Share:

If you’ve recently acquired your license or learner’s permit, you might wonder what you can do to enhance your safety behind the wheel. Defensive driving refers to a set of techniques that allow you to defend yourself when you encounter bad drivers or inclement weather. Use the following helpful tips to improve your driving and stay out of auto collisions

What's Defensive Driving? 

1. Leave Ample Distance

On the interstate, leave about ten car lengths, or 50 yards, between you the driver in front of you. On city streets or country roads, leave a distance of about two to three seconds. Calculate this by choosing a stationary object, such as a street sign or light pole, and counting the number of seconds it takes you to pass it. This will give you enough distance to decelerate and stop if the driver ahead of you slams on their brakes.

2. Scan Ahead 

Anticipate road conditions about 20 to 30 seconds ahead of you so that you’ll see any problems with enough time to make a decision. For instance, if you notice an accident or blocked road, you can potentially take a detour to keep from sitting in traffic. 

3. Minimize Distractions

auto collisionDistracted driving, such as using smartphones, accounts for thousands of auto collisions each year. Resist the temptation to text or check social media while driving by downloading apps that disable phone alerts, such as OnMyWay or AT&T DriveMode. Use a car dash holder for hands-free GPS navigation. Keep your music at a reasonable volume so that you can hear car horns or emergency vehicle sirens. 

4. Use Caution During Storms

Thunderstorms and foggy conditions compromise a driver’s visibility. Go about five to 10 miles per hour below the speed limit so that you can stop sooner if an obstacle suddenly appears in front of you. Put on your high beams to increase your visibility distance. If you need to pull over, use your hazard lights so that oncoming traffic can see and avoid hitting you. 

 

Even careful drivers can get into auto collisions, so contact the team at Mike Smith's Automotive Collision Center in the event of an accident. This 24-hour auto body shop provides collision repairs to drivers throughout Dothan, AL. Call (334) 792-0446 to request an estimate on auto repairs, and visit the website to learn more about their warrantied services.

tracking