We need to guard against our own mistakes and those of others sharing the roads with us. Defensive driving requires that we share the roads safely with others who might not be as cautious as us!
Techniques for sharing the roads safely
- Continuously look in your mirrors and scan the road ahead, checking for hazards and slowing traffic so you can anticipate problems before they develop.
- Try to see what is happening in front of the car ahead of you.
- Always be aware of what is on your right, left and behind.
- Look at the front wheels of the cars parked on the side of the road. If you see a car with the wheels turned to the right, is it going to suddenly pull out?
- Follow the flow of traffic. Driving too slow can be dangerous, too. Drive at speeds that most other vehicles are going [within the speed limit, of course.].
- Watch out for the other guy. Part of staying in control is being aware of other drivers and road users around you (and what they may suddenly do) so you’re less likely to be caught off guard.
- Do not assume safety from other drivers or make assumptions as to their sobriety, alertness and intentions about safety.
- Do not assume another driver is going to move out of the way or allow you to merge.
- Anticipate what another driver might do wrong [worst case scenarios] and make the appropriate adjustment to reduce your risk.
- Assume that drivers might run through stop signs or red lights and be prepared to react.
- Defensive drivers approach intersections with caution, regardless of green or red lights.
- They anticipate light changes, lane changes and vehicles and pedestrians entering from either side, as well as drivers moving off before the light has changed to green.
- Follow the rules of the road but do not try to “enforce” them by contesting the right of way trying to race another car, or deliberately driving very slowly to make your point to the driver behind you.
- Do not depend on other drivers. Be considerate of others but look out for yourself.
- Be courteous, kind and respectful to other motorists.
- Learn to make eye-to-eye contact with drivers and pedestrians. That way you know they see you. Be prepared for the unexpected.
- Also, watch pedestrians, bicyclists, and pets along the road.
- Be extra careful where a vehicle has darkly tinted glass and you cannot see whether the driver has noticed your approach, particularly at intersections.
- The defensive driver will develop a pattern of observation looking ahead, to the rearview mirror, ahead, to a side mirror, ahead, to the other side mirror, ahead, to the dashboard instruments, ahead and so on.
- At night it is good advice to follow safely behind another vehicle and use their headlights to look well up ahead. As long as the brake lights work on the vehicle before you, you will get an early warning of trouble.
- Check your blind spot before changing direction, making lane changes, or merging, and avoid driving in another driver’s blind spot.
Conclusion: Navigating the Road Ahead
Reckless driving is a complex issue with deep-rooted causes and far-reaching consequences. As we navigate the road ahead, it’s essential to acknowledge our roles in promoting safety. By addressing the root causes, understanding the gravity of the consequences, and actively working towards prevention, we can collectively create roads that are safer for everyone. In the end, the journey towards responsible driving begins with each of us. So, let’s buckle up, follow the rules, and pave the way for a safer and more considerate road culture.
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