It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Unfortunately, this often extends to our time behind the wheel, leading to an alarming rise in accidents due to distracted driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving claimed 2,841 lives in 2018 alone. It is important to adopt defensive driving techniques and eliminate distractions while on the road.
Stay focused on the road ahead
To practice defensive driving, maintain an unwavering focus on the road. Keep your eyes on the path ahead, scan your mirrors regularly and stay aware of your surroundings. Doing so increases your reaction time, enabling you to respond swiftly to any potential hazards.
Use defensive driving techniques
Defensive driving involves anticipating the actions of other drivers and preparing yourself for unexpected situations. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of accidents caused by the negligence of others. Techniques such as maintaining a safe following distance, using turn signals appropriately and obeying traffic rules are main components of this strategy.
Avoid distractions
Distractions are one of the leading causes of accidents on the road. They can range from texting and phone calls to eating or adjusting the radio. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for approximately five seconds. This is enough time to cover the length of a football field at highway speeds. To prevent accidents, it is important to eliminate all distractions and focus on driving.
Implementing good driving habits
Forming good habits is key to becoming a defensive driver. This includes consistently using your seatbelt, obeying speed limits and refraining from aggressive driving behaviors. By adhering to these habits, you contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone on the road.
Defensive driving is not just a skill, but a responsibility that every driver must take seriously. By maintaining focus, employing defensive driving techniques and eliminating distractions, drivers can significantly reduce the number of accidents on the road.