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Defensive Driving Tips

Be Prepared!

Defensive driving techniques come in handy for a multitude of situations. Here are a few to get you thinking.

Everyone in the car should use their seat belts, and small children should be secured in a child safety seat that is properly installed. Every state, except New Hampshire, has a mandatory seat belt law requiring everyone in the vehicle to be restrained. In some states, passengers also are required by law to wear a safety belt.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs should be avoided at all costs.

Prescription medications can adversely affect your driving, so consult your physician about how your medications or over-the-counter drugs, before you climb behind the wheel.

Avoid the urge to speed, limits are set with your safety, and the safety of your passengers in mind. Severe weather conditions can cause roads to become difficult to travel, at which time, you should adjust your speed to suit the condition of the road. Basically, slow down if the roads are bad.

Maintain a safe distance between you and the car ahead. It has been proven that leaving a distance of 2 car lengths between you and the car ahead, can not only help you avoid a traffic accident, but can elevate traffic congestion overall. Bunching up during a slowdown only worsens the situation and congests the flow even further.

Keep the flow going and accident free at an intersection. Here are three basic preventative rules to follow.

• Keep your eyes on the road, slow down if coming to a green light and it has been green for some time, it may not stay that way. A yellow light does not mean speed up to make it through.


• When stopped at a red light and it turns green, check both ways before you start out to see if anyone is attempting to risk crossing as the light changes.


• If turning right, make sure it is clearly posted that you may do so, it is not permitted in every state, and even where it is, it's not at every intersection.

Highway Driving Tips

Ever glanced into an approaching car's headlights, only to find yourself drifting straight for them? This is a common occurrence and should be avoided at all costs. Use the right edge of the pavement as a lane guide until the other car has passed.

Keep your eyes open for any potential road hazards. Cars swerving from their lanes to avoid pot holes, construction barriers, or stalled vehicles, cause many accidents each year, so keep those eyes on the road.

Do not let your emotions dominate your driving.

Do not drive when you are tired. If you feel tired, pull off the road for some exercise and fresh air or a cup of coffee.

Drive a well-maintained vehicle. Make sure you check your tire pressure, breaking system, and belts regularly.

Source: Defensive Driving: The Best Offense, National Safety Council, 1991, 1121 Spring Dr., Itasca, Ill. 60143-3201.