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

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

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.

Advertisement

2. Expect the Unexpected

woman sitting in car drivingCleyton Ewerton, Pexels

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

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

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.

Advertisement

5. Weather Woes

That’s How That Works factsPixabay

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

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

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

Advertisement

8. Green Doesn't Always Mean Go

Gut Feelings FactsFlickr

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

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

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

People With The Largest Car Collections In The World

Everyone has their vice: the thing they spend all their money on. For these people, it's cars. All kinds of cars. Here are the people with the largest car collections in the world.
September 25, 2024 Jack Hawkins

The Rise And Fall Of The Iconic Lincoln Continental

The Lincoln Continental may have been inspired by European luxury models, but its incredible history provides a greater glimpse into that of the entire American automobile industry.
April 18, 2025 Ethan Vestby

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

The Only F1 Driver To Posthumously Win A Grand Championship

In 1970, Jochen Rindt became the only driver to win the Formula One World Drivers' Championship after his tragic accident at the Italian Grand Prix. He clinched the title posthumously, a record-setting achievement that stunned the motorsport world.
April 14, 2025 Avishek Satyal

He didn't become Formula One's best designer by accident. Adrain Newey used his incredible intellect, talent, and vision to change the sport forever.

In the competitive world of Formula One, a man's vision has consistently translated into championship-winning cars. Here is a look at the outstanding career of Adrain Newey, one of the sport’s most successful designers.
December 12, 2024 Jane O'Shea
Alfa Romeo 8C

Iconic Cars Of The Art Deco Era (With Photos)

Get ready to cruise through time with these Art Deco beauties. These cars didn't just drive; they defined style.
October 31, 2024 Peter Kinney