Defensive driving is a method of driving in which you are able to stay in control of your vehicle at all times regardless of the conditions around you. In defensive driving courses, you receive training in controlling your reactions to outside stimuli such as road conditions and other drivers on the road.
Defensive Driving Tips
Always pay attention to the road and the drivers around you. You cannot control the other drivers, but you must control your reactions to their driving.
Keep your focus on your driving. Talking to passengers, or on the cell phone, playing with the radio, eating, drinking, or applying makeup can all distract you from what is going on around you. Stay focused.
Map out your directions ahead of time. If you are going into an unfamiliar area, get the directions laid out in an easy to follow format before you embark. Trying to read a map while driving can be deadly.
Have something for the children to do and train them not to bother the driver. Children can be very distracting, especially when upset, so make sure you have rules the children must follow and stick to them. Then have something they can do that will keep their interest, especially on long trips.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
In the US, many states will issue driver's licenses to those as young as 16 years old.
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Fact:
In some locations new drivers must alert others on the road by having a sign on their vehicle stating their status as a new driver.
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Fact:
The National Safety Council (NSC) has offered defensive driving courses since 1965.
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Fact:
More than 1million people are killed in road traffic related injuries worldwide each year.
