In football, they say the best offense is a good defense. While driving a car is a far cry from a drive down the field, that old saying still holds up.
Defensive driving means doing everything in your power to prevent a crash before it happens, from anticipating other drivers’ mistakes and maneuvers to allowing yourself more reaction time, just in case. It’s about controlling what you can, so when something out of your control happens, you’re prepared.
Driving a manual? That can be hard. But driving defensively? That’s easy. It doesn’t take a lot to minimize risks and make the road safer for everyone.
Your seat belt is the ultimate defensive tool. Always buckle up when you drive, and put down your phone so you can put your focus where it belongs – on driving.
Defensive driving is all about planning for the “what if” before it happens. Don’t assume other drivers will follow the rules of the road. Instead, look for and anticipate mistakes they might make. An example: when you have a green light or the right of way, don’t assume other drivers will yield – look both ways, just in case.
Be aware – not just of the road but everything around it. Check your mirrors, look in your blind spots and scan your surroundings for animals in the ditch or an oncoming car coming in too hot.
If a crash looks imminent, the best gift you can give yourself is reaction time. Slow down and increase your following distance so you have as long as possible to react if another driver throws a curveball. When motorcycles or large trucks are involved, take your typical following distance and double it.
Road rage is a real downer – and it makes you a more dangerous driver. If another driver cuts you off or doesn’t signal, stay calm. Don’t take it as a personal slight or offense. Give the other driver space, and keep your cool.
In addition to predicting other drivers’ moves, you should make your own driving as predictable as possible. All those other defensive drivers out there will appreciate it. Use your signals. Stay out of others’ blind spots. Change lanes gradually. Drive at steady speeds, and avoid sudden braking or speeding up.
Subscribe to our emails to stay up to date on safe driving tips, news and giveaways from the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety.