Safety driving

What is Safety driving

Safety driving or defensive driving is a set of safe
responses to potential hazard, including other
drivers, damage road surface, debris, inclement
weather, and more. Getting behind the wheel isn't
risk-free, and employing defensive driving techniques
can help keep you and other drivers safe.
Being a safe driver means being alert, always driving
to the conditions of the road environment and being
ready to take action anytime.
Importance of Safety driving
Defensive driving is important. We all know that
driving is risky business. As a defensive driver, you
can prevent or avoid crashes and lower the risk
behind the wheel. Operating a motor or car is a
serious matter and requires a lot of responsibility.
5 Characteristics of a Defensive
driver
• 1. KNOWLEDGE
• Defensive drivers take time to educate themselves about safe
driving techniques. They know how to recognize hazards and avoid
collisions. They know the traffic laws in their area. This knowledge
helps them know how to act correctly and quickly in traffic
situations. They also know how to properly maintain their vehicles
in a safe operating condition.
• 2. ALERTNESS
• Defensive drivers are alert, both to traffic conditions and to how
their own mental and physi­cal conditions may affect their driving.
They pay attention to the traffic situation to the front, sides and
rear, glancing in rear- and side view mirrors many times a minute.
They give all their attention to the task of driving.
.
• 3. FORESIGHT
• Defensive drivers know that their worst enemy is the unexpected. They never
assume the other driver will do the right thing. They anticipate hazards by scanning
the road to size up the traffic situation as far ahead as possible. In this way they are
able to prepare for hazards rather than simply react to them. They practice long-
range foresight by keeping their vehi­cles well-maintained, by checking them before
driving, and by always wearing a safety belt.
• 4. JUDGMENT
• Good drivers use common sense and knowledge to make decisions wisely and
quickly. They maintain control of their behaviour, resisting the temptation to make
risky manoeuvres to get somewhere faster or to outmanoeuvre other drivers. They
pass only when it is safe, and always look for the safest, rather than the speediest,
alternatives in any traffic situation. They are courteous, even when other drivers
are not.
• 5. SKILL
• Defensive drivers develop the skills necessary to
operate a vehicle properly and safely. They know
the safe and legal way to make turns, change gears,
brake and pass. They can “listen” to their cars for
signs of engine trouble, and they can perform
simple emergency repairs, such as changing a tire.
• You don’t have to have lightning fast reflexes or
unusual mental and physical abilities to be a
defensive driver. Defensive driving is simply a matter
of common sense, education and a safe attitude on
the road.
Tips or ways for Safety driving
• Regularly check you car's condition. Make it an
absolute habit to ensure that your car is road-worthy
by checking its tire pressure, that it has enough oil
and brake fluid, the mirrors are properly angled, if
the brakes are still tight and if the air filter is clean.
• Always put a seat belt on. This simple practice is an
effective way to protect you and your passengers,
especially during car collisions, as it spreads the
force of the impact over a wider area of the body
and puts less stress on any one part.
• Always use signals when turning. Do have some consideration for others
behind you by letting them know your next move. Do not, however, use
signals improperly such as using hazard lights when parking your car
indiscriminately while waiting for someone. Be mindful that this is one of
the worst driving practices that most of us do. Be wary, considerate,
patient and practice road courtesy. You will find that if every body wants
to be ahead of everyone, it will surely lead to road blocks.
• Don't text and drive. This is an obvious mistake for many drivers and it
could lead to very fatal consequences.
• Respect traffic rules. Again, traffic rules are there to keep all motorists
safe on the roads.
• Do not change lanes too often. Changing lanes too often and swerving is
a dangerous maneuver and in most cases leads to collisions. We often
find that this move is tempting, but make sure that there is enough time
and space for you to maneuver to.
• Do not drive under the influence of alcohol, or when you are feeling
drowsy.
• Always check the speed limit. Never go above the speed limit in the area,
even if the traffic is very light. Countryside roads have them in place,
especially on blind side spots, to lessen the probability of collisions. When
the road is slippery, do not hesitate to slow down. Checking our speedometer
constantly will ensure we are moving at the prescribed speed.
• Always check your blind spots. Mirrors give you three points to determine if
the coast is clear. We also need to turn our heads to confirm this. Speeding
vehicles may hit you within a span of seconds if you make the wrong move.
• Lastly, do respect pedestrian lanes. Pedestrians have specialized lanes to
cross and stopping for them for a few seconds will not stop you from arriving
at your destination. Road courtesy - simple gesture of thanks when the other
driver yields makes so much difference. Driving with a positive state of mind
surely contributes to safer roads!