5 defensive driving techniques new drivers need to know
(Baonghean.vn) - When participating in traffic, different situations will require different handling, but there are 5 basic defensive driving techniques that drivers should always follow to ensure safety as well as minimize the risk of accidents.
1. Look far
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New drivers often have the habit of looking directly ahead of them and not looking further out. They may think they are not that type of driver, but this often happens unconsciously.
So the question is, how far should you look? The answer is as far as you can; even miles. Most accidents can be avoided if drivers are aware of the situation and plan ahead by looking far ahead.
2. Look at the big picture
In driving school, most drivers hear the reminder to "look at the big picture." However, if you ask them to define what "looking at the big picture" means, they will get a lot of different answers.
The most important thing is never to fix your gaze on one direction. Instead, the driver needs to observe the left, right, front and rear through the rearview mirror to be able to recognize and anticipate dangers from all directions and plan to handle them.
3. Maintain appropriate distance
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This is one of the most common defensive driving techniques. Maintaining a safe following distance is just as important as maintaining a safe speed. After all, drivers can drive up to 200 km/h, as long as there is a reasonable gap between cars... People tend to crowd together at red lights, and if you are too far away from the car in front of you, someone else will definitely cut in. So mastering this technique can make your trip safer.
4. Have an escape plan
To drive safely, you must always have an escape plan; no matter how good a driver you are, you cannot predict the behavior of the drivers around you. In addition, factors beyond your control can quickly turn a normal situation into an emergency. For example, a dog suddenly jumps out and causes cars to brake suddenly. Or the car in front of you gets a flat tire and loses control... Therefore, you need to have a suitable plan for emergency situations.
5. Reduce distractions
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Many people eat, talk on the phone, text, or even get distracted by other passengers or pets while driving. Distractions are everywhere, and drivers can’t control them all.
In most accidents involving factors beyond the driver’s control, experienced auto experts say the cause is not the distractions but the driver’s reaction. The best solution is to concentrate on driving. Pay no attention to anything else until you are safely off the road.
