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Here are 10 defensive driving techniques you can use to improve driving safety:
First, you need to focus only on your driving. Driving defensively will be your only job. You must not put on makeup or use your cell phone while you are driving. If such things are truly important for your well-being, you will have to pull over and have them done before beginning to drive again.
Assume that the other drivers are very likely to make mistakes – a good defensive driver will be prepared for other vehicles to run the red lights, fail to yield or run the stop signs.
You must follow all the road rules and don't speed even if you you might get honked and feel quite bored. You need to keep the speed down and play by the rules because this will make you a better and safer defensive driver.
Keep your sunglasses in your vehicle at all times because an unexpected glare coming from the windshield can make things more difficult. You will have to use your sunglasses whenever this happens.
Following the other cars at safe distances is another thing for you to consider because if these vehicles suddenly crash, you will be able to stop the car before hitting them. A good defensive driver will learn how to follow the cars at a pace of 4 seconds or even more. You will have to be prepared for vehicles coming out of nowhere – these vehicles may be around a sharp curve or in your own blind spot. The defensive driver who knows how to prepare for these unexpected vehicles will be less likely to get into a road crash.
Keep your vehicle well maintained – make sure that your brake lights, turn signals and horn are all working because you have to use them in order to communicate with the other drivers when you are driving. Check the tires and try to perform the other necessary maintenance as well.
Check your state of mind too because you shouldn't be preoccupied by something else while driving. Just relax and keep in mind not to drive when you are upset about something – this can affect your ability to adopt the necessary defensive driving techniques.
Never drink and drive because you need to be fully aware of your surroundings while driving.
Take your time and try to leave for the chosen destination early enough in order to allow time for possible traffic jams, unexpected events and road construction. You need to be patient because nothing in life is likely to always go as planned. However, you must not let things out of your control – for instance, if you are feeling stressed or upset, you should pull over and try to relax before hitting the road again. Patience is one of the most important things a safe and defensive driver needs – use your patience with road conditions, other drivers and all the crazy stuff that might happen on the road.
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