What Is Defensive Driving All about?

Defensive driving means different things to different people. For some, it means signing up for a school to get a traffic ticket dismissed or to lower points on their car insurance. For others, it means actually learning the right defensive driving skills to ensure the safety of you and your family when you're driving on the road.

In this article, I will give you a guide to what defensive driving is, and some simple tips you can follow to take a more proactive approach to driving.

Driving defensively extends far beyond mastering the rules and laws that all drivers must adhere to on the road. It focuses both on keeping the car at an optimal level for safe driving, as well a certain techniques you can use to safe proof yourself in serious weather conditions or from the mistakes others may make when they are driving.

For example, consider the following scenario. Let's say you're coming to an intersection and you have a green light. You do not hesitate to go through the light, because it is green. However, somebody in a crossing lane with a red light besides you decides to go anyway and the result is a wreck.

While it is clearly their fault for causing a wreck, that does not reverse any injuries or pain that you may suffer as a consequence.

Driving defensively means to always anticipate the worst in others. In this case, even though you have the green light, you would still look around to make sure nobody is running through the red light. In this case, you assume that other drivers will make mistakes and you prepare yourself to handle those mistakes should they occur.

Traditionally, when you learn about defensive driving, you learn about the importance of keeping your car in good driving shape. If the treading on your tires is bare, you are more likely to get in an accident because of sliding or the inability to stop quickly.

Maintaining your car means cleaning off all the mirrors regularly, so that no dust may impair your vision. It also means checking your lights to make sure that they are working properly, as well as the different levels of water, fuel and oil in your car before you go on a long trip.

In conclusion, I have given you a basic guide to what defensive driving is all about, and how it improves your chances of safety on the road.