Whenever backing becomes necessary, you will have to choose whether you will back in or out. And it is supremely critical which one you choose. Unlike many other things in life, this decision is never something that is up for discussion or situational assessment. If you have to back up, then you must back in; …
When we assume our defensive driving “duties,” one of the most important is that we be responsible for our actions and the results of those actions. In almost every case, a driver involved in a collision had an opportunity to avoid the collision—even when the other driver was responsible for the errors that led to …
Defensive Driving means not driving in other drivers’ blind spots! Virtually all vehicles have blind areas—even motorcycles. (Older motorcyclists are sometimes limited in how far they can twist their head to look behind them.) Yet, every day you see some drivers habitually changing lanes without checking their blind areas for other vehicles. It’s a good …
Defensive Driving Tip #17: Know Your Blind Spots! Read More »
As a defensive driving instructor, I often ask people what behaviors do other drivers exhibit that drives them crazy? a common reply is that other drivers don’t signal turns and lane changes. How many times do you see drivers who do not signal? Or worse, drivers who signal a right turn but turn left? Other …
Defensive Driving Tip #16: Always Signal Your Intention Read More »
One of the best ways to practice defensive driving is to create a safe environment for yourself and others while driving. Plainly stated, you don’t want to surprise anyone. This is similar to Tip #14 (Drive to Communicate) but slightly different in practice. Have you ever seen a driver fly down the left lane of …
You want to know the other driver sees you, and this rule will provide you with some ways to make sure they do. Use your lights and horn when necessary to let others know you are there. If you make eye contact with another driver, there is perhaps less chance he will pull out in …
Guard your safety by actively creating space around your vehicle, never allowing yourself to get “boxed in.” Defensive driving means having adequate space, it creates time and helps you avoid collisions. Maintain at LEAST three seconds of following distance, more if you can. Adjust your position in traffic as necessary to avoid driving in others’ …
This means keep your eyes UP and looking down the road. Many drivers focus on the road only 5 or 8 seconds ahead. Defensive Driving means you should be looking about 15-20 seconds ahead of your vehicle, farther if you can. This gives you the time to recognize and avoid most potential hazards before they …
Sloppy driving breeds mishaps! Most everyone knows the basics of the defensive driving and traffic laws; signaling for 100 ft before changing lanes, proper lane position for turns, turning into the proper lanes, complying with black and white plus red traffic signs (Yellow signs are warning signs) not entering the intersection when making U-turns at …
In my home town, drivers reportedly run red lights 120,000+ times each day! First, there are two basic types of red light runners—there’s the daydreamer or distracted driver who just doesn’t see it, and then there’s the driver who’s impatient and accelerates on the yellow signal instead of stopping and waiting the average 45 seconds …
