Defensive driving technique has been taught for decades, usually to employees of large companies. It is mostly popular in the United States and the United Kingdom. Over time, many Quebec drivers have become fans of this type of driving.
Defensive driving, sometimes referred to as preventive driving, is a driving technique that aims to prevent you from falling victim to carelessness, carelessness and disrespect for other road users. This method is a state of mind that allows you to be constantly alert and to react when an unexpected event occurs.
Driving at the wheel can happen very quickly. How and when to react in this case? What to do and in what order? A defensive driving course lasts a few hours or a day and costs around 250 €. What do you learn in a defensive driving course? First of all basic rules to understand what can and cannot when driving with your vehicle. How does one lose control of the vehicle and how not to panic? The seating position behind the steering wheel, the driving technique, the difference between handling and skidding, how to prevent skidding, being skillful when skidding, braking, slalom, an emergency stop. All these elements are not subject to driving training to obtain a driver’s license.
I’ve compiled four essential elements of this type of conduct, these are:
1- Create a safe space around the vehicle
All driving manuals emphasize that you should not follow the previous vehicle too closely. But we must also make sure not to be too closely followed to avoid getting dabbed by the rear in case of sudden braking. If someone insists on following too closely, you just have to let it go. It is also important not to be trapped laterally by other vehicles. As far as possible, it is necessary to position oneself on the road in order to have space to escape in case of emergency.
2- See and be seen
Of course, it is always essential to have a peripheral view of the road. In winter, this means that all windows in the car must be cleared. In addition, headlights and lights must be visible. It is also essential to always see in front of you. For example, if a big truck blocks your sight and could slow down your reaction time, stand in front of it.
3- Never trust others
One day, the late Gilles Villeneuve admitted to me that he felt safer on a race track because he could predict the behavior of the other drivers. On the other hand, on the road, he did not know what to expect. In this context, it is better to drive while being constantly on guard and thinking that the next driver encountered may perform a wrong maneuver, a skid, cut the path or brake in disaster. However, do not drive tense, but try to predict what could happen at any time.
On the other hand, do not be stubborn to always being right. Faced with another driver who has an impatient attitude even if he does not have the priority of passage, it is wiser to let this person pass. Accidents are often caused by people who are in their rights.
4- Adapt the conditions of the moment
Finally, even if the speed limits displayed allow, for example, to drive at 100 km / h, it is not always a good idea. Weather conditions affect the environment on which you move. It is strongly recommended to manage your speed according to the conditions of grip of the road and not the speed limits. If the visibility is lower, the slippery road surface or the fatigue that is greater than usual, these are all reasons to reduce its speed and even stop in a rest area to rest or just wait for the conditions to improve. .
In short, defensive driving is simple as good morning. It is enough to adapt your driving to your vehicle type, road conditions and assuming that other users of the road can make a mistake at any time. Driving your vehicle while apprehending the unexpected while having good visibility and a vital space around your car reduces the risk of an accident.