10 Defensive Driving Tips

10 Defensive Driving Tips


September 19, 2023 | Allison Robertson

10 Defensive Driving Tips


10 Defensive Driving Tips

Car selfie and intersection split image

Advertisement

We've all encountered that driver—the one who zips around corners, ignores stop signs, or perhaps treats a freeway like a scene from 'Fast & Furious'. Annoying, right? But fear not, because I've got your back with some cool and crucial defensive driving tips.

Time to ride safely, stylishly, and with confidence!

1. Be the Observer

Man Holding The Steering Wheel While DrivingTobi, Pexels

Advertisement

Get those detective glasses on! Always stay alert and observe what's going on around you. Scan the road, check your mirrors, and be wary of blind spots. Remember, it's not about being paranoid—it's about being prepared.

2. Expect the Unexpected

woman sitting in car drivingCleyton Ewerton, Pexels

Advertisement

You might be a driving pro, but not everyone got the memo. Expect others to make last-minute lane changes or slam their brakes. Anticipate the unexpected moves of other drivers and be ready to respond.

3. Two-Second Rule

The Worst Socially Awkward MomentsShutterstock

Advertisement

You've probably heard this one before. Always maintain at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front. Need a tip? Pick a landmark, like a signpost. Once the car ahead passes it, count "one Mississippi, two Mississippi." You should pass the same landmark after you finish counting.

4. Night Owl Wisdom

bad-blurred-crazy-dashboard

Advertisement

Driving at night? Dim those dash lights a bit and increase your following distance. And if an oncoming car has super bright lights, avoid the glare by looking down and to the right, using the white line on the side of the road as a guide.

5. Weather Woes

That’s How That Works factsPixabay

Advertisement

Rain, snow, or even a hail of locusts—drive according to the conditions. Slow down, increase your following distance, and avoid sudden maneuvers in bad weather. Oh, and those foggy mornings? Low beam headlights are your best friends.

6. Distraction Destruction

People are seating at car and driving on the city street.Borys Zaitsev, Pexels

Advertisement

Texts can wait, and so can that irresistible selfie. Distracted driving is a big no-no. If something's urgent, pull over safely and then check your phone or snack on that burrito.

7. Beware of the Blind

Adorable crushShutterstock

Advertisement

Check, double-check, and even triple-check those blind spots, especially before changing lanes. Some sneaky cars (or even motorbikes) might be lurking there!

8. Green Doesn't Always Mean Go

Gut Feelings FactsFlickr

Advertisement

Yes, we've all been there. The light turns green, and you're eager to move. But take a second to glance both ways before zooming off. Some hurried (or distracted) driver might be trying to make that yellow light.

9. The Right Stop

Bizarre encountersShutterstock

Advertisement

When stopping behind another car, make sure you can see its rear tires touching the ground. This ensures you've got enough room to maneuver in case you need to get around it.

10. Be a Smooth Operator

Military WivesPexels

Advertisement

Jerky moves are for dance floors, not roads. Smooth driving not only makes your ride comfy but also reduces the chances of a mishap.

So, there you have it! The open road's calling, and now you're all set to navigate it with style, smarts, and a sprinkle of sass. Here's to safer, smoother journeys ahead!


READ MORE

40 Coolest Cars Of The 2000s

The year 2000 was the start of a new millennium—and some of the coolest cars around.
September 19, 2024 Jack Hawkins

The Most Tragic Ends In Racing

Auto racing is a fast and exciting event. But it is also a very dangerous one that has ended in tragedy for many a racer throughout the history of the sport.
October 21, 2024 Jesse Singer

The Great American Cars That Made Racing History

Racing is a sport, and engineering race cars is a skill. Together, they make car races a battle of brains and brawn. Amongst the record-breakers in track history, some changed the course of the sport.
October 22, 2024 Miles Brucker
Fbint

Photos Of 22 Legendary World War II Aircraft

WWII saw aviation technology advance at breakneck speed, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the air. Check out some machines that had just as much character as their pilots.
October 25, 2024 Marlon Wright
Fbint

The History Of American Taxicabs (Photos Of Different Models)

How did a mere mode of transportation become one of America's most recognizable national treasures? Let's check out which cabs have rejected passengers since the very beginning.
October 30, 2024 Marlon Wright
Mercedes Fbint

Mercedes' Most Notable Pre-2000 Models

Hans Werner von Aufess rightly said, “A Mercedes is not just a car—it's somebody's dream.” Here are a couple of pre-2000 Mercedes models that highlight the brand’s unstoppable quest for engineering excellence in the 1900s.
October 31, 2024 Marlon Wright