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“Impaired driving” encompasses any condition or situation that diminishes a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. While many immediately associate impaired driving with alcohol consumption, it’s crucial to recognize that impairment can arise from various sources, including physical disabilities, illnesses, medication use, and even emotional states. Your story about the man with the broken …

Defensive Driving Rule #44: Make Allowances for Your Physical Limitations Read More »

Pressure driving, or what is now termed aggressive driving, is not only unsafe but can also have legal consequences. It involves behaviors such as speeding, reckless lane changes, tailgating, and other intimidating actions towards other drivers. In many places, including Arizona, aggressive driving is considered a criminal offense and can result in arrest and legal …

Defensive Driving Rule #43: Recognize the Futility of Rushing Read More »

Courteous driving is not just about being polite; it’s also about promoting safety and keeping traffic flowing smoothly. While it’s important to extend courtesy to others on the road, it’s equally essential to consider the potential consequences of our actions. For instance, allowing someone to merge in front of you can prevent bottlenecks and keep …

Defensive Driving Rule #42: Exercise Prudent Courtesy Read More »

Absolutely, sharing the road with bicyclists is essential for everyone’s safety. It’s crucial for motorists to be mindful of cyclists and to understand their rights on the road. Keeping an eye out for bikes, especially at intersections, can help prevent accidents. Driving or parking in bike lanes is not only illegal but also dangerous for …

Defensive Driving Rule #41: Share the Road With Bicyclists Read More »

Protecting your head is paramount when riding a bike. Wear a helmet to prevent head injuries, as even minor bumps can result in serious consequences. Enhance your visibility, especially in low-light conditions, by wearing bright, reflective clothing and using lights and reflectors on your bike. Being seen by others on the road is essential for …

Defensive Driving Rule #40: Practice Smart Bicycling Read More »

Understanding the unique characteristics and risks associated with driving vans is crucial for safe operation, especially if you’re not accustomed to driving them regularly. Vans are involved in collisions at a higher rate compared to passenger sedans, primarily due to issues related to backing, stopping, and rollovers. Backing poses a significant risk in vans due …

Defensive Driving Rule #39: Drive Your Van Safely Read More »

Being aware of how your driving affects others is an essential aspect of defensive driving. In states like Arizona, where laws require yielding to passing vehicles, it’s important to understand the reasons behind such regulations and adopt a mindset of cooperation on the road. While it may be tempting to resist being passed by another …

Defensive Driving Rule #38: Don’t Prevent Others from Passing Read More »

Defensive Driving Rule #37: Practice Animal Avoidance!   Navigating through wildlife-prone areas requires caution and preparedness to avoid car-animal collisions, which can result in serious injuries or fatalities. Here are some key tips for minimizing the risk:   **Slow Down at Night**: Most animal-vehicle collisions occur at night, especially near dusk and dawn. Slow down …

Defensive Driving Rule #37: Practice Animal Avoidance! Read More »

Being cautious around stopped or slow-moving vehicles is crucial for safety on the road. Patience, courtesy, and vigilance are key in such situations. Stopped vehicles may pose unseen dangers, such as pedestrians or workers around them. Give them extra space, change lanes if possible, or at least move left within your lane to provide a …

Defensive Driving Rule # 36: Beware of Stopped or Slow-Moving Vehicles Read More »

Racing a train to a crossing is a dangerous game often depicted in movies but tragically attempted in real life. The illusion of a train’s speed can deceive drivers, leading to fatal collisions. Remember, a train’s size and momentum make it an unstoppable force; attempting to beat it is like playing chicken with disaster. Respect …

Defensive Driving Rule #35: Never Play Chicken With a Train Read More »