What is Defensive Driving?

Defensive driving is a method that minimizes the number of driving risks, using more advanced skills than just basic training. When you employ defensive driving techniques, you become a better, safer, and smarter driver―one who is better prepared for the hazards ahead.

Traffic schools are a great source for learning defensive driving. Be sure to check out DMV.org's traffic school page for more information―you may even save some money!

Defensive Driving Techniques

We at DMV.org have composed a list of some basic techniques used in defensive driving, and hope you will incorporate them into your regular driving routine:

• Always be aware of the space around you, so you'll know an escape route if you need one.

• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

• Scan the path ahead of you at least 12-15 seconds, looking in all directions.

• Exercise increased caution anytime you have a limited field of vision, such as when approaching the top of a hill.

• Be aware of school buses, ice-cream trucks, mail trucks, and delivery trucks. Each represents an increased likelihood that someone may be leaving or entering a vehicle.

• Be especially vigilant in construction zones and around emergency scenes, as other drivers may not be properly focused on their driving.

• Look in every direction before crossing an intersection, even when you have the right-of-way.

• Expect the unexpected, and the worst, from other drivers.

• Exercise increased caution in areas such as shopping centers, school zones, toll plazas, playgrounds, and intersections.

• Reduce speed when weather or road conditions warrant, such as rain, snow, fog, or icy roads.

• Be especially careful around parked cars, as someone could dart out from between them. Also, drivers may be opening a car door, or trying to pull out of a parking space, right into your line of travel.

• Exercise increased caution when driving on roads that are very wet or slushy as other motorists could splash your windshield, leaving you unable to see for an instant.

• Look out for drivers backing up into the road from a driveway or parking lot, as these drivers may have a limited field of vision.

• Watch out for slippery conditions during the first several minutes after it begins to rain, as the rain will mix with the oily residue on the road surface.

• Try to keep your vehicle as visible as possible to other drivers, and whenever you can, stay out of other driver's blind spots.

• Stay well behind trucks with cargo that could easily spill onto the road. These vehicles could send debris flying into your path of travel, or those around you.

• Give a vehicle with accumulation of snow of its roof extra distance, as this situation can create instant white-out conditions for anyone stuck driving behind it.

By practicing these techniques, you'll greatly increase the chances that you'll make it to and from your destination safely.

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