Hitting the road exposes you to various incidences and happenings, including accidents and road rage from motorists and other road users. Defensive driving is a critical technique you should teach yourself, primarily to help you avoid road crashes and accidents. This phenomenon is not common among many drivers, so it has become one of the most-discussed topics of a driving schools coquitlam. In this article, you will learn what being a perfect defensive driver entails. The tips explained below will give you clear guidance on what you should do to hone your defensive driving skills.
Minimize and Eliminate Distractions
Distractions have become common causes of road carnage and have led to many fatalities and substantial property damage. The use of mobile phones and other technological devices has been ranked as one of the critical distractions for motorists while driving. Others include putting on makeup, eating, changing clothes, and reading while on the wheel.
It is impossible to make other vehicle owners drive undistracted, but you can take steps on your side to avoid losing focus on the road. It is advisable to consider parking the car on the side of the need for any of the actions mentioned earlier, such as making a critical call or changing your clothes, arises.
Maintain a Safe Distance with Other Vehicles
Following other vehicles so closely can be a recipe for disaster, especially if the motorist in front of you is tired, reckless, or driving under the influence. You might find yourself in an unanticipated accident just because your bumper was just inches away from the car in front. If the accident is minor, you may not incur serious consequences.
Civil infractions, divided into traffic and non-traffic, are mostly considered minor, and their punishments are primarily fines. Ensure to keep a safe distance between your car and those on your side and behind. The space should even be wider in bad weather conditions, traffic jams, or driving behind a truck, motorcycle, or bus.
Embrace Vehicle Maintenance
Keeping your car in good condition is a great way to hone your defensive driving skills. Some owners ignore vehicle maintenance as long as their machines can start and take them from parts A to B. However, regular car inspection, maintenance, and repair help it run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
This is one of the best ways to ensure you travel safely whenever you hit the road. The main areas to maintain are the engine, brake pads, brake fluid, oil levels, head and taillights, and the tires. Additionally, since you cannot predict when you might get into an accident, you must talk to your maintenance service provider to ensure the airbags work effectively.
Do Not Over-speed
There is a reason the authorities in almost all areas have set different speed limits at various places on the road. Such signs should guide you at the best speed to help reduce the probability of a car crash. You may think you understand the twists and turns of a particular route simply because you have been using it for quite a while, leading you to accelerate beyond the set limit. As reports from Granicus show, about 65% of the population consists of visual learners. Such individuals can cram how a road is by looking at pictures or reading. Nonetheless, that does not give you the right to over speed, considering other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians are using the same road.
Avoid DUI and DWI
Driving under the influence and driving while intoxicated are two serious crimes in many states. Nonetheless, the punishment for such varies depending on the severity of their results and Blood Alcohol Content. You can expect to serve a three-day to a six-month jail sentence and a fine ranging between $1,000 and $5,000 if your BAC is above .16.
Being careful on the road is every driver’s responsibility. No one is perfect, but when all motorists play their part in embracing defensive driving, even the number of unpleasant road incidences will dramatically decrease. Play your part in safe driving by following the above-explained tips. You can contact the transportation and road departments in your area for more details on this subject.