How defensive driving helps you avoid accidents

How defensive driving helps you avoid accidents

Car accidents can happen on Ohio roads when you least expect them. At the same time, they can happen to anyone and cause serious injuries and psychological damage. Fortunately, defensive driving can help you avoid accidents.

Remain alert

One of the best ways to avoid motor vehicle accidents is to remain alert at all times. This means you should avoid distractions and focus on the road while maintaining control of your vehicle. If you must take a phone call, keep it short and use your vehicle’s system. If you have to take or make a longer call while on the road, pull over and park to do it.

Stay within the speed limit

Many accidents occur because of speeding drivers. Stay within the legal speed limit and always slow down in poor weather conditions or when traffic becomes dense. Give at least one car’s length distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. If you’re behind a truck or larger vehicle, allow for even more space. It lets you stop safely and avoid a potential rear-end accident.

Stay level-headed

Chances are that you will encounter an aggressive driver at some point. Although losing your temper in that situation is easy, remaining level-headed is the best way to respond. Staying calm often helps to de-escalate things so you can avoid an accident.

Anticipate danger

Part of defensive driving involves anticipating danger all around you. This doesn’t mean you should be paranoid while traveling on the road; instead, it allows you to better gauge potential danger to better react. It can help you to avoid a car accident. Many accidents are due to driver error. Defensive driving may not prevent all collisions, but it can reduce the risk.