We all love to drive, full stop! Whether it’s to the shops, visit friends, quite country drives or off to work. Having said that it becomes easier to be complacent and forgetful of other road users and so often what
turns out to be a simple drive to a destination can turn into a devastating accident which, in fact, could have been avoided with a little bit of "defensive driving" training from driving schools and courses, available across the country.
Defensive driving schools and courses are there to show you more than just common sense and courtesy. It is specialised training on the "mechanics" of driving with the purpose in mind to reduce the risk associated with driving by learning to anticipate the road and it's dangers ahead, especially when there's adverse conditions like snow, gravel, heavy rain and fog and possibly another silly driver who just lost control in front of you, heaven forbid!
A Defensive driving school is there to educate the driver in safety and encourage learning to practice safer driving habits.If we all took a defensive driving course we'd find it safer on our streets and highways and feel more secure behind the wheel of our vehicle secure in the knowledge that we'll have the skills and the forewarning of what can and may lie ahead of us on our journey.
Over 39,000 drivers are killed each year because of motor vehicle accidents. How many of these could have been avoided? Defensive drivers are more aware and in tune to the environment around them and would have the skills necessary to avoid an impending accident.
Defensive Driving Tips
Why wait to goto a defensive driving school when you can get some free tips right here :)
Preparation
1. Obviously before you even get in the car checking the outside would be good.
Tyre condition is a major contributor to accidents. Check the tread, tire pressure (low pressure causes instability at higher speeds). 2. Check mirrors, seat and all safety belts are working. Cleaned your windows? Good. 3. All the obvious like blinkers, brakes, handbrakes. 4. Assign all loose objects to the boot as in the unfortunate event of an accident those objects become missiles with a mission!
5. it’s probably best to let someone else drive if you’re tired, angry or upset as this will Impair your judgement and concentration. 6. Always be courteous to other road users & avoid road rage and drive responsibly.
While Driving
1. Drive with hands at the 10 and 2 o' clock position. This is the most comfortable position when driving for long distances & provides the fastest reaction time in an emergency. 2. I know it's stating the obvious, apart from illegal in some countries, but don't talk on your mobile phone while driving. 3. Learn to scan the road ahead and anticipate upcoming events. Be prepared to react as sometimes the driver in front may break suddenly, fail to indicate and even have faulty brake-lights or indicators and be prepared to react accordingly. 4. Speeding will increase the likelihood of an accident but so will driving too slow. Always be aware of other users of the road and learn to share.
Conclusion
There is so much to learn besides road rules and driving on the road and the best place to get defensive driver training is from your local Defensive driving School. Operating a motor vehicle is a serious matter and requires your full and unwavering attention. Sign up for a course and you'll soon realise there's a lot about the road and road safety that all of us take for granted. Learning to drive defensively could ultimately save someone’s life someday including yours so please, for the sake of you and your family, always be alert and drive safely and develop the skills to be a defensive driver.
By: The Schmoo