Even with all of the advancements in vehicle technology and road infrastructure, we’re still seeing large numbers of collisions and fatalities on the roadway each year. The truth is that the leading cause of collisions is human error. Whether a driver is speeding, distracted, or impaired, the technology is simply not advanced enough to guarantee your safety on the road. That’s where defensive driving courses come in.
Defining Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is when you’re constantly alert to potential hazards (i.e., debris in the road, the car ahead of you running a red light, children playing on the sidewalk) and you actively look for ways to keep you and your vehicle safe. It’s also driving to prevent crashes, driving carefully, and making allowances for other drivers. It starts from the moment you think about going somewhere until the moment you get to your destination and turn off your vehicle. It’s about making proactive decisions to minimize risk.
Skills Taught in Defensive Driving Courses
Defensive driving courses teach a variety of skills that go beyond the basics of vehicle operation and compliance with traffic laws. Some of the topics that are often included in defensive driving courses include:
- Safe driving strategies
- How to avoid distracted driving
- Understanding how your emotions and attitude affect your driving
- Learning how to handle driving emergencies
- Learning how to spot and avoid impaired drivers
- Occupant protection
- Best practices for sharing the road with pedestrians and other roadway users
- Using new technology safely
Understanding these topics and utilizing them to avoid collisions could be the difference between life and death on the road.
Finding the Right Course
There are various options when it comes to choosing the right defensive driving course for you. The course you choose will depend in part on why you’re taking the course in the first place. If you’re taking a defensive driving course for legal reasons, you’ll need to make sure you’re using a school that is approved in your state and by your court.
The other important thing to keep in mind when choosing a defensive driving course is what format is best for you. There are often options for in-person classes as well as online courses that you can take at your own pace on your own schedule. If you’re someone with a busy schedule, online courses will likely be the best choice for you.
Defensive driving courses are a great option for drivers of any experience level. Whether you are a new driver or an experienced one, consider enrolling in a defensive driving course to enhance your driving abilities and play your part in saving lives.
Interested in learning more about traffic safety?
Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?
Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.
Even with all of the advancements in vehicle technology and road infrastructure, we’re still seeing large numbers of collisions and fatalities on the roadway each year. The truth is that the leading cause of collisions is human error. Whether a driver is speeding, distracted, or impaired, the technology is simply not advanced enough to guarantee your safety on the road. That’s where defensive driving courses come in.