Defensive Driving: What It Is and Fundamentals of Defensive Driving

Driving is an essential life skill for many individuals. However, getting behind the wheel comes with risks. With the increasing number of vehicles on the road, traffic collisions are common. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in 2023 alone, there were 397,620 traffic collisions in Florida. Fortunately, there are things you can do as a driver to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. Driving defensively is one of these things. In this article, we discuss the meaning of defensive driving and share some fundamentals of defensive driving.

What Is Defensive Driving?

As the name suggests, defensive driving is a set of driving skills that allows drivers to defend themselves against possible accidents caused by other drivers, poor weather, poor road conditions, and other road hazards. Defensive driving skills aim to reduce the risk of collisions by anticipating and responding to potential hazards on the road.

Fundamentals of Defensive Driving

Defensive driving involves a set of fundamentals motorists can adhere to in order to reduce collision risk. The following are some of the key principles of defensive driving;

Remain Focused on the Task at Hand

To be a defensive driver, you should avoid distracted driving. Avoid any form of distractions when behind the wheel, including, but not limited to, using your mobile phone, adjusting the GPS, adjusting the radio, grooming, and eating or drinking.

Take Note of Road Hazards

Defensive driving is about identifying hazards. These can be other drivers, potholes, debris, cargo in trucks, and many other things. Stay away from drivers who appear to be driving recklessly or dangerously and any other road hazards. Examples of drivers to stay away from include speeding drivers, those weaving in and out of traffic, and those braking abruptly.

Maintain a Safe Following Distance

You should maintain a safe following distance between you and the vehicle in front. Following other vehicles too closely increases your likelihood of getting into a rear-end accident. By leaving enough space between you and the vehicle in front, you give yourself enough time to react to sudden stops or unanticipated maneuvers.

Regularly Check Your Mirrors

Regularly checking your mirrors allows you to be aware of the vehicles approaching you from behind and those in your blind spots. You can make informed decisions when you know what is happening around your vehicle.

Always Use Your Turn Signal

Whenever you want to turn or change lanes, use your turn signals. Using your turn signals makes you predictable to other drivers and prevents them from getting in your way.

Stay Out of Other Drivers’ Blind Spots

Driving defensively means avoiding other drivers’ blind spots whenever possible. These spots are usually at the back corners of vehicles or directly behind for large commercial vehicles.

Drive at a Safe Speed

Finally, as a defensive driver, you should always be aware of the current speed limit and avoid going above this limit. Speeding significantly increases the risk of collisions.

Legal Help Is Available

In the event of a traffic collision with a negligent driver, our Tampa personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you understand your legal rights and options.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Miami, Jacksonville, Naples, Melbourne, Ocala, Orlando, Bradenton, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, and West Palm Beach areas.