Safety experts will sometimes talk about how people should become defensive drivers. This can help to reduce accident rates. What does it actually mean to be a defensive driver?
In essence, it just means recognizing that other people are going to make driving mistakes. They are going to cause accidents. You can’t control how they drive, but you can pay close attention and try to identify these problematic drivers in advance. By doing so, you can sometimes avoid a crash.
Following distances
One thing to focus on is maintaining proper following distances at all times. You should be at least three seconds back, but it may be safer to be four or five. Count this off periodically to ensure you haven’t gotten too close.
Early braking
You also want to brake as early as possible, reducing the odds of a rear-end accident. Check the rearview mirror as you do so. Slowing down at the last second may give you enough space to stop in time, but you should anticipate that the driver behind you may not have left a correct following distance. Early braking gets them to slow down.
Distracted driving
All drivers should avoid distraction, but this is especially true for defensive drivers. You should always be focused on the road, watching the traffic around you. The greater your focus, the easier it is to anticipate and react to other driver’s mistakes.
What if you are injured?
Being a defensive driver can help you avoid car accidents, but nothing guarantees you won’t get injured if someone else causes a crash. If you do, then you need to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more.
