Have you heard about defensive driving before but are unfamiliar with what this driving style actually involves? We are here to help you understand! Defensive driving is pretty straight forward once you learn the basics, as it ultimately is a form of driving highlighted on being safe and aware of your surroundings. However, if you want to know a more in depth version of defensive driving, here is what you can do to ensure you are doing it right!

Know the Route You Are Taking

When you know the route you are taking ahead of time, it will make it easy for you to drive safely and proactively. You will have less risk of last minute lane changes or unexpected stops. This allows you to stay focused on the route you are taking and not put you at risk of cutting off other drivers.

Know the Road Conditions for the Route

Just as knowing the route is important, knowing the road conditions is too. This means checking if any road closures affect your route, if there is a storm happening along the route, and when traffic is heaviest for the route. Similarly, this allows you to remain proactive while on the road.

Maintain a Safe Following Distance

Following distance is one of the biggest differences between aggressive and defensive driving. Aggressive drivers follow closely behind the car in front of them in an action known as tailgating. They drive right behind the driver in front of them usually to signify that they need to go faster. However, defensive drivers leave a safe distance between them and the car in front of them. This gives plenty of space to react in case the car in front suddenly slows or stops.

A good rule of thumb is the three second rule. This means that you want a driving distance of three seconds between you and the car in front of you. This can be measured by picking some sort of landmark in the road, such as a sign. Once the car in front of you reaches that mark, count to three seconds. If you are reaching that landmark before you have reached three seconds, you should extend your following distance.

Safely Pass

Just like with your following distance, you want to make sure there is a good amount of distance before you pass cars by changing lanes. You want to be aware of the space between both the car that would be in front of you and the car that would be behind you. The car in front of you is important to be aware of in case they suddenly stop when you get into the lane, and you have to suddenly brake as well. The car behind you is important for the same reason, possibly even more so as you want to give them more room because you do not know how aware they are while driving.

Leave Early if Possible

Leaving early reduces the risk of you feeling pressured by time when driving. Traffic is often unpredictable, so driving time can change suddenly. People most often drive aggressively or with higher risk when they feel pressured due to time. Try to avoid this by giving yourself 10 to 15 minutes of a time cushion whenever possible.