What is Defensive Driving?

Defensive driving is a driving method that goes beyond just knowing how to operate a vehicle. When you drive defensively, you're aware of potential hazards and prepared to handle them, thus helping protect you and others from dangerous situations.

Defensive Driving Techniques

Rhode Island's Driver's Manual emphasizes what they call the IPDE method:

• Identify: Look for hazards that could appear suddenly.

• Predict: Determine potential conflict areas ahead of time.

• Decide: Choose the actions needed depending on the circumstances.

• Execute: Maneuver your car to avoid conflicts.

Some other defensive driving techniques you will learn through Rhode Island traffic schools include:

• Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.

• Staying visible to other drivers.

• Looking ahead and scan around you.

• Assuming the worst in other drivers.

• Using headlights and wipers as needed for conditions.

• Slowing your speed if weather or road conditions are bad.

• Staying awake and alert; if you get drowsy, pull over for a break or a nap.

• Not getting distracted by cell phones, radios, or other electronics, or by passengers in the vehicle.

Check out DMV.org's Rhode Island Traffic Schools section for information on improving your driving skills, and for ways you might even save some money.

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