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 »
Driving on the roads, especially during peak vacation seasons or on challenging terrains like mountain roads, requires patience, awareness, and adherence to road rules to ensure everyone’s safety and smooth traffic flow. Here are some key points to consider for both drivers of faster vehicles and those of slower ones: For Drivers of Faster …
Defensive Driving Rule #48: Give Way on Mountain Roads Read More »
Experiencing a sudden blow-out or emergency situation on an Interstate can be extremely stressful and dangerous, especially when you have to stop close to the main-traveled portion of the roadway. Here are some essential steps to take and considerations to keep in mind to ensure your safety and the safety of others in such a …
Defensive Driving Rule #47: Make Space for Parked Vehicles on a Roadway Read More »
Sharing the road with heavy trucks requires a specific set of practices to ensure safety for all drivers. Here’s how to deal safely with these large vehicles and their professional drivers: Understanding the Differences Size and Weight: Trucks are significantly larger and heavier than cars, which means they require more time to accelerate, maneuver, and …
Defensive Driving Rule #46: Share the Road with Trucks Read More »
