What is Defensive Driving?
Defensive driving describes a set of skills that every driver should learn, regardless of their experience level. In this article, DrivingClass.ie delves into the proactive mindset and techniques required to anticipate potential hazards, minimise risks, and ensure road safety.
Below, we look at each one of the key defensive driving skills, which go beyond adherence to traffic rules and regulations.
How can I be a defensive driver?
In reality, everybody should be a defensive driver. Becoming a better defensive driver is all as much about building a mentality as it is about driving skills.
It’s about not taking half-chances in driving situations, putting your skills to good effect (i.e., to the benefit of everybody), and essentially emphasising driving safety in every situation. With all that said, let’s now look at the techniques required to put defensive driving into practice.
Situational awareness and anticipation
Situational awareness and anticipation are the foundation of defensive driving. It is essential that that drivers are attentive and aware of their surroundings at all times while behind the wheel.
Scan the road ahead, frequently check side and rear-view mirrors, and identify potential hazards such as pedestrians (particularly children), cyclists, or other vehicles.
Likewise, anticipate lane changes and stay mindful of blind spots. By maintaining a higher level of anticipation, you can promptly and effectively respond to emerging dangers.
Controlling speed and following distance
Controlling speed is not just about staying within the speed limit. It should also be done in accordance with road conditions, traffic flow, and other environmental conditions, such as approaching construction zones.
In each of these circumstances, reducing speed contributes to safe driving. Additionally, maintaining an appropriate distance between you and the vehicle ahead is crucial.
Remember the ‘three-second rule’ when trying to measure this distance, and don’t forget to increase the gap during adverse conditions or higher speeds.
Hazard perception and decision making
Sharpen your hazard perception and decision-making skills to become a competent defensive driver. Learn to identify potential hazards in advance. These typically include aggressive or erratic drivers, pedestrians stepping onto the road, or lane changes by vehicles which have not been indicated.
As a defensive driver, you have a role in mitigating these hazards. Signal early, adjust speed, change lanes, or execute defensive manoeuvres as you see fit to de-risk the situation as much as possible.
By prioritising safety over impulsive actions, defensive drivers remain prepared for unexpected situations.
Avoid distracted driving
Distracted driving is increasingly becoming an issue among Irish drivers, with most of the culprits tending to be younger drivers. It’s important for all drivers to recognise the dangers posed by mobile phone usage, eating, or any activity that diverts attention from the car’s external environment.
Statistics consistently show that around 10% of accidents are caused by distracted driving — there’s no need for you to add to those statistics.
Where can you take a defensive driving class?
Lesson 8 of the EDT course is a defensive driving class. More details on this can be found here. If you take an advanced driving course, these will typically contain a module on defensive driving, that will build on the EDT lesson.
Advanced driving courses typically cost less than €100 and can be an excellent addition to a young driver’s arsenal. Defensive driving is just one of the skills that these courses enhance.
Conclusion
Developing the defensive driving skillset is fundamental to reducing the risk of accidents and promoting road safety. Good practice here is to foster situational awareness, anticipation, speed control, following distance, hazard perception, and distraction avoidance.
Embracing defensive driving not only enhances personal safety but also fosters a harmonious and efficient traffic environment. Safe driving!
