acquiring a good defensive driving technique

A key to acquiring a good defensive driving technique is to never, ever rely on what the other driver will do. Recall for a moment the driving mistakes you've been guilty of over the years. Look ahead and imagine the ones you will probably make in the future. Guess what? All the other drivers are just the same! Don't trust anyone but yourself!

1. Be super wary of other drivers. Keep an eagle on them and leave yourself plenty of room to move. Try to anticipate and prepare for mistakes other drivers might make. When you are not paying attention to other drivers, you are effectively giving them control of your vehicle. You are at their mercy. This is without a doubt one of the most important defensive driving techniques you can embrace.

2. Is that driver worthy of your trust? Maybe some of those other drivers are returning from a boozy night out. Perhaps they just lost a job or suffered the tragic loss of a loved one. The other driver might be a 9-year-old out for a joy ride. Regard every other driver as an unpredictable menace out to get you. Most collisions occur when the "other guy" does something unexpected.

3. Anticipate other driver errors. Be wary when approaching red lights. A red light by itself never stopped anyone. Watch out for drivers preparing to pull out from beside the road. Other potential dangers include failure to signal a lane change, or tailgating someone when they are dawdling along looking to make a turn-a turn they suddenly WILL make at the last second. Be alert to all possibilities and be ready to deal with them.

Driving is the most dangerous thing that most of us ever do, and because of this, driving deserves your full attention. By mastering the defensive driving techniques of "paying attention" and "trusting nobody but yourself" and making them an unconscious habit, drivers can achieve 99% protection. Paying attention and being wary of other drivers makes it possible for you to be instantly aware of the hazards lurking on the road, almost before they are there.