PA Defensive Driving

Do you know what defensive driving really means? It may be a bit different than what you think it means.

  • Anticipating the events that could happen in traffic.
  • Preparing for action needed to avoid dangers on the road.
  • Surveying, planning, and staying aware of traffic and its unexpected incidents.
Knowing what lies before you isn’t always possible, but you can prepare for the things that could happen so you are never caught completely off guard. It is definite that accidents and other driver mistakes are inevitable, and although you may go through life with little action, you just want to know that you are prepared for any action to take place.

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Techniques for Defensive Driving

There are various defensive driving techniques that would be a good idea to add to your memory, incorporating them into your everyday driving habits.

  • Always have a planned escape route within the vehicle in case any emergency ever arises. You must continually be aware of the space that is around you to do this properly.
  • Always keep a distance between other drivers that allows for ample response.
  • Survey your path ahead for at least 12 to 15 seconds in order to see what is before you ahead of your immediate space.
  • Always check all directions before taking a turn, even if you are at a stop where you are given the right-of-way.
  • If your field of vision is limited in any way use extreme caution to be sure that you are not involved in a collision you didn’t foresee.
  • Always use caution and be aware of school buses, mail or delivery vehicles, ice-cream trucks or vehicles, and other vehicles that make frequent stops or has various people going to and from or around the vehicle.
  • Use increased cautionary measures when encountering construction sites or emergency scenes as there may be other drivers that do not focus solely on driving and could cause increased dangers.
  • When you see reckless, erratic, or other careless drivers, be sure to slow down so you are able to get out of their way and steer clear.
  • Be sure to always check your brakes to ensure adequate operation, and use more caution when encountering areas such as parking lots and others that require you to stop frequently or that have a higher population of pedestrians.
  • Drive according to road conditions, allowing the weather to dictate speed and practices. Be sure that you are always following the safety laws completely when these conditions present.
  • Watch for drivers that may be backing out into your pathway so you can be sure to avoid a collision.
  • Make sure that your vehicles remains visible at all times, utilizing measures to remain in sight when you could be entering a blind spot.
  • Always pass at a secure distance, as to not get in front of a vehicle too closely where you cannot reach their rate of speed before collision.
  • If there is snow present, be sure that you remain at an adequate distance from other vehicles that may have snow or other debris falling from their vehicles.
  • Be sure to slow down when encountering bridges in the winter as they are the first to freeze and could present the most hazards even when the standard roadways are not iced.
There are many other ways you could be a more proactive and defensive driver, as you can use your own safety practices when driving while following the rules that are laid out for PA drivers.

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