Defensive Driving Tip #19: Avoid Backing Up   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 … Read More

Defensive Driving Tip #18: Avoid Distractions 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 … Read More

Defensive Driving Tip #17: Know Your Blind Spots! 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. … Read More

Defensive Driving Tip #16: Always Signal Your Intentions As a defensive driving instructor, I often ask people what behaviors do other driver exhibit that drive 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 … Read More

Defensive Driving Tip #15: Drive Predictably 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 … Read More

Defensive Driving Tip #14: Drive to Communicate   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 … Read More

Defensive Driving Tip #13: Create Space   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 … Read More

Defensive Driving Tip #12: Look Down the Road!   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 … Read More

Defensive Driving Tip #11: Chill Out!   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 … Read More

Defensive Driving Tip #10: Drive Accurately   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 … Read More