Defensive Driving

Defensive driving means “always expect the unexpected.” The first step in driving defensively is to wear the safety belt. See Safety Belts  .

  • Assume that other road users (pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do and be ready.
  • Allow enough following distance between you and the driver in front of you.
  • Focus on the task of driving.
    See also:

    Backing Up
    Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Always back u ...

    Pairing
    A Bluetooth-enabled cell phone must be paired to the in-vehicle Bluetooth system and then connected to the vehicle before it can be used. See the cell phone manufacturer's user guide for B ...

    Braking
    Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is reaction time. Average driver reaction time is about three-quart ...