The Defensive Driving Manifest

What is defensive driving? Is it a term that people take seriously? Does the perception change amongst gender, race or region? In many regions around the globe drivers who are most susceptible to fatal car crashes are young inexperienced drivers and mature drivers.



There are more than 40,000 fatalities a year in the United States alone. This is an alarming number of deaths, especially when the causes of most of the accidents are either, drunk drivers, reckless drivers or speeding drivers.



Below is a list of precautionary measures you can take or as a parent can instill into your children as they become young drivers.



Don't Drive Drunk



This might seem like common sense to most people, but approximately 40% of all traffic fatalities involve alcohol. This includes the use of other illegal substances including some pharmaceutical drugs which can affect motor function and alertness. Please read the warning label or check with a Health Care professional if you have to drive on prescription medication.



Don't Speed or Drive Recklessly



This accounts for over 30% of fatalities on the road. In cannot be stressed enough that this statistic is especially applicable to younger drivers who have a feeling of invincibility. A parent that practices appropriate behavior behind the wheel will likely pass this knowledge onto their children. The use of a driving school to further reinforce this behavior is also recommended.



Wear Your Seatbelt



Of the 40,000+ fatalities per year, it has been found that over half of them were not wearing a seatbelt. Not to say that a seatbelt would have prevented all fatalities but it certainly would not hurt. Wearing a seatbelt while driving should be as automatic as wearing a helmet while playing football. The earlier that this practice is taught, the more automatic it will become for young drivers.



Plan Your Route



By carefully planning your route before getting into your vehicle can significantly reduce your chances of getting into an accident. This is especially true if you will be driving in an area that you are not familiar with. Having to cut across three or four lanes of traffic to get to an exit is hardly defensive driving. The passengers in the vehicle should also be aware of the route that you are taking. This way, you will have more than one set of eyes helping you navigate.



Do a vehicle check before you drive



Before hitting the road it is important to make sure that you walk around your vehicle in order to check all of the tires, look under the car for any leaks, adjust your mirrors and make sure that you have enough fuel. Getting a flat tire, running out of gas or having to readjust your mirrors while driving are not necessarily fatal but they can compromise one's safety while driving.



Anticipate then Navigate



The most important attribute of a defensive driver is their ability to anticipate. Although this skill is developed over time, it can be taught. New drivers especially tend to focus on the patch of pavement that is directly in front of them. From the beginning a new driver should be taught to look wide and far while driving. For example, the traffic lights 200 feet ahead, or the pedestrian at the crosswalk, or the car breaking ahead, etc. Anticipation is learned but it can also be taught.



Enroll in a Driving School



By attending an accredited school before getting your license can prove invaluable. The purpose of taking one of these programs should not be a short cut to obtaining your permit, but should be viewed as a way to better qualify you as a driver. The United States has over 7000 driving schools that provide driving programs for people who are looking to obtain a permit or to enhance their driving experience.



Remember, driving is a privilege. Let's all be responsible for our own safety and the safety of others.

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