Defensive Driving

Guide In Defensive Driving

According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization in 2004, more than one million people die annually all worldwide because of car accidents. In fact, car crashes or motor vehicle accidents are considered one of the leading public health problems in the world. One of the injury prevention techniques that have been widely implemented to address this problem is the observance of defensive driving.

The concept of defensive driving became popular as it is identified as an effective way of reducing the risks of road accidents. Drivers who practice defensive driving know how to anticipate what may happen in the road. They are trained to respond appropriately in case another driver commits a driving error that may place many other drivers at risk. There are certain guidelines to be considered in order to be able to practice defensive driving. These tips enable drivers to prevent dangerous road situations from happening.

First, a defensive driver must choose good equipment. This includes choosing vehicles with colors that could easily be seen on the road, especially at night. Dark or bland vehicle colors should be avoided because these cannot be seen easily when it is already nighttime. Also, the concerned driver should choose a car that has low center of mass. In choosing four-wheel drive vehicles, there should be a center differential so there is equal forces from front and rear wheels.

Second, a defensive driver checks some things before starting to drive. He or she checks if the tire pressure, tread, and its overall condition are ideal for driving. The driver also checks if all the windows, lens and mirrors are clean to enable him to monitor several car angles easily. In defensive driving, a driver is also expected to check if all the car lights are functioning. If any of the headlights, tail lights, turn signal lights or brake lights is defective, he or she should have it replaced immediately.

Third, a defensive driver sees to it that he can see and he can be seen when he is already on the road. Vehicle signals from other drivers in the road should not be ignored. Instead, a defensive driver should anticipate what he would do in case the other driver makes a mistake. In defensive driving, a driver should likewise, maintain a distance when driving behind a large vehicle to make sure that his line of sight is not obstructed. When driving, the ideal position of the hands on the steering wheel is either the 9 and 3 o'clock position or the 10 and 2 o'clock position. Studies have shown that these allow easy movement within the desired reaction time. Adequate speed should likewise be maintained in defensive driving. Driving too fast or too slow increases the risk of accidents.

Finally, a defensive driver assumes the worst from other drivers. He keeps in mind that other drivers may not be as careful as he is and that to prevent accidents, he should not know what to do in case the other driver commits a driving mistake. He also takes note of people who are talking on cellular phones while driving because they are most likely to run into accidents. A defensive driver likewise, does not assume that he has the right of way when he is at an intersection.

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