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Home » Consumer Information » Automobile Safety

Defensive Driving Tips

Defensive driving requires alertness and preparation for anything that could go wrong on the road. You should never be so careful that you lose command of the road, but you should be cautious enough that your fate is not up to reckless drivers. According to a National Safety Council study, 77 percent of car accidents are a result of a driver error. But, if enough of us made a conscious effort to drive more defensively, that percentage could be greatly reduced. Follow these steps to becoming a better driver:

Seatbelts

  • Always buckle up while the car is in motion, and be persistent with passengers to wear their safety belts as well. It is illegal in every state besides New Hampshire to drive without a seatbelt. Some state law even mandates that passengers must wear them in case of an auto accident.

Awareness

  • Never get behind the wheel if you have been drinking or doing drugs. Alcohol delays response time, causes blurred vision, and impairs your ability to judge distance.
  • Make sure you read the warning labels on any prescription or over-the-counter drugs you may be taking. If you still have questions, talk to a doctor about the effects the medication may have on your driving skills.

Speed

  • Never surpass the posted speed limit, and as long as the weather is conducive, try to travel at the speed limit.
  • Use the "two-second rule" to stay a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you. Pick a point along the road and count how long it takes you to reach that point after the car ahead of you has. If the weather is posing a threat, add another second on to account for risky conditions.

Intersections

  • As you approach an intersection, do not speed up in case it is about to turn red.
  • Proceed with caution when the light turns green because people coming from other directions could be in such a rush that they run the red light. Be sure to look right and left before driving through.
  • A yellow light means begin to brake to a halt as the red light approaches. It is not a signal to speed through the intersection.
  • It may be against the law to turn right on red in some states. Even in places where it is legal, certain intersections may have signs that say "no turn on red," so keep an eye out for them.

Passing

  • Make sure you are passing over a dashed line and not a solid double line.
  • Watch for oncoming traffic.
  • Check all your mirrors prior to switching lanes.
  • Glance over your shoulder for anyone trying to get by you.
  • Take blind spots into account. When the coast is clear, signal that you are changing lanes.
  • As you pass the car ahead, be sure that you are in the passing lane and accelerate as you go by to avoid any complications.

Environment

  • Try not to peer in into an oncoming car's headlights. If the light is too intense, use the shoulder of the road as a guide until the other vehicle is out of sight.
  • Watch out for road hazards (e.g., cars swerving to avoid potholes, construction roadblocks, disabled vehicles).
  • Precipitation and fog can be a nuisance to drivers. Be ready to drive with additional care under the circumstances.
  • Slow down on wet roads because your tires do not exhibit the same traction as on dry pavement.
  • Snow and ice obviously make the road slippery. If your car begins to slide, do not slam on the brake. Simply remove your foot from the gas pedal, and turn the wheel towards where you want to go. Turn the wheel gently until you've escaped the skid.
  • Use care as you enter shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses during the winter because these places have a tendency to be icier than other areas of the road.
  • During highway driving, always be on the lookout for other drivers darting across lanes to reach an exit at the last second.
  • Try not to let your emotions get the best of you.
  • Do not drive when feeling fatigued. If you are drowsy, pull over for a quick nap, some fresh air, or a cup of coffee.

Vehicle maintenance

Familiarize yourself with the parts of your vehicle that need constant monitoring and checkups. Knowing what signs to watch for will help you know when it's time to bring your car in for servicing. Some important components to pay attention to include:

  • Cooling system (radiator, radiator cap, thermostat, hoses)
  • Brakes and brake fluid
  • Belts (fan, alternator, air conditioning)
  • Tires
  • Engine fluid (motor oil, transmission fluid, coolant)
  • Lights
  • Wiper blades