Author: David R. Lewis
Do you know how to drive defensively?
Everyone has heard about defensive driving, but what does it mean to drive defensively? It certainly behooves drivers to find out because knowing and following defensive driving guidelines can be a lifesaver when on the road. With warmer weather and summer approaching, an increasing number of cars are on New York’s thoroughfares. Schools are taking field trips and soon families will be taking vacations, packing up their vehicles and driving to near and far destinations. Freeways as well as side roads will become more congested with traffic.
Tips for Defensive Driving
With safety in mind, the following are some defensive driving tips provided by drive-safely.net:
When driving, how far ahead do you look?
If you don’t look beyond the car in front of you, you’re not looking far enough ahead when you drive. Many people stay narrowly focused, but you should be able to see for miles. One way to avoid accidents is to develop situational awareness. You can notice how long a traffic light in front of you has been green or see that children down the street are playing with a ball. When you drive, practice looking as far ahead as you can.
Do you see the big picture?
When your eyes fixate on one other car or a building, you miss what else is going on. You should be aware of what is going on in the perimeter around you and notice vehicles that are at least three car lengths away. Are cars further down the road braking? Has traffic ahead of you come to a stand still? If your attention becomes glued on an accident at the side of the road, you might not notice that the car in front of you has slowed and rear end it. When driving, continually scan the whole view and be aware of everything around you.
In the event of hazards, do you have an escape plan?
If the car in front of you or the car a few vehicles ahead of you blows a tire and its driver loses control, where would you go? Had you noticed whether a shoulder existed on the side of the road or how the road was banked? If you left ample room between your car and other cars, you could see that quickly changing lanes would not be dangerous. The best way to maintain an escape plan begins with staying alert and always keeping a buffer of space between your car and other cars.
Please put your defensive driving skills to use. The Law Offices of David R. Lewis & Associates wishes you a happy and safe spring and summer!
