Defensive Driving Explained: What Every Driver Needs to Know
Aggressive driving endangers the lives of all people on the road. Have you ever wondered why it is crucial to be a defensive driver and what sets such drivers apart from others? A defensive driver consistently utilizes safe driving skills to ensure a secure driving environment for all road users. With the rising cases of road accidents and road rage, it is essential to understand the importance of defensive driving and its benefits. It goes above and beyond proactive preparedness and requires voluntary efforts to ensure safety of one’s vehicle and that of others —on the road.
What is Defensive Driving?
It is a specific driving style that focuses on a variety of techniques that help recognize unexpected risks, make right decisions and utilize driving strategies that help ensure safe driving and safer roads. It transcends simple accident avoidance tactics and empowers drivers to proactively navigate through rough situations, anticipate potential hazards and be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
According to recent statistics, over 1.5 lakh individuals in India lose their lives every year due to road accidents, and a large number of them end up with severe injuries. Therefore, it makes it even more important to learn and foster safe driving practices that help improve driver performance and reduce the number of road crashes and accidents. Courses to become a defensive driver focus on several aspects such as better understanding of traffic norms, vehicle mechanics, road signs and other techniques that ensure road safety.
Why is Defensive Driving Important?
The primary objective of defensive driving is to lessen the number of road accidents and create a safe driving environment. It equips the drivers to handle the unexpected through aspects like maintaining a safe following distance, not losing focus, keeping calm and minimizing driving errors. Listed below are additional reasons why it is important to become a defensive driver.
1. Reduces the Risks of Accidents
Driving defensively increases driver safety as it conditions them to be cautious and always on the look out for potential hazards. This reduces the likelihood of crashes and other road accidents which often lead to severe injuries or death.
2. Lowers Insurance Costs
Some insurance agencies offer incentives through reduced insurance premiums for driving defensively throughout the policy period. For instance, if you make zero claims throughout your policy period, there are some insurance agencies that provide a No Claim Bonus (NCB), which translates to a reward for claim-free driving. This not only promotes individuals to utilize safe driving practices but also minimizes the chances of collisions and other road safety hazards.
3. Improved Reaction Time
In most road crash cases, drivers lack the time to understand the situation leading them to making hasty choices that cause major mishaps. On the other hand, defensive drivers are trained to expect the unexpected, making them ready for any potential risks that come into play. This not only provides them with increased reaction time but also helps make sound decisions in the face of danger.
4. Protects You From Reckless Drivers
As defensive drivers are conditioned to prepare for worse and respond to emergencies in the right manner, it automatically protects them from other reckless drivers on the road. Additionally, it also reduces collision risks making you more aware of your surroundings.
5. Safe Vehicle Handling In Adverse Weather Conditions
As drivers, everyone would agree that danger begins the very moment you get behind the wheel. However, this danger escalates when you’re driving through extreme climatic conditions where navigating the road seems next to impossible. Defensive drivers are equipped with techniques to better navigate conditions like slippery roads, reduced visibility, etc.
6. Creates Responsible Citizens
Defensive driving not just consists of personal safety, it focuses on the larger society wherein it aims at making the roads safer for all users. It highlights the idea that your actions can affect the safety of others on the road, therefore it is your responsibility to ensure you utilize safe driving skills for yourself and those surrounding you.
Tips for Being a Defensive Driver
Here are some defensive driving tips that you could follow to improve your driving and increase the enjoyment of your ride.
1. Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Most rear-end collisions occur because of a lack of space between two vehicles. Keeping a minimum two-second or four-second distance between your vehicle and the one in front and behind you helps limit such collisions. This also helps ensure you have sufficient time to react when any unexpected changes occur.
2. Reduce Distractions
Stay alert on the road. It is easy to get bored and distracted during long stretches. Therefore, it is important to stop yourself the moment you start spiralling into thoughts and focus your attention on the road. Practicing mindfulness helps increase attention.
3. Do Not Speed
Speeding is one of the major causes of road accidents. Be mindful of your speed to avoid bumping or rear-end collisions. Additionally, if the road conditions are poor, it is best to watch your driving speed as it becomes harder to stop the vehicle.
Conclusion
Defensive driving is like an investment in personal as well as social safety. It equips drivers with skills needed to navigate complex driving situations and ensure road safety. It helps enable a mindset that prioritizes safety over anything else. Especially, in India where traffic chaos and crowded streets are the norm, it becomes even more crucial to become a defensive driver. Follow the above-mentioned defensive driving tips and see the difference yourself. Enjoy a safer and more exciting ride by practising safe driving techniques.