Defensive Driving: Essential Skills for Safer Roads

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Maintaining a safe following distance is one of the most critical defensive driving techniques. It provides the necessary space and time to react to sudden changes in traffic.

In dry conditions, the recommended following distance is two seconds. To measure this, pick a stationary object ahead on the road (such as a tree, road sign, or lamp post). When the car in front of you passes that object, count to two (one thousand one, one thousand two). If you pass the same object before you finish counting, you’re following too closely. By maintaining this distance, you give yourself enough room to stop safely if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly.

In wet or slippery conditions, extend the following distance to three seconds or more. When the roads are wet, it takes longer to stop, and the risk of skidding or losing control increases. The extra time allows you to maintain control and respond to potential hazards, like other vehicles hydroplaning or braking abruptly.

One of the most crucial aspects of defensive driving is being aware of the actions of other road users. Anticipating how others will behave allows you to react calmly to avoid accidents.

Observing the body language and facial expressions of other drivers is a useful technique. For example, if you notice a driver who appears distracted, tired, or agitated, they may suddenly change lanes without signaling or brake unexpectedly. Understanding these cues gives you time to adjust your driving accordingly.

On roundabouts, pay attention to where drivers are looking. If a driver is looking to the right but hasn’t signaled, they are likely planning to turn right without indicating. By reading their body language, you can prepare for the unexpected and adjust your course safely.

When it comes to reversing vehicles, the rule is simple: if you can’t see the driver’s face, they probably can’t see you either. In these situations, it’s best to wait until you’ve made eye contact with the driver before proceeding. This ensures that both of you are aware of each other’s presence, minimizing the risk of a collision.

While many drivers are taught to drive at the speed limit, a defensive driver knows that the conditions on the road should dictate the appropriate speed. It’s often safer to drive below the speed limit depending on the traffic, weather, or other environmental conditions.

In heavy traffic, for example, it’s more important to match the speed of the surrounding vehicles than to strictly adhere to the speed limit. Traffic conditions can change quickly, and driving too fast or slow compared to the flow of traffic can increase the risk of accidents.

In areas with heavy pedestrian activity or narrow streets, it’s advisable to reduce your speed even further to ensure you have time to react to sudden movements from pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles.

When driving in adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, reducing your speed and increasing your following distance becomes critical. Wet or icy roads increase stopping distances, and driving at the posted speed limit may be too fast for safe stopping. Defensive drivers are always prepared to adjust their speed based on the conditions of the road and the environment around them.

At Kelmscott Driving School, we teach students to think ahead and always have an escape route in mind. This technique ensures that, if a hazard suddenly presents itself, you know where to steer to avoid an accident.

To practice this, identify open spaces in traffic where you could safely move if something goes wrong. This might include gaps in traffic, the shoulder of the road, or even areas off the road that provide an exit if a car suddenly stops in front of you.

By always scanning the road ahead and to the sides, you can anticipate potential hazards, such as stopped traffic, swerving cars, or pedestrians crossing unexpectedly. Knowing where you can safely steer your vehicle gives you more time to react and reduces the likelihood of a collision.

 Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that aren’t visible in your mirrors, and they pose a significant risk on the road. Defensive drivers are aware of their blind spots and make sure to check them before making any lane changes.

To minimize the risk of blind spot-related accidents, always check your blind spots by quickly glancing over your shoulder before changing lanes. This extra step ensures that there are no vehicles in the space you’re about to move into.

In addition, avoid lingering in the blind spots of other vehicles, especially large trucks or buses. These vehicles have significantly larger blind spots, and the drivers may not see you if you’re driving alongside them for an extended period.