is never a good idea, and it significantly increases your chances of being in a car accident.

6. Use the Safety Features of Your Car

If you have a car that has safety features like alerting you when you are too close or when you travel outside of the lane, don’t turn them off even if they get annoying. There is a reason why car manufacturers add safety features – they can help prevent an accident.