Defensive driving is a common practice for people on the road striving to prevent accidents caused by reckless driving. But even defensive drivers can face risks that are out of their control, and you’ll need ways to stay safe and ensure your defensive driving isn’t in vain. Read on to learn a few key safety tips for defensive driving.
Sit in a Neutral Position
Your sitting position is essential to defensive driving, as you don’t want to sit too close or too far back while gripping the steering wheel. There needs to be enough distance between the driver and the wheel for them to maintain control and make quick adjustments to the steering wheel’s position. Many drivers feel that they must remain close to the steering wheel so that they can quickly react and avoid a collision. However, the shorter the distance between your body and the wheel, the less mobility you’ll have to turn the wheel in time.
Sit in a neutral position with your back straightened so that you’re comfortable and secure. You may need to adjust the position of your seat to ensure you can reach the wheel without overextending or overbending your arms. Maintaining control is an essential part of safe defensive driving, and you’ll need as much control as possible to stay out of dangerous accidents.
Depend on What’s in Your Control
Numerous hazards on the road remain out of our control, and it’s essential to focus on what’s in your control as you drive. Road conditions and your fellow drivers are often unpredictable, and you shouldn’t rely on what you think a driver will do and should instead pay attention to what you can do.
If a driver swerves in front of you, don’t try to predict where their vehicle will go; instead, increase the space in front of you. Defensive driving will sometimes have an element of prediction that will require your best judgment, but overall, your choices will determine your outcome. If you encounter trouble drivers or hazards, do what you must to safely remove yourself from the situation.
Know Your Cars Handling
The handling of a vehicle plays a key role in effective defensive driving. If your vehicle has poor handling, maneuvering will be challenging, and you won’t have the control necessary to avoid cars or obstacles on the road. Understand your car’s handling so that you can account for the car’s movement in your decision-making process. High-end vehicles will handle better than most cars, granting drivers more flexibility and control on the road. This superior handling is why luxury vehicles from brands like Ferrari are considered supercars—and it’s why so many defensive drivers trust these cars to keep them safe.
Defensive driving is an important skill, and it’s essential to follow best practices as you drive. Use these safety tips to improve your driving and give you more confidence, even in the worst traffic.
