Learn how to drive defensively
You can learn how to drive defensively through formal driver improvement courses. Many states and private organizations actually offer defensive driving training classes as one of the ways to reduce points on driving violation records. These courses are now even offered online.
But after attending formal training on defensive driving, the real challenge for the driver begins. Defensive driving requires the proper mindset and discipline to constantly be watchful and careful on the road. Learning how to drive defensively demands practice until it becomes second nature to the driver.
Learning how to drive defensively is not about knowing how to drive. The driver is expected to already know the basics of driving before he even tries to learn defensive driving. Rather, defensive driving is about knowing the correct driving techniques that will enable the driver to quickly identify and predict potential dangers on the road and then immediately decide and act appropriately based on what situations demand.
However, learning how to drive defensively also involves some unlearning. Both new and experienced drivers would have some bad driving habits that they have learned or acquired as they were starting to drive. They may have received incorrect information or advice from their fathers or trainors. Bad driving habits and even attitude takes a lot of time to unlearn and the driver, no matter how experienced he thinks he is, must be willing and humble enough to do away with his bad habits in order to learn how to drive defensively.
Older drivers in particular should be open to changes in their driving style. They must consider that a lot of changes have happened in motor vehicles and road rules since they first learned how to drive. There are new ways of driving that have evolved over the years and drivers should be able to adjust to these changes accordingly.
Another basic step to learning how to drive defensively is to get you familiar with the interiors of the car. This may be part of basic driving lessons but with so many new technologies being put in cars today, it pays that drivers always understand the functions of various parts of the car. They must also practice ease of movement with the different parts so that they can quickly reach for them especially during emergency.
Some of the items in the vehicle that you should know how to locate and operate include:
• Mirror adjusters
• Hazard light switch
• Air-conditioner
• Heater
• Radio
• Steering wheel height adjuster
• Handbrake
• Immobilizers
• Fuel switches
• Horn
• Ignition positions
• Visors
• Airflow positions
• Fuses
• Bonnet (Hood) opener
• Child locks
• Trunk or boot opening
• Petrol (Gas) locks
• Spare wheel
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