Proper Driving Behavior and Skills

BEHAVIOR

The attitude and behavior of the defensive driver should at all times be consistent with actions necessary to be safe on the road. The following elements are vital to safe driving:

1. General Knowledge - A driver should be aware of the benefits of traffic safety programs and penalties for negligent driving. Benefits derived from periodic participation in traffic safety programs should not be forgotten, as yearly reminders of techniques to be followed are important. Penalties for negligent driving should be kept in mind and knowing and correctly applying the rules of the road is essential for good driving.

2. Personal Goals - Preventing collisions and driving as safely as possible should be the main objectives while driving. A concern for others and a general road awareness go hand-in-hand with these goals.

3. Time Management - Motorists should allow for sufficient drive time during long road trips and expect unforeseen problems. After potential trouble or road hazards are recognized, the driver should allocate additional driving time, if needed. Hurriedness and stress due to poor time management are major contributors to collisions. A person should avoid driving while under severe duress, because a wandering mind cannot focus on the tribulations of the road.

4. Anticipation - In all aspects of driving, the operator must anticipate sudden changes, possible emergencies, and high-risk areas. Be especially wary for children at play. Various types of vehicular emergencies should also be considered, and corrective measures visualized. A cushion of safety should also be allowed, with proper vehicle spacing, anticipation of road hazards, and avoidance of known congested areas. A driver should be aware of alternate exits in case of an unexpected change or emergency situation.

5. Preparation - A driver must be prepared at all times for vehicle trouble. A vehicle should be properly equipped with road flares, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher, fuses, pencil and paper, change for a telephone call, a properly inflated spare tire, extra oil, and in case of a crash, a camera to document the scene. Preparation is often the only assistance a driver will ever need.

6. Awareness of Traffic Conditions - Drivers must be aware of traffic conditions on chosen roadways and make intelligent choices about where they choose to drive. Decisions to drive on side streets versus through streets, one-way versus two-way streets, or certain unsafe roads in general can lead to or prevent traffic collisions. A safe driver will have a general awareness of which roadways are the safest to travel upon and will always make decisions with that knowledge in mind.

7. Body and Head Positioning While Steering - A driver needs to be properly positioned in the driver seat (sitting up straight with both hands on the steering wheel), with clear visibility over the steering wheel. The roadway must be visible without obstruction, and this relies on the position of the driver's head and body in the vehicle. A driver must be buckled in the driver's seat, with his or her eyes able to focus on all aspects of the road ahead.

8. Communication and Courtesy - Communication and courtesy on the road prevents collisions, saves lives, and makes driving a calmer and more enjoyable experience. To minimize confusion and irritation on the road, it is important to let the drivers and pedestrians around you know what you plan to do. Signaling and having working brake lights allows other drivers to know that you intend to slow down, turn or stop. Courtesy on the road is just as important because it mitigates aggression and promotes safe interactions between drivers. It is always best to treat other drivers the way you would want to be treated on the road

DRIVING SKILLS

BEHAVING RESPONSIBLY BEHIND THE WHEEL

* Never drink and drive - drinking impairs your judgement and slows your reaction time. At worst, it causes blurred vision and loss of consciousness.

* Avoid distractions – do not use your cellphone while driving. Have your full attention on the road

* Avoid drowsiness - Feeling sleepy behind the wheel is almost, if not just as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol, especially at night.

* Always wear a seat belt. - Wearing a seat belt while driving is essential -- according to the NHTSA, wearing a seat belt can the reduce the risk of fatal injury to passengers aged 5 and above by 45%, and reduce the rate of moderate to serious injury by 50%

FOLLOWING THE ROAD RULES

* Observe the speed limit. It may seem obvious, but observing the speed limit is a vital part of safe driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration "speeding was a contributing factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes" in the year 2011.

* Follow the three second rule. It's very important to avoid following another car too closely, as this gives you less time to react if the driver in front of you decides to brake or turn suddenly. For safety, drivers are advised to maintain a distance of three seconds between their car and the car in front of them.

* Be extra careful in poor driving conditions. Being a good driver involves tailoring your driving to the surrounding conditions -- whether you're faced with bad weather, poor visibility, or simply driving at night.

* Be wary of other drivers. When driving, you should never assume that everyone else on the road will act in a safe, responsible manner, or that they will react to a situation in the same way as you.

* Use your mirrors and check your blind spots. Don't just pay attention to the cars and road in front of you -- you should be scanning more-or-less constantly, using your mirrors to watch the cars on either side and behind you.

DEALING WITH SPECIFIC HAZARDS

* Use your indicators when turning. Always, always use your turn signals to indicate where and when you're going to turn. This gives other drivers time to react -- making it both the safest and most courteous thing to do.

* Be cautious around trucks. Trucks are a special hazard; their drivers cannot see other vehicles as well as you can in a car.

* Never run a red light. When you try to run a red light, you take the risk that another car will turn or pull out in front of you, right into your path.

TAKING CARE OF MECHANICAL ISSUES

* Regularly check for any mechanical issues. Regularly check the mechanical features of your car, making sure to include the headlights and taillights, the brakes and the suspension.

* Maintain your car properly. For example, if your wheel falls off and you have an accident, your insurance company will find that you are at fault.

* Keep all four tires properly inflated. This will give the best traction, mileage, and performance.

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