Defensive driving: We’ve all heard the term, especially during driver’s ed class. Defensive driving is taught to new drivers because it’s an essential practice if you want to avoid car accidents. Our car accident attorneys at Eason & Tambornini have countless clients who have been in accidents caused by aggressive, even reckless drivers.
The basic idea of defensive driving is to operate a vehicle in a way that offers plenty of time to react if something happens on the road around you. It’s all about anticipating danger and being ready. Even when it seems like everyone is following the rules of the road, defensive driving will enable you to be prepared when a driver comes along who isn’t.
Defensive driving doesn’t prevent all accidents or guarantee you won’t have one, but it can give you strategies to lower your risk. In our over 30 years of practicing law, we have helped countless clients recover damages they suffered due to car accidents caused by others.
If you have been in an accident and need help recovering damages owed to you, call us today for a free consultation at 916-438-1819
Here are some defensive driving practices every driver can do to keep themselves, their passengers, and others on the road safe.
What Is Defensive Driving?
The National Highways Traffic Safety Administration states that defensive driving is “a safe set of responses to potential hazards, including other drivers, damaged road surfaces, debris, inclement weather, and more.”
Get a Read on Reckless Drivers
Reckless drivers speed, weave in and out of traffic, and tailgate are just a few behaviors. Noticing this driving in front of and around you can give you extra time to prepare. If you find yourself near these drivers, provide them plenty of room.
Be Aware of Blind Spots
Your blind spots are the areas around your vehicle that you cannot see in your rear-view mirrors. Even if a car is next to you and is at a specific position in your blind spot, you won’t see it unless you quickly look over your shoulder.
Always glance before changing lanes to ensure your blind spots are evident. And, of course, use your turn signal to let other drivers know what you are trying to do.
Stay Out of Other Drivers’ Blind Spots
In addition to checking your blind spots before you change lanes, also remember that other drivers have them. This is an excellent example of a defensive driving technique: Don’t assume other drivers will check their blind spots. This is especially important when behind commercial tractor-trailer rigs and other oversized vehicles. When you are driving up alongside a big rig, if you cannot see the driver’s face in their side mirror, they cannot see you.
Turn Signals Matter
When changing lanes, turn on your turn signal to let others know what you’re trying to do. This will give those around you a chance to make room for you. Turn off the signal immediately to avoid confusion when you finish the merge.
Don’t Tailgate
One of the most common causes of accidents on city streets and highways is tailgating. When you follow too close to the car in front of you, you drastically reduce your reaction time if that car breaks hard or stops unexpectedly. Since fault in a rear-end collision most often results in the car behind bearing responsibility, eliminate this risk by allowing plenty of space between you and the vehicle you are behind.
The rule is three seconds; to gauge this, pick a stationary object up ahead, and when the car directly in front of you passes it, begin counting. If you don’t make it to three, increase your following distance.
I’m sure you can think of many more ways to drive defensively: be alert (don’t drive when you are too tired or have been drinking), don’t use your cell phone while driving, and make sure the passengers in your car are not distracting you.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, Eason & Tambornini can help. We offer free consultations to all clients, and if we take your case, you will pay nothing until and unless you win. Our car accident attorneys are ready to answer your questions and get you on the road to recovery.
You can call 916-438-1819 to schedule your appointment.
