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

These 12 Failed Cars Are Now Shockingly Expensive

Nobody Bought These Cars When They Were Released, But Everyone Wants Them Now

Every era leaves behind cars that didn’t click. They looked strange, felt overpriced, or simply didn’t fit the moment. Times have changed, as what was once a burden is now a badge of honor.
September 18, 2025 Marlon Wright

The Most Unusual Engines Used In Production Cars

Automotive history is full of engineering experiments, and nowhere is this more evident than in engine design. We look at some of the strangest engines ever built for regular production cars.
September 17, 2025 J.D. Blackwell
Volkswagen Phaeton

Beloved Foreign Cars That Came To America And Completely Flopped

A car might rule the streets in one corner of the world, yet stall completely in another. These models thrived abroad, but in America, their wheels spun without traction. Such failures remain fascinating to revisit.
September 16, 2025 Alex Summers
The V8’s Path to Becoming a Legend in Automotive History

The V8 Is America's Favorite Engine For A Reason, A Photographic Tour

Few machines have shaped culture the way the V8 did. Born in experiments, perfected on tracks, and adored on city streets, it became proof that that much power could inspire as much as it could move.
September 16, 2025 Marlon Wright

The Worst Cars Ever Made, According To Mechanics

Automotive history has seen as many lemons as it has masterpieces. From shoddy engineering and ugly designs, to terrible reliability, a select few vehicles go down in history for all the wrong reasons. We look at the worst cars ever made, according to mechanics.
September 16, 2025 J.D. Blackwell
Eminem Chrysler Ad

Everyone Saw These Iconic Car Commercials When They Aired

You're flipping channels and suddenly freeze because something on screen actually caught your attention. It's just a car commercial, but somehow it feels different. These ads proved advertising could be art instead of annoyance.
September 15, 2025 Alex Summers