A key aspect of defensive driving techniques is to signal your intent when you are out on the road. This simply means letting other drivers know your next move. And to get things started, your first step would be to make sure all the lights you need to signal your intent are operational. Indicators, brake lights, head lights and other driving lights must be in good order.
Let Them Know As Early As Possible!
When doing out-of-the-box driving manoeuvres such as changing lanes or turning, your first move should be to use the indicator - not late, not never, not on time, but ahead of time. Let your indicators give other drivers the heads-up and let them know your next move in advance - do not outright acknowledge your maneuver or disguise it as if you were in a chess match or something.
Be Predictable
You want to be as clear as possible with your indicators and follow your signal instead of doing a 360-degree turn and doing the opposite - a prime example of sound defensive driving techniques. Do not befuddle other drivers by turning on a dime. For example, you don't want to turn right after signaling a left turn. Make sure your indicators cancel after your manoeuvre so you don't drive for miles with a meaningless signal that only confuses other traffic.
Have a Sense of Direction
While having a definite sense of direction does not exactly sound like traditional defensive driving techniques, neither is ending up in the middle of nowhere. Just imagine yourself trying to find your way to your destination, not only confusing yourself but other motorists in the process. And slowing down and speeding up again is a waste of human energy and petrol alike. It wouldn't hurt you much to stop your vehicle if you get lost, in order for you to regain your bearings, check your map and ask for help if need be.
The Importance Of Signalling Intent Redux
As part of driving defensively, it is a good habit to always signal your intent, particularly when making lane changes or turns. Even on a an apparently lonely road at night it is good practice to signal your intent.
About Slowing Down
A key aspect of defensive driving techniques is slowing down or stopping. Again, signaling your intent comes to the fore as you can flash your brake lights once or twice or gently tap your brake pedal once to do so. The flash of the brake lights will alert following drivers to what you intend and this is particularly important if a following driver is approaching quickly.
Let Them Know As Early As Possible!
When doing out-of-the-box driving manoeuvres such as changing lanes or turning, your first move should be to use the indicator - not late, not never, not on time, but ahead of time. Let your indicators give other drivers the heads-up and let them know your next move in advance - do not outright acknowledge your maneuver or disguise it as if you were in a chess match or something.
Be Predictable
You want to be as clear as possible with your indicators and follow your signal instead of doing a 360-degree turn and doing the opposite - a prime example of sound defensive driving techniques. Do not befuddle other drivers by turning on a dime. For example, you don't want to turn right after signaling a left turn. Make sure your indicators cancel after your manoeuvre so you don't drive for miles with a meaningless signal that only confuses other traffic.
Have a Sense of Direction
While having a definite sense of direction does not exactly sound like traditional defensive driving techniques, neither is ending up in the middle of nowhere. Just imagine yourself trying to find your way to your destination, not only confusing yourself but other motorists in the process. And slowing down and speeding up again is a waste of human energy and petrol alike. It wouldn't hurt you much to stop your vehicle if you get lost, in order for you to regain your bearings, check your map and ask for help if need be.
The Importance Of Signalling Intent Redux
As part of driving defensively, it is a good habit to always signal your intent, particularly when making lane changes or turns. Even on a an apparently lonely road at night it is good practice to signal your intent.
About Slowing Down
A key aspect of defensive driving techniques is slowing down or stopping. Again, signaling your intent comes to the fore as you can flash your brake lights once or twice or gently tap your brake pedal once to do so. The flash of the brake lights will alert following drivers to what you intend and this is particularly important if a following driver is approaching quickly.
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