Defensive driving is much different than aggressive driving; although people do get these confused. However, defensive driving is about avoiding accidents and unexpected dangers. as aggressive driving is just that; it shows aggression towards other drivers on the road. Working for an auto accident attorney in Orange County, I have personally learned so much about the importance of driving defensively. Below, we are going to go over the importance of defensive driving as well as some techniques to help you. If you are suffering from injuries due to the negligent actions of another, please contact an accident lawyer at Silverthorne Attorneys today. Consultations are free!
Auto Accident Attorney | Defensive Driving Strategies
As stated before, defensive driving is nothing like being aggressive while on the road. Defensive driving is about avoiding and/or being prepared for any unexpected dangers on the road. This can be due to bad weather, other distracted drivers, etc. When you are able to drive defensively, you can defend yourself against these threats by being aware of what is going on around you. Defensive driving is a great tool to be able to use when you need to know how to quickly react in order to avoid an accident.
Action Steps
There are many actions you can take if you want to be a defensive driver. the number one way to driving defensively and being a safe driver is to not have any distractions. the accident lawyers at Silverthorne Attorneys knows that this can be difficult because there are so many little distractions that we are all unaware of. From texts and phone calls and social media on our phones to music and kids making noise, there are plenty of distractions. When you drive with a good deal of distractions, you put yourself and other drivers on the road at risk. If there are distractions, phone calls, text messages, etc. and it’s important that you answer, pull over to take the call and then continue driving.
Below are some defensive driving techniques:
- stay focused;
- obey traffic laws, signs, road markings, and signals;
- stay alert at all times;
- plan ahead;
- pay attention to other drivers;
- be aware of road conditions
When you drive defensively, you are less likely to be involved in a crash. and you are therefore a much safer and a more aware driver. in that way, you are also more aware of another driver’s actions.
Benefits of Defensive Driving
Did you know that you can take a defensive driving course? Further, you can take the class even if you have not gotten a ticket or been in an accident. the benefits of taking such a class will vary depending on your state. in California, it can help you get lower insurance premiums and if you have a point on your license, you can get that expunged. for instance, there is a chance that you can get a 10% reduction in your insurance rates for a period of three to five years.
Though the benefits vary, so do the requirements. That being said, some basic defensive driving classes are four hours long, however some can be up to six or eight hours long. There are states where the options of taking the class online or in a classroom are available.
Not only are defensive driving courses a great way to teach you how to stay safe on the roads, they can help reduce or dismiss traffic violation tickets. for instance, if you are pulled overfed speeding or have received some other type of traffic ticket. You can even learn more tips and tricks for defensive driving if you take a course.
If you do decide to take a defensive driving course, insurance companies will offer a discount.
What’s Covered in Defensive Driving Courses
Every state is different when it comes to what they will include when taking defensive driving courses. However, most classes will contain similar information. See below for some of the important topics covered in a typical defensive driving course.
Accidents
A typical course will often cover losses from traffic accidents and how they have both social and personal impacts on those who are involved in the accident. Nearly 41,000 people die yearly as a result of traffic related accidents; with and additional 3.2 million people suffering from serious injuries. Furthermore, around 38% of all fatal car accident are alcohol related and another 30% are attributed to speeding. That being said, a good deal of accidents are caused due to impairment or distractions.
The cause and effect of these accidents are covered in defensive driving courses.
Psychological Factors
When driving, whether it be on the highways or when you are driving in your neighborhood, drivers deal with several factors that can affect their driving. It should be noted that some of these factors are beyond the control of the driver, however the psychological factors can be controlled by a driver. This is as long as the driver knows what to look for and how to handle the situation.
With that being said, these courses will teach you what to look out for and how to react appropriately. Defensive driving courses teach you have to overcome any negative psychological factors. These include the following:
- unneeded stress;
- fatigue;
- emotional distress;
- road rage
There are so many other things that this course can and will teach you when it comes to dealing with any negative psychological factors and how you can overcome them. These courses also cover how to develop positive attitudes while you are behind the wheel.
Human Factors & DUI’s
There are no excuses for driving under the influence of any substance. However, it is still something that many people choose to participate in; leaving others on the roads at risk. That being said, a common component in these classes include educating people on the role that drugs and alcohol play in accidents. Topics in this section usually include your state’s blood alcohol level, how your judgment, inhibitions, motor skills and all other senses are affected by drugs and alcohol. and along with that, it will cover the consequences of being found guilty of driving under the influence.
Accident Lawyer | Crash Prevention Techniques
The key to good defensive driving is your strategy. and your defensive driving courses will teach you how to avoid accidents and recognize any potential hazards before it’s too late. Defensive driving courses present you with a lot of information and techniques on how to prevent accidents.
You will learn the following crash prevention techniques:
- how to scan the roadways and adapt to your surroundings;
- employing the two-second rule for following distances;
- how to determine your vehicle’s stopping distance;
- being aware of reaction distance;
- environmental hazards;
- emergencies;
- sharing the road;
- passing and necessary clear distance;
- speed adjustments and railroad crossings
Again, these are just a few of the topics that will be covered in a defensive driving course. However, all of these are tools that we should all put into practice on a daily basis. Especially when commuting and being on the roads here in Southern California.
Suffering From Injuries? Contact Us Today!
If you have been seriously injured in an accident, please contact us to discuss your case. Consultations with an auto accident attorney in our office are free. and not only that, but we will handle the insurance adjusters when they are being unfair. Every attorney in our office has years of experience dealing with the bullying tactics of insurance adjusters and we never back down.
Our primary goal is to make sure you get the settlement you and your family deserve in order to get back to your life. and if you are looking for an accident lawyer in Orange County, do not hesitate to reach out to our office.
