The number of registered vehicles reported on the road in the United States in 2018 was over 270 million! WOW!! With that many people on the road, and especially if you live in a heavily congested metropolis, you need to drive defensively.
Before you even start your engine, get comfortable inside your car. Make sure your seat is adjusted properly, don’t sit too far or too close to your steering wheel. You will also want to adjust your mirrors to give you great visibility behind you and on your car’s sides.
You will also want to make sure that nothing is obstructing your view through your windshield, like dangling dice on your rearview mirror (however cool those may be!). Once you are good within the car, and after you’ve fastened your seatbelt, you should be ready to go!
Getting out on the road
Obviously, defensive driving means that you are cautious. Many drivers are preoccupied and that can be a dangerous thing. You will want to obey the speed limit signs and keep the car at a safe and steady pace behind any other cars. Avoid any tailgating even if the car in front of you is going slower than you’d like them to.
Being a defensive driver also means that you don’t put the pedal to the metal when the light turns from red to green or yellow to red. Make full and complete stops, looks both (or all) ways, and proceed with caution.
Things not to do
One of the biggest causes of accidents is drivers being on their cell phones. Avoid, at all costs, texting while driving. This is not a safe practice and too many people are doing it. To be a good defensive driver you’ll want to holster your cell phone for the duration of your ride.
There are many drivers on the road these days. Be cautious, don’t speed, don’t text and drive, and you will become a better defensive driver.