No one ever expects to be in an accident, but the truth is accidents can happen to anyone at any time. Defensive driving is a skill all motorists need to master in order to remain safe on the roads. When you drive defensively, you can anticipate any risks that may arise and be prepared in the event of an emergency. Recognizing possible dangers before they occur can help you take preemptive action and avoid dangerous situations.
As your local towing company, we want to do our part in educating our community on how to stay safe when behind the wheel. Let’s discuss some ways you can practice defensive driving habits.
What is defensive driving?
Defensive driving is a set of driving skills that allows you to protect yourself and your passengers from potential hazards on the road. It involves being aware of your surroundings, especially other drivers on the road, and taking steps to avoid potential accidents. This goes a long way in preventing accidents and keeping you safe on the road.
How can you improve your defensive driving skills?
There are a few things you can do to become a better defensive motorist. Follow the tips below to stay safe on the road:
Keep your attention on the road.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many accidents occur due to distracted driving. It’s easy to get distracted when you’re behind the steering wheel. To avoid this, make sure to keep your eyes on the road at all times. This means no texting, no talking on the cell phone, no fiddling with the radio, etc.
Be aware of your surroundings.
In addition to paying attention to the road, it’s also important to be aware of your surroundings. This means scanning the roads for cars, obstacles, traffic signs, signals, etc., and also monitoring rearview mirrors accordingly. Keeping an eye out for cyclists and pedestrians crossing the road is of utmost importance as well. In general, it’s important to stay alert at all times and not to get distracted by your cell phone or other external factors while driving. Awareness of everything on the road is an essential part of safe driving – it can prevent potential accidents that could have been avoided if paying attention!
Follow speed limits.
Following the posted speed limit is an essential aspect of responsible driving. Obeying the mandated speed limit reduces your risk of getting into an accident, reduces the possibility of receiving a ticket, and keeps us safe on the roads. Driving too fast not only endangers our lives but everyone else on the road as well. Slow down to ensure everyone reaches their destination safely. It might save you a few minutes here and there, but adhering to posted speed limits will protect you and other drivers on the road.
Don’t tailgate.
Tailgating, which is defined as following too closely behind another vehicle, puts both drivers at risk of getting into an accident should traffic come to a rapid halt. Unfortunately, many people fail to recognize the potential harm they’re causing by engaging in this habit. By maintaining a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, drivers are allowing themselves a greater chance of stopping in time if needed and avoiding collisions. Not tailgating can also be beneficial for reducing stress levels on the roadways since it provides motorists with more control and confidence behind the wheel. Therefore, next time you hit the roads, remember that not tailgating could be the factor that helps prevent an accident from occurring.
Anticipate other drivers’ actions.
One of the best ways to avoid accidents is to anticipate other people’s actions. Sometimes, people end up in an accident not because of their fault but because of the other driver’s mistake. To avoid this, try to anticipate what other vehicles are going to do. This means being aware of their body language and the way they are driving. If you see a driver who is not paying attention or appears to be distracted, give them plenty of space.
Brake early.
Another important tip is to brake early. This gives you more time to react in an emergency and can help avoid accidents. When you’re approaching a stop sign or red light, make sure to brake early so that you have plenty of time to stop. The same is true when you see a potential hazard on the road. By braking early, you can help avoid accidents.
Never go on the offensive.
Avoiding offensive driving is essential to safe roadways. Not only can this save your life and the lives of others, but reducing road rage can also reduce stress and make every ride more pleasant. Research shows that road rage is tied to aggression, as it often goes hand-in-hand with dangerous road maneuvers such as tailgating or speeding, and can be a leading cause of road accidents. Being mindful of your behavior behind the wheel and being courteous to other drivers—such as allowing them to merge or signal as you pass—can prevent road rage from escalating into violence. By avoiding offensive driving, we help create a safer environment not just for ourselves and those around us but also for everyone sharing the road.
Always use your turn signals.
Another important tip is to always use your turn signal. This lets other drivers know what you’re doing and can help avoid accidents. When you’re changing lanes or making a turn, make sure to use your turn signal so that other motorists are aware of your intentions.
Why should you drive defensively?
The simple answer is that it can help you avoid car accidents. By being more vigilant and aware of your surroundings and distracted drivers, you can help avoid potential hazards. You’ll also have a more peaceful time driving and avoid any unnecessary drama that can come with road rage. So if you want to be safe behind the wheel, remember to take practice defensive driving! It could just save your life.
Your Local Findlay Towing Company
At Ed’s 24-Hour Service, we understand that car troubles never happen at a convenient time. That’s why we maintain a dedicated dispatch staff to ensure that we immediately answer Findlay’s emergency needs at any time of day or night. Our large fleet of tow trucks allows us to arrive at any customer’s area within 30 minutes after a service request. And our tow trucks are equipped with a 75-ton rotator that easily moves any large load from a wreck or stuck position. So you can always count on our experienced technicians to get you out of a pinch. We also conduct roadside assistance for commercial vehicles. So whether you need a quick tow, maintenance, or repair, we’ll have you back on the road quickly and stress-free.
Our services include the following:
- Heavy-Duty Towing/Commercial Towing Services
- Emergency Towing Services
- Comprehensive Roadside Services:
- Tire repair and replacement
- Fuel delivery
- Repair shop services
- Specialized transportation (from construction vehicles to large pieces of commercial equipment)
- And more!
Call us today! We look forward to serving you.
Want to learn more about Ed’s 24 Hour Service? Check out our “About Us” page!