3 Defensive Driving Tips For Road Safety
Every year in Canada, hundreds of people die in car crashes and other roadside accidents due to a lack of road safety considerations and aggressive driving. The situation is made worse by harsh weather conditions during the winter season, making the roads slippery due to ice. In the past, people were more focused on driving and ensuring their safety due to fewer distractions inside their vehicles.
Distracted driving has become a major problem these days as people multitask while driving – texting, answering phone calls, eating and drinking, or watching TV takes their focus away from the road. This has resulted in a significant rise in car crashes and other traffic incidents that require emergency roadside assistance. Defensive driving is an effective way to reduce the risk of road accidents and related injuries.
Defensive driving is based on the idea that you need to be vigilant and mindful behind the wheel as a driver. It means that you need to assume the road to be inherently dangerous; therefore, to avoid monetary and human loss, you should drive safely to avoid potential threats. To ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road, all drivers should update their defensive driving skills. Commercial truck drivers and people responsible for heavy-duty towing or hauling cargo over long distances must practice defensive driving the most.
Read this blog to find out more about the defensive driving tips you should know to ensure your safety while driving on busy roadways.
Stay Focused & Alert
When you’re in the driver’s seat of your vehicle, instead of focusing on tasks like talking or texting, you need to pay attention to driving. Keep your attention on the road, your car, and others around you. By doing this, you can anticipate the actions of other drivers on the road and maneuver your car according to the need of the moment – stopping or simply taking a turn.
Staying alert and being aware of your surroundings is the main purpose or aim of defensive driving. You must check your side and rearview mirrors frequently so you are aware of what is happening behind you and on the sides of your car. Keep an eye on your blind spot to safely overtake or change lanes on a busy highway.
Driving under the influence of prescription drugs or alcoholic drinks can affect your judgment and reaction time, leading to a crash. It’s important to avoid taking any medication and catch up on sleep before going on the road.
Don’t Trust Other Drivers
The only thing in your control when driving is what type of driver you are and how you drive. You cannot control the other drivers’ behavior when they experience a difficult situation. You can’t anticipate or control how they might react when they encounter an ambiguous situation or an obstacle. Don’t trust the other drivers and expect that they will look out for you. Only trust your own judgment and take steps to protect yourself from any harm when on the road.
Assume that the other drivers will run a red light, take an abrupt turn without flashing their indicator, or make a mistake and choose your reaction accordingly to maximize your safety.
Yield
If you’re at an intersection and are unsure whether the other driver will move forward or not, then even if it is your right of way and not theirs, you should yield. It’s better to avoid making a wrong assumption, slowing down as a precaution, and letting the other car pass first. You can avoid the harmful consequences of moving forward aggressively and getting hit by another vehicle. As a defensive driver, yielding by default will minimize the chances of any undesired accidents or collisions from occurring.
Following the defensive driving tips mentioned above can help ensure your safety and that of your vehicle while driving on the road. It is important that you keep a distance from other cars, much like your own safety bubble, and maintain your speed.
Make a habit of frequently checking your blind spots and rear and side-view mirrors when needed. Do not expect that the other drivers on the road will behave properly and always follow the rules. They might be distracted while driving or be driving under the influence – be in charge of your safety.
At Action Towing, we provide expert vehicle towing services and emergency roadside assistance throughout Edmonton and surrounding areas. For more information regarding personalized services, contact us today.
