Defensive Driving

A key factor in defensive driving is to signal each of your intents when you are on the road. You will have to communicate to the other drivers what you are planning to do. The first step in signaling your intent is to make sure that all the lights that can be used in order to communicate your intent are functioning. Head lights, brake lights, indicators and all the other driving lights must function because it would be impossible for you to adopt a defensive driving attitude unless you have all these lights working and signaling – you cannot be a defensive driver if the other drivers don't have a clue about what you intend to do when on the road. Next, you will have to indicate all your intentions well in advance – for instance, when you plan to change the lanes, you must use your indicator well in advance and before you make the actual move. Therefore, you should let the other drivers know about your intention to change the lane instead of just letting them acknowledge a maneuver that you have already completed. Signaling your intent is all about being predictable – be clear with the indicators and make the move according to the signals you have shown. Prevent yourself from suddenly changing your mind – you must not act in a manner that may confuse the other drivers.  For instance, you must not indicate the left turn and continue by turning right. Just make sure that each of your indicators is canceled after the maneuver in order not to drive for hundreds of miles with meaningless signals that might confuse the other drivers in the traffic.

You need to know where you are going because getting lost will result in confusing the other drivers – you will be making false or sudden moves in order to try and find your real destination and this can cause accidents on the road. Therefore, slowing down and then speeding up again might become a hazardous move. Keep in mind that driving around with no aim isn't a part of the defensive driving techniques. It is a very good habit to always signal the intent especially if you are planning to make turns or lane changes. Another good practice is to slow down or stop if you think that this is a wise move. But you will also have to warn all the following drivers of this intent – you can do this by tapping your brake pedal twice in order to flash the brake lights. This signal will alert the following drivers to your intention. So, signaling each of your intents clearly and early is the key factor of defensive driving. By doing this, you will stay out of trouble while on the road. Being predictable will enable the other drivers to know  what  you are planning to do next and this will allow them valuable time to try and adopt their own defensive techniques. Signaling is all about sending the clearest piece of information to the other drivers in the traffic – make it a habit!