What is Defensive Driving ?

Defensive driving or safe driving is a precautionary attempt from the driver's side to avoid accidents and risky situations.
One can always take a safer side to stay away from any type of road nuisances.
This can be achieved by implementing a variety of general rules and practicing specific driving techniques.

Here are some of the useful tips that might help to practice defensive driving:

1. 1.  Pay attention while driving to recognize and avoid the hazards waylaying on the road. Being conscious and alert is the most important behaviour expected from a good driver.
2. 2.  Be very careful while using mobile phone, smoking or handling any other device that will distract from driving. Always adjust the volume of a car radio to a decent level.
3. 3.  Maintain safe distance between your car and the car ahead. Many accidents happen due and it is very common in highways.
4. 4.  Drive within speed limits and remember that the provided speed limit is followed.
5. 5.  Strictly follow the traffic rules. Don't get impatient and accelerate on the yellow signal instead of waiting for the signal to turn green.
6. 6.  Try to have a safe drive from your end. Never make effort to overtake other cars on the way.
7. 7.  Look ahead and drive, scan the road and the surrounding area at least a few yards ahead.
8. 8.  Don't drink and drive as it impairs the ability to operate the vehicle properly.
9. 9.  Always try to have an escape route and have frequent checks on your mirrors every few seconds to see what's behind and beside the car.
10. 10.  Learn when to use headlights. Turn your headlights on in dim daylight, rain, or other low-visibility weather conditions and always remember to use turn signals.
11. 11.  Keep the tyres in good condition and ensure that they have plenty of tread.
12. 12.  Be cautious when passing stopped or slow-moving vehicles. They often hide dangers that are not immediately apparent.
13. 13.  Avoid frequent lane changes and try to match the speed with the flow of nearby traffic. Be careful of potholes in the roads.
14. 14.  Always be extra conscious while driving in raining season as skidding is very common to happen during rains.
15. 15.  Get out of the car and take a break if tired while driving long distances, rest for a while and proceed further.
16. 16.  Always wear a seat belt, even if the vehicle is equipped with an airbag.
17. 17.  Keep a proper driving position with upright posture and both hands on the steering wheel.