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Defensive Driving Techniques to Prevent Accidents

An aware driver is a safe driver. However, far too often this fact is ignored. Sadly, there were more than 40,000 auto-related deaths in 2006 alone according to the National Institute for Highway Safety. Not to mention just under 2.6 million people that suffered injuries that year because of traffic accidents. These overwhelmingly large numbers could easily be reduced if only drivers would take defensive driving techniques and apply them each time they get behind the wheel. These techniques, when followed properly, can literally be the difference between life and death. Of course, many of these tips and techniques might seem more like common sense, but when applied every time, can give you the edge over an aggressive and non-safe driver. This edge will not only help protect the lives of your car's passengers, but will also help to reduce the risks of an accident. This, in turn, will help you to reduce your auto insurance rates. Here are some helpful hints and suggestions:

Switch to a hands-free cell phone

As much as you would like to think you are in control when you are on the phone-you aren't. Not only is your reaction time impaired, but your mind is also focused on the call rather the road. By using hands-free technology, you will increase your reaction time by keeping both hands on the wheel and therefore be able to respond more accurately in an emergency.

Remember what they say about assumptions

Just because you see a stop sign or red light, do not assume that an oncoming car will. Take the extra time to allow the other car to either slow down, or stop before you make your move. This rule should also apply to other traffic signals such as yield signs and turning signals.

Allow ample space between your car and the car in front of you

This usually goes without saying, but the truth is our cars are not as responsive as we think they are. Conditions like wet roads, poor tire tread, and insufficient brakes all contribute to the fact that we should allow a minimum of two seconds between cars.

Let it go!

Every day you are on the road, you will encounter an aggressive driver. This driver will pull out if front of you without allowing enough time to properly accelerate and will surely cut in front of you whenever they get the chance. These actions are sure to get your blood boiling. However, it is the reaction to these aggressive moves that are often the cause of accidents. When you do encounter one of these situations, take a deep breath and let it go. You will not only help reduce the risk of an accident, but will also help to protect the other drivers on the road.

Stop eating while you drive

Have you ever seen someone driving with a drink in one hand and food in the other? How safe does this make you feel? This kind of action is not only dangerous, but is also illegal to be driving without either hand on the wheel. Wait until you arrive at your destination to eat. The risks far outweigh the few minutes you will save.

Maintain your car's safety features

Modern cars are built to be safe. Features like seatbelts, airbags, headlights, and turn signals were created to protect your vehicle's precious cargo. These features should be checked regularly and replaced if needed.

Obey the speed limit

If you think you are saving a lot of time by driving over the speed limit, you're wrong! Not only are you putting yourself and your fellow drivers at risk, but are also running the risk of being cited with an expensive speeding ticket.

Focus!

This is probably the most over-looked, yet simple idea when it comes to being a safe and defensive driver. The focused driver is not only aware of what they are doing, buy are also aware of other drivers. This focus will allow you to determine the safest and smartest way to avoid collision and will ultimately allow you to be more in control of your vehicle.

All of these suggestions can help you create the safest possible conditions for driving. When followed, these hints and suggestions will help maintain your safety and the safety of others, and will ultimately save you money by allowing you to take advantage of low auto insurance rates for safe drivers.