This rule is about visibility in heavier traffic situations and collision prevention. You cannot assume the other guy is paying attention — sometimes he’s not — and you cannot assume you will be readily visible. Many factors can prevent the other driver from having a clear view and keep him from recognizing your presence. Take …
Defensive Driving Rule #58: Move Right When Approaching Read More »
Defensive Driving Rule #57: Avoid “Reverse Traffic” Lanes Some cities designate the center lane of major streets as “Reverse Traffic Lanes” to help manage traffic flow during rush hours. These lanes change direction depending on the time of day to accommodate the predominant direction of traffic. For example, in Phoenix, Arizona, 7th Avenue has a …
Defensive Driving Rule #57: Avoid “Reverse Traffic” Lanes Read More »
Some folks call the center two-way turn lane the “suicide” lane! That’s a little extreme — traffic engineers will tell you these lanes are actually pretty safe. But every day, you see people using them in ways that were never intended, and some of these actions are NOT safe. The lane I’m referring to is …
Defensive Driving Rule #56: Don’t Abuse the Two-Way Left Turn Lane Read More »
One of the misconceptions that people have about traffic law is that it is illegal to change lanes in an intersection. Quite often, it isn’t. (Check what the law actually says in your state). One of the laws here in Arizona requires that a driver not pass another vehicle (left of the center line) either …
Defensive Driving Rule #55: Avoid Changing Lanes in Intersections Read More »
In the United States, a driver’s natural tendency when making a right turn is to look left, since left is the direction the traffic is coming from (we hope). For this reason, right-turning motorists are one of the biggest dangers to bicyclists! Many bicyclists ride on the wrong side of the street — if you …
Defensive Driving Rule #54: Turn Right, LOOK Right! Read More »
Some of my defensive driving rules focus on preventing trouble in specific danger spots. Especially in tight, congested areas where it is difficult to maneuver, drivers sometimes get impatient. In situations like trying to get into traffic from a parking lot or making a left turn across heavy traffic, drivers often take advantage of any …
Defensive Driving Rule #53: Beware of Traffic Holes! Read More »
Did you know that the AVERAGE speed of a vehicle passing through a controlled intersection is about 52 mph? How many times have you approached and entered an intersection without having any idea if someone is about to run the red light? Statistically, one of the collisions that is most likely to be fatal or …
Defensive Driving Rule #52: Slow Down When Approaching Read More »
Minimizing the danger of collisions at intersections is crucial for safe driving. One of the key aspects of this is learning to stop defensively. Here are some important steps and tips to help you do that effectively: Anticipate and Plan Your Stops Identify “Stale” Green Lights: Watch Pedestrian Signals: When the “Don’t Walk” signal starts …
Defensive Driving Rule #51: Make Defensive Stops! Read More »
Defensive driving is not just about knowing the rules of the road; it’s also about staying fully aware and engaged while driving. One of the biggest challenges we face is the tendency to operate on “autopilot,” especially on familiar routes. Our minds wander, and this can lead to missing crucial details that keep us safe. …
Defensive Driving Rule #50: Connect Your Mind to Your Eyes Read More »
Making left turns at controlled intersections can indeed be a risky maneuver, but with the right approach and attention to safety, you can navigate them more confidently. Here are some key points to keep in mind to minimize the risks associated with left turns: Awareness and Preparation Check Traffic Carefully: When preparing to make a …
Defensive Driving Rule #49: Make Safe and Sane Left Turns Read More »
