What is defensive driving?
Defensive driving is a set of safe responses to potential hazards, including other drivers, damaged roads, debris, bad weather, and more. Getting behind the wheel isn't risk-free, and employing defensive driving techniques can help keep you and other drivers safe.
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Key takeaways
Defensive driving is a set of habits and techniques that help you anticipate and respond to hazards on the road
Practicing defensive driving can help reduce your likelihood of accidents, moving violations, and road rage incidents
What are the benefits of being a defensive driver?
Some of the benefits of defensive driving include helping drivers:
- Anticipate dangerous situations and avoid risks
- Reduce the likelihood of a crash or incident
- Be less likely to receive a moving violation
- Save on vehicle maintenance and use less fuel
- Lower stress levels and avoid road rage
- Drive safely in bad weather
Not only does defensive driving help you stay safe, but it may also save you money. Engaging in aggressive driving behaviors can get you a ticket or cause an accident, which can lead to an increase in your insurance premium when it's time to renew your policy.
How can you become a good defensive driver?
To improve as a defensive driver, continue to refine your skills, stay updated on road safety practices, and make safe driving your priority. Follow these tips and consider taking a defensive driving course where you can learn advanced techniques, road safety, and hazard awareness.
Defensive driving tips and techniques
Consider following these defensive driving tips to become a safer driver:
Take your time
Speeding is the most common aggressive driving behavior. According to the National Safety Council's analysis of 2023 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding was a factor in 29% of accidents that resulted in deaths. Resist the urge to speed — it could save your life.
Stay sober
Drugs, alcohol, and medication are a factor in about 10% of fatal crashes each year, according to NHTSA as reported by the Insurance Information Institute (iii.org). Stay sober if you're getting behind the wheel to help ensure you can make sound driving decisions.
Be on the lookout
Circumstances can change quickly on the road. Defensive driving requires you to scan everything in your line of vision, not just what's right in front of you. A van that's two lanes over and 10 car lengths ahead may not seem like a threat, but if that van swerves into your lane to avoid hitting a deer, you'll need to be ready to respond.
Keep a safe following distance
Seven percent of accidents that occur each year are rear-end collisions, according to NHTSA's 2023 data as reported by the Insurance Information Institute. Tailgating can increase your likelihood of getting into a crash. Maintain a safe following distance in case the car in front of you brakes suddenly.
Take note of road hazards
Road debris, potholes, and cargo in the bed of a truck can quickly turn ideal conditions dangerous. Avoid road hazards by safely switching lanes or using your hazard lights and coming to a safe stop when necessary.
Avoid distractions
In 2023, distracted driving was a factor in 3,275 accident-related deaths, according to NHTSA. When you're behind the wheel, focus only on the road.
Pass with care
If you need to pass another driver, make sure there's enough space so you don't cut them off or get too close to another vehicle. A common rule of thumb is to wait three seconds to merge in front of a car you've passed.
Stay calm
A minor irritation can quickly turn into road rage, which should always be avoided. Keeping your cool no matter what another driver does can help prevent a frustration from escalating into a serious incident.
Let speeders pass
If someone is driving over the speed limit, don't feel like you need to pick up your pace to keep up with them. Continue driving the speed limit and safely move over to let them pass. Remember, slower traffic should stay to the right, and faster traffic should pass on the left when there are multiple lanes, unless signs or road markings say otherwise. Learn what to do if someone tailgates you, and tips for safe highway driving.
What are some examples of defensive driving?
Defensive driving shows up in attentive habits every time you get behind the wheel. Some common examples include:
- Checking your mirrors every five to eight seconds
- Scanning intersections before proceeding through them
- Adjusting your speed and following distance in rain, snow, or fog
- Leaving extra space with driving near large trucks or motorcycles
- Anticipating lane changes from surrounding vehicles before they signal
- Keeping both hands on the wheel and your phone out of reach
What happens if you aren't a defensive driver?
If you have too many accidents or other moving violations, your insurer may cancel your policy. Some states have approved defensive driving courses that drivers can take to have points removed from their record. The National Safety Council offers a defensive driving course that’s approved in several states and available online.
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