While the ability to drive is one that can prove invaluable to those of us who want to be able to get around with greater ease and convenience, it is also vital to remember that without the right skills the road can be a dangerous place. This is why it is important for drivers to ensure that they are able to exercise confidence while on the road without crossing the line into being an aggressive driver.
Defensive driving courses provide you with the opportunity to learn how to be more vigilant and careful while on the road, ensuring that you are not passive nor are you aggressive. The things that you learn as part of these courses go over and above what you learn from your driving instructor during standard driving lessons. These courses provide the perfect way to further improve your driving skills even after you have passed your driving test.
Some of the things you will learn
There are a number of different things that you will learn as part of a defensive driving course, and all of these are geared towards helping you to become more vigilant in a range of different situations. Some of the areas that are included in these courses are:
• The effects of driving under the influence
One of the areas you will learn more about when you are on one of these defensive driving courses is the effects of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and how this can affect your senses and abilities.
• Vehicle impact
Another area you may cover on your course is the physics involved in car crashes and what happens when a crash occurs. You may learn more about how you can avoid different types of impact, which will enable you to more easily avoid serious accidents.
• State traffic laws
Defensive driving courses may also cover state traffic laws, although this can depend on where you attend your course. You can then find out more about the effects these laws have on your driving and if or when you need to make changes in order to comply with driving laws.
• Safety
Another important part of these courses is often the safety equipment that is required to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers. This includes safety features and equipment such as seat belts, airbags, and head rests. You will not only learn about the importance of these safety features in vehicles but also how to maintain them to ensure maximum effectiveness.
• Effects of stress:
These courses can also cover the effects of stress when on the road and how these can lead to road rage. There are various factors and emotions that can have a negative effect on drivers and this is something you will learn more about on these courses.
• Condition of the roads
Another factor that can impact on road safety and ability is the condition of the roads, which is another area that is generally covered as part of a defensive driving course.
All of the areas that are covered as part of these courses can prove invaluable in helping you to stay safe on the roads, help you to avoid accidents, and make you an overall better driver.
If you live in Perth WA, City West Driving School has been providing defensive driving courses for the last 15 years. They have very experienced instructors and are respected by examiners and students alike.
Monday, 24 March 2014
Friday, 14 March 2014
Tips for defensive driving
A key part of the role of driving instructors is to teach the rudiments of defensive driving when you are first learning to drive, in order to keep both you and the roads around Perth, Joondalup and Freemantle, safe and accident-free. Defensive driving is a skill that once acquired, becomes a sensible habit to maintain, but even experienced drivers from time to time should think about taking a defensive driving course as a refresher.
Remove distractions from the vehicle
There are a few hints and tips that you need to bear in mind when sitting behind the wheel starting with ensuring you get rid of any distractions that can take your attention away from what is happening around you. This in particular means mobile phones - talking on the phone, trying to read a text message or use the mobile as a hand held satellite navigation device - will cause you to have an accident. Don’t be tempted to have your lunch beside you either or a drinks holder so that you take your eyes off the road whilst foraging for a sandwich or a bar of chocolate.
Keep an eye on the bigger picture
When you first learnt to drive, the driving instructor would have told you to be aware of everything that is happening around you, this means checking your rear view and side mirrors so you know if you have cars, cyclists or pedestrians in the near vicinity. Use your eyes to “read” the road ahead, so that if the vehicle that is two or three cars ahead brakes, and you spot their brake lights go on then you are prepared for everyone to start to slow down. When approaching a built up area, particularly a school or play area, then be alert to the fact that children may run out on the road and start to read the situation around you.
Watch your speed
Control is really important for good and defensive driving and the slower you drive, the more control that you will have over your car or vehicle. You will also be able to keep your distance between you and the car in front with the 2-second rule. Pick a landmark such as a tree on the side of the road, when the car in front passes it then count two seconds. If you pass the tree before the 2 seconds are up, then you are too close so slow down and give yourself some distance.
Plan an escape route
This doesn’t mean leaping out of the car at the first hint of a problem, but being aware of where you could safely drive your vehicle if you had to swerve to avoid the car in front or an obstacle such as a fallen branch or debris on the road.
Staying alert and driving defensively is a life skill that no motorist can afford to be without, book a defensive driving course in Perth and brush up on your driving technique, because it could save your life and other road users in the future.
A defensive driving course at the Western Suburbs Driving School can also be used as a corrective programme to help experienced drivers eliminate bad habits developed over the years and learn new ways of improving judgment and reaction.
Remove distractions from the vehicle
There are a few hints and tips that you need to bear in mind when sitting behind the wheel starting with ensuring you get rid of any distractions that can take your attention away from what is happening around you. This in particular means mobile phones - talking on the phone, trying to read a text message or use the mobile as a hand held satellite navigation device - will cause you to have an accident. Don’t be tempted to have your lunch beside you either or a drinks holder so that you take your eyes off the road whilst foraging for a sandwich or a bar of chocolate.
Keep an eye on the bigger picture
When you first learnt to drive, the driving instructor would have told you to be aware of everything that is happening around you, this means checking your rear view and side mirrors so you know if you have cars, cyclists or pedestrians in the near vicinity. Use your eyes to “read” the road ahead, so that if the vehicle that is two or three cars ahead brakes, and you spot their brake lights go on then you are prepared for everyone to start to slow down. When approaching a built up area, particularly a school or play area, then be alert to the fact that children may run out on the road and start to read the situation around you.
Watch your speed
Control is really important for good and defensive driving and the slower you drive, the more control that you will have over your car or vehicle. You will also be able to keep your distance between you and the car in front with the 2-second rule. Pick a landmark such as a tree on the side of the road, when the car in front passes it then count two seconds. If you pass the tree before the 2 seconds are up, then you are too close so slow down and give yourself some distance.
Plan an escape route
This doesn’t mean leaping out of the car at the first hint of a problem, but being aware of where you could safely drive your vehicle if you had to swerve to avoid the car in front or an obstacle such as a fallen branch or debris on the road.
Staying alert and driving defensively is a life skill that no motorist can afford to be without, book a defensive driving course in Perth and brush up on your driving technique, because it could save your life and other road users in the future.
A defensive driving course at the Western Suburbs Driving School can also be used as a corrective programme to help experienced drivers eliminate bad habits developed over the years and learn new ways of improving judgment and reaction.
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