Defensive Driving Tips to Keep You Safe

Arizona’s Department of Motor Vehicle statistics show that most traffic accidents happen during conditions you would naturally deem safe. Many drivers may be surprised at these traffic accident statistics:

• Most crashes happen in the daylight
• Most crashes occur during dry road conditions

Because conditions seem ideal during the day light and dry road times, drivers often let their guard down when it comes to defensive driving. There are over 70 ways to drive defensively. Taking a defensive driving course approved by the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles will not only help you more aware of safety tactics, but may also help lower your insurance costs.

For awareness purposes, here is a quick rundown of some defensive driving rules keep you safer while you drive.

Defensive Driving Safety Tips

• When in doubt, YIELD. If you are confused about who has the right of way, pass it on to the other guy. With this said, don’t change your mind after you have made up who goes first.
• Don’t trust other drivers. Other drivers make mistakes and giving them the benefit of the doubt will only end up in an accident. Treat every car on the road as though they are the worse drivers.
• Relax! Don’t drive while being upset/emotional, and don’t get upset/emotional while driving. Safe driving relies on your attitude while being behind the wheel. Getting upset at other drivers mistakes will only make you more venerable to cause accidents.
• Scan the road. Look ahead and down the road to stay alert of all conditions surrounding your vehicle. Look 15-20 seconds ahead of your vehicle to recognize potential hazards. Don’t concentrate on any one thing in your field of view for more than a second.
• Keep a cushion. Create a space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you by using the two second rule. If conditions are un-safe, keep an even further distance.
• Communicate while driving. Make sure other drivers are aware of your actions. Making eye contact is the number one way to communicate while driving. Another way to communicate is by using the road. If you are going to turn right, position your vehicle in that manner. Use turn signals, and make sure your vehicles lights function properly.
• Drive as if you mean it. By being predictable, you will allow others to envision your next move. This tie into the above rule.
• Be aware of blind spots. If you are aware of others blind spots, you can keep out of them. The standard blind spots in a passenger vehicle are at the sides and near the rear. Your own vehicles blind spots are created by not adjusting your mirrors correctly. Make sure to check your mirror often as passer by’s may adjust them without your knowledge.
• Avoid distractions. By avoiding distractions and being responsible for our actions, we can be safer drivers. Eating, drinking, talking on cell phones, adjusting mirrors, changing the radio, etc. can all distract you as a driver and make you more likely to cause, or prevent you from stopping, an accident.
• Back up only when necessary. Most fender benders happen when a driver is backing up. If you are capable of maneuvering safely without backing up, you will be at less risk for a collision. If you must back up, make sure the area behind you is clear of objects.
• Be cautious around and in intersections. When your light turns green, and when approaching an intersection, slow down and scan for danger. Most controlled intersection accidents happen within the first 4 seconds of entering the intersection.
• Avoid tailgaters. 40% of collisions in the state of Arizona occur when a vehicle is following too closely. If someone is tailgating you, let them pass.
• Check road for hydroplaning conditions. Hydroplaning occurs when the tread of your tires cannot keep grips with the road due to rain water. If possible drive on dry road instead.

Common Sense Rules People Sometimes Forget

• Stay alert and pay attention. Too many accidents happen because the driver did not “see” the vehicle.
• No Speeding! Driving faster than the speed limit or for current conditions only puts you at risk for an accident. It also increases the impact of that accident.
• Don’t drive drunk or impaired. Impairment is defined as making something worse, less, weaker, or damaged. Types of impairment can be alcohol related, medicine related, medical related, drug related, etc.
• Buckle Up. Your seatbelt provides you with the most protecting during a accident impact. The seat belt prevents you from being thrown out of the vehicle and into the road.
• Use and utilize safety devices. Use your anti lock break system to prevent skids during hard breaking. Use air bags when the vehicle is equipped with them. Use child safety seats and belts as required by law.
• Motorcyclists: wear protective gear and helmets. Wearing proper equipment when you are riding a motorcycle is vital for safety.
• Don’t run a red. The average red light lasts 45 seconds, but hundreds of those that run it are killed each year. Patience may save your life.
• Don’t drive sloppy. Sloppy driving only causes accidents. Pay attention and drive precisely by being aware of street signs, lights, and rules of the road.
• Signal. Using your signal’s correctly sends a clear message to other drivers on the road. If you lack using signals, you are only endangering yourself and the others around you.
• Freeway Law. Be aware of the laws on the freeway. There is no stopping on the freeway except during emergencies. It is also illegal to back up on a freeway. If an emergency vehicle approaches, you should stay right.
• Use your low beam headlights from dusk to sunset. Poor visibility at night is the leading cause of accidents. Headlights should also be used during fog, dust, heavy rain or snow.
• Slow your speed during dangerous conditions. During snow and rain, the road can become iced and/or slippery. You will also want to slow during hail, fog, dust, etc.
• Check your vehicles tires. Maintaining your vehicle’s tires by checking tread. An easy way to check is by inserting the head of a penny into the thread. If the thread line does not touch Lincolns head, you need to get new tires. Also check tires for cracks to prevent blow outs. Inflation or tire pressure should also be checked occasionally.
• Maintain your vehicle. Check coolant levels, listen to vehicle performance, check oil, and change spark plugs as your vehicle manual suggests.

Just by paying attention to the little imperfections in your driving, you will be safer on the road. Forgoing defensive driving will only set you up for an accident. Remember, taking a defensive driving course can possibly lower your insurance and save your life.

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