Advantages of Defensive Driving
The practice of defensive driving offers so many advantages that one would wonder why not everybody is doing it. For one, defensive driving could save lives.
According to the National Safety Council, more than 19 million collisions happen on America’s highways every year. The council also estimated that more than 40,000 people die on America’s highways due to road accidents and 2.3 million suffer disabling injuries. Alarmingly, the NSC also noted that about 77% of the road mishaps are caused by driver error.
Sadly, most drivers still do not take the time to arm themselves with the proper skills and techniques to protect themselves and other people. The NSC suggests that by taking a defensive driving course in particular, and practicing defensive driving in general, the highways will be much safer.
As is obvious from the term, defensive driving puts the driver always on the defensive. It keeps him watchful all the time, and thus allows him to react to situations quickly and appropriately.
Safety is always in mind in defensive driving. It prepares you in facing emergency driving situations and allows you to become a safer and more confident driver. In defensive driving, you learn and practice driving techniques that help you avoid collisions with other vehicles.
Those who practice defensive driving also tend to develop better mutual understanding and consideration with other drivers. It trains them to be more courteous on the road. In other words, riding with defensive drivers could mean a more pleasant ride experience than with an aggressive driver who is prone to road rage.
Aside from safety considerations, defensive driving is also very practical. Taking defensive driving courses, for instance, is a surefire way to reduce insurance premiums. This is largely due to the fact that many states require attendance to defensive driving or driver improvement courses as a way to reduce points on driving record violations. Some states even dismiss the issuance of tickets in lieu of a defensive driving course.
Lower points on one’s driving record can significantly reduce insurance rates to as much as two to ten percent. You should always inquire with your insurance provider regarding the applicable discounts for you.
According to the National Safety Council, there are 28 states that allow up to three points reduction from the total on your driving record if you have received violations within 18 months before you complete your course on defensive driving. There are also 34 states that offer insurance discounts of up to 10%.
Having more drivers that practice defensive driving ultimately makes a happier society. Remember the statistics cited above. With more people taking conscious initiative to drive safely, there will be fewer families who will be grieving over the loss of their fathers or teenagers due to senseless road accidents. A significant sum of public money that would otherwise go to people with disabling injuries due to road mishaps could be spared. Thus, the state’s resources can be channeled to other more pressing needs or more productive endeavors.
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