Drivers must deal safely with all obstacles and situations we encounter. We take responsibility for a safe outcome — because that’s sometimes the only way we can avoid a collision. One special hazard is posed by heavy trucks. Commercial drivers are proven professionals; they must meet exacting, tough federal standards, and maintain excellent driving records …
Defensive Driving Tip #46: Share the Road With Trucks Read More »
As a young guy who absolutely LIVED for vacations, I couldn’t wait to get out of town. I worked the evening shift in an ice cream factory, and my habit was to pack before work, then leave immediately at shift change – stopping at home only to pick up my bride (lucky girl!). We’d drive …
Defensive Driving Tip #45: Start Rested – Keep Fresh Read More »
As a young guy who absolutely LIVED for vacations, I couldn’t wait to get out of town. I worked the evening shift in an ice cream factory, and my habit was to pack before work, then leave immediately at shift change – stopping at home only to pick up my bride (lucky girl!). We’d drive …
Defensive Driving Tip #45: Start Rested – Keep Fresh Read More »
What does the term “impaired driving” in the context of defensive driving mean to you? If you’re like many, drinking and driving comes to mind quickest. But impairment is a term that characterizes any similar insufficiency. Webster’s 2nd New Riverside Dictionary, Revised, defines “impair” as “harm, diminish in strength, value quality, quantity.” So, anything that …
Defensive Driving Tip #44: Make Allowances for Your Physical Limitations Read More »
It’s not a good idea to try to make up time on the road when you are late. We once called this behavior “pressure driving.” NOT “defensive driving”. Pressure driving is characterized by speeding, sudden and multiple lane changes, cutting other drivers off, tailgating, or going on private property or off the road to get …
Defensive Driving Tip #43: Recognize the Futility of Rushing Read More »
Most drivers agree that defensive driving courtesy is lacking on our roadways — whether between operators of cars, cars, and pedestrians, or bicycles, between motorcycles and cars, or trucks and cars. I’ve often wondered whether the relative anonymity we have when driving leads us to behave in ways we’d never consider if we were meeting …
Defensive Driving Tip #42: Exercise Cautious Courtesy Read More »
One of the problems bicyclists face is motorists who think they don’t belong on the road. As defensive driving instructors we tell drivers daily, we must share roadways safely with all users, and bicyclists have every right to be out there. Many drivers are not thinking about bicycles and often do not see them. Keep …
Defensive Driving Tip #41: Share the Road With Bicyclists Read More »
Protect your number one asset using defensive driving skills! I wasn’t born rich — so my brain is my strong point, although some would argue this. Be that as it may, I’d wear a helmet if I rode a bike. Even minor bumps can cause spills resulting in head impacts and at as little as …
Defensive Driving Tip #40: Practice Smart Bicycling Read More »
In a defensive driving class you would learn that vans are involved in collisions at a higher rate than passenger sedans. You should think about the reasons why, especially if you drive a van infrequently and are less experienced in their characteristics. The most common van mishaps stem from backing unsafely, stopping, and rollovers. Wonder …
Defensive Driving Tip #39: Drive Your Van Safely Read More »
Defensive driving encompasses many different ideas and practices, one of which is understanding the effects your driving may have on others, and the results this can have on your safety and theirs. In my state of Arizona, there is a law that if another driver approaching from your rear signals by lights or horn their …
Defensive Driving Tip #38: Don’t Prevent Others from Passing Read More »
