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.