When teens first start driving they are more likely to be at risk of having an accident than other age groups on the road. A lack of experience is obviously a key factor. In order to help a young driver to stay safe while gaining that valuable experience behind the wheel it is a good idea to talk about the importance of learning some key defensive driving principles and techniques. When you find an instructor offering driving lessons in Frankston, for instance, it is highly likely that they will provide guidance and demonstrate defensive driving strategies.
Here are the main defensive driving principles that every young driver should know.
Safety should always be your first thought
A safety-first approach is a fundamental aspect of defensive driving. When a driver consciously avoids driving aggressively and stays focused on safety with every move they make it puts them in a stronger position to avoid an accident or minimize the impact.
Leaving plenty of space between your car and the car in front is a prime example of a safety-first defensive driving technique.
Awareness of your immediate surroundings
When you check your mirrors frequently and constantly scan the conditions ahead of you it allows you to take evasive action more easily. It also lets you anticipate possible dangerous scenarios when you have a great awareness of your immediate surroundings.
Give yourself time to stop
A classic defensive driving technique to take on board would be to follow the so-called 3-4 second rule.
If you can count to three or four before arriving at an imaginary marker you set for the car in front, you are too close. Following a 3-4 second rule allows you sufficient time to be able to brake in plenty of time.
Avoid any dependency on other drivers
If you assume that every other driver on the road might not behave as rationally as expected it allows you to be more prepared for the unexpected.
Drive in an anticipatory way that allows you to anticipate another driver doing something unpredictable.
Practice good speed control
It stands to reason that the faster your drive the more difficult it becomes to maintain control of your vehicle.
The speed you are traveling at should be appropriate to the conditions. Good defensive driving is all about maintaining a safe speed at all times.
Avoid distractions
Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents. Anything that takes your focus away from the road ahead can be dangerous. Whether it is another passenger talking to you or listening to the radio, these are all distractions that should be avoided where possible.
Plan a means of escape
A good defensive driving technique is to position your vehicle in such a way that you could change your route to avoid a dangerous situation. Always think about how you could move your vehicle away from your immediate path of travel at a moment`s notice.
Manage risk
You are sometimes faced with multiple risks at the same time. Learning how to prioritize and manage these risks is a key aspect of defensive driving.
Learning how to drive safely as a teen will help instill good driving habits that will help improve everyone`s chances of staying safe on the roads.