Every year, millions of people are injured in car accidents. Will you be next? You can’t control what other drivers do on the road, but you can reduce your risk of getting into a car accident by practicing defensive driving.
What is Defensive Driving?
Defensive driving is a safe driving technique that you can use to avoid getting into an accident. This technique involves being aware of your surroundings at all times so you can prepare for the unexpected. Defensive drivers don’t just watch the road in front of them, they pay attention to what’s going on all around them, including what other drivers are doing.
Tips For Becoming A Defensive Driver
In order to become a defensive driver, all of your attention must be focused on driving, which means you need to put away anything that could be a distraction. Defensive drivers do not eat, apply makeup, text, or adjust the radio while they are driving. This allows them to stay alert at all times while behind the wheel.
Defensive drivers also understand the importance of making themselves seen. Many drivers assume that if they can see another vehicle, that vehicle’s driver can see them as well. But, that’s not always the case. To make yourself more visible, make sure that you always drive with your lights on while it is raining or dark outside. Always use your turning signals when changing lanes so other drivers on the road know what you are doing. You should also try to avoid lingering in another driver’s blind spot. If you find yourself stuck in a blind spot, either speed up or slow down so you can make yourself visible to the other driver.
It may sound negative, but defensive drivers typically assume the worst in other drivers. This means they never assume that another driver will remember to use his turning signal, check his blind spot before changing lanes, or stop at a stop light. If you assume the worst in other drivers, you can prepare yourself for anything that comes your way.
For instance, let’s say you are approaching a four-way stop at the same time as another vehicle. You have the right-of-way, but don’t assume that the other driver knows this. To avoid an accident, pause for a moment to make sure that the other driver does not plan on going through the intersection first.
Being a defensive driver doesn’t mean that you will never get into a car accident, but it will help you do a better job of protecting yourself on the road.
If you are injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, speak to a personal injury attorney at Reisch Law Firm today. We will stop at nothing to help you recover the compensation that you deserve for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
