Driving safely is all about attitude. In fact, all I can really teach you is attitude. Think about it—if you’ve been driving for a while, you know most all the rules—OK, so maybe you do need a refresher occasionally—and you know how to do Defensive Driving. You may not think you do—but you do. You …
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 »
Protecting your night vision on the road is crucial for safe driving, especially with modern, brighter headlights. As we age, our ability to recover from bright lights diminishes, making us more susceptible to glare. If you struggle with glare recovery, slow down at night to avoid out-driving your headlights. Resist the urge to flash your …
Defensive Driving Rule #34: Deal with Light Glare Read More »
The most fatal collision isn’t always what you’d expect. While T-Bones and head-on collisions are serious, statistics reveal that single-vehicle off-road collisions claim more lives. These accidents often occur due to loss of control, whether from distractions, fatigue, impaired driving, or loss of traction. A common scenario involves a slow drift to the right, …
Defensive Driving Rule #33: Avoid the Single-Vehicle Collision Read More »
Encountering reckless passing maneuvers on the highway is unfortunately not uncommon, and it’s crucial to understand the risks involved. Passing involves considerable distance and time, especially at highway speeds. Before attempting a pass, carefully assess the necessity and feasibility of the maneuver. Often, maintaining a safe following distance and matching speeds with the vehicle ahead …
A head-on collision is one of the most devastating accidents imaginable, but preparation can make a difference. Stay vigilant and anticipate potential hazards, especially in curves or on distracted-driver-prone roads. Maintain attention and look ahead to detect erratic behavior from oncoming vehicles. Use your headlights during daylight to increase visibility and signal your presence to …
Defensive Driving Rule #31: Avoid Head-On Collisions Read More »
The best way to avoid skids is to drive smoothly and adapt to road conditions. Professionals drive seamlessly, planning ahead and slowing down when necessary. Skids typically occur due to excessive speed or driver error, such as sharp turns or abrupt acceleration/braking. Maintain properly adjusted brakes to prevent imbalance. There are two common types of …
Defensive Driving Rule #30: Know How to Recover from A Skid Read More »
Hydroplaning occurs when water accumulates under your tires, causing a loss of traction. Factors like speed, water depth, and tire condition influence hydroplaning. Recognize warning signs such as sudden steering jerks or unresponsiveness. If hydroplaning, ease off the accelerator and avoid braking abruptly. Keep tires in good condition, reduce speed in rain, and follow in …
Defensive Driving Rule #29: Check for Hydroplaning Read More »
