From people who constantly text at the wheel to those who keep their foot on the gas, you may share the road with all sorts of dangerous drivers. Staying vigilant and practicing caution are your best lines of defense to prevent auto collisions when encountering irresponsible motorists. To remain safe in any situation, here are a few defensive driving tactics to follow.

3 Defensive Driving Tips to Avoid Accidents

1. Check the Road Conditions

Check the local road conditions to avoid areas with construction. Lanes are often merged when there’s roadwork, and distracted drivers may change into your lane without signaling, increasing the risk of an auto collision. Avoid being side-swiped by steering clear of these areas. You should also check the weather report to see if rain is in the forecast. Water can make the road slick, and you’ll lose traction if you speed. If it’ll be raining, plan to hit the road earlier before the showers arrive.

2. Be Prepared to Brake

From seeing an animal in the road to turning around to reprimand kids in the backseat, there are many reasons a driver may brake early. To prevent an auto collision, keep a three-second following distance with the car in front of you. This space provides you with ample time to respond to sudden braking.

3. Keep Your Cool

Practicing patience will help you avoid auto collisions and other dangerous situations behind the wheel. For example, if a driver cuts you off, don’t speed to catch up and cut them off in retaliation. This is an example of aggressive driving, which causes 66% of traffic fatalities.

Even defensive drivers can get into auto collisions, and if you get into an accident, contact the skilled team at C & H Body & Fender in Honolulu, HI. For over 30 years, these certified professionals have helped Oahu drivers repair their automobiles so that they can get back on the road as soon as possible. Their licensed technicians will work with your insurance company to ensure you pay little to no out-of-pocket costs. Learn more about their services online, or call (808) 841-3618 to schedule an appointment.