Top What is Defensive Driving?

Every time you get behind the wheel, you should be on guard. Always assume that the other guy is going to pull some crazy maneuver when you least expect it. And follow these tips to help you be in the right mindset.

Top Defensive Driving Techniques

• During the first minutes of rain, be extra careful. This is when the road's the most slippery and people are still speeding.

• Slow down when conditions, like rain, fog, sleet, snow, and wind, warrant. In fact, going the speed limit during unsafe conditions can get you a ticket.

• Ride the brakes in parking lots, around playgrounds, and near anywhere people are likely to run out, distracted.

• Use extra caution around parked cars, in case someone flings a door open.

• Stay out of other drivers' blind spots.

• Keep a safe following distance of at least three seconds.

• Be extra aware around construction zones and accident sites; all the lookie-loos are likely to get into an accident of their own.

• When going over a hill, try to move over to the right. People have a tendency to drift toward the center of rises, and you can't see over the horizon.

• When you cross an intersection, look around and slow down, even if you have the right of way. There's always someone trying to run a red light.

• Try not to be behind drivers with a lot of snow on their roofs. When it falls off, you'll be blinded.

• Likewise, try not to be behind construction trucks or trucks carrying debris or loads. Things have a tendency to fall off onto your windshield.

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