You have probably heard the term “defensive driving,” but have you ever stopped to think about the kinds of skills it might require? The National Safety Council established the first defensive driving course in 1964, which means nearly all motorists on the road today have had the opportunity to learn about this approach since the day they got their license. But how many have actually enrolled in such a course, and how many know how to apply its principles when behind the wheel?
Christmas mulled wine with gingerbread biscuits, spices, fruit, gold baubles and holly over oak background.
Different traffic schools might teach unique defensive driving techniques, but there are a few basic concepts that everyone should know. For example, regardless of what you might learn in a particular driver’s education course, there are two main goals of defensive driving: to anticipate and avoid potential road hazards and to identify and mitigate actual driving dangers, all while traveling in a predictable manner.
If every motorist drove with these two goals in mind, it is obvious how doing so would reduce the number of traffic crashes significantly. Sadly, this is not the case, and even the most skilled defensive drivers can find themselves in a catastrophic collision with a drunk, distracted, or drowsy driver.
If you were hurt in a car accident that was not your fault, contact Heilman Law Group. A compassionate car accident attorney in Jackson can evaluate the circumstances of your case and help you determine the most strategic way to proceed. Call 601-914-1025 to schedule a consultation.
Read on to learn how you can apply defensive driving techniques to avoid a collision over Christmas or New Year’s:
- Leave Plenty of Stopping Distance
The more space you leave between your vehicle and the one just ahead, the more time you will have to react should an unanticipated danger arise. In a sense, tailgating breaks all the rules of defensive driving because the motorists who do it are essentially putting all their trust in the driver ahead not to make any sudden or unpredictable maneuvers.
- Look Both Ways—Twice
Collisions often happen at intersections because motorists make assumptions regarding traffic patterns and right of way that are inherently untrue. Defensive driving is all about ignoring such assumptions and instead reacting to the conditions that actually exist. This means exercising caution at every intersection, even if you technically have the right of way.
- Avoid Speeding
Speeding reduces your reaction time, which can prove catastrophic should you come across an erratic drunk driver on New Year’s Eve. Never travel faster than the posted limit, and remember to travel slower if road conditions call for it.
- Eliminate Distractions
You cannot watch for unpredictable driving maneuvers if you are texting or eating while behind the wheel. Avoid distracted driving, especially on holidays and weekends when the roads tend to be more congested.
The above tips may help you avoid an accident over Christmas or New Year’s; however, some crashes will always seemingly come out of nowhere. If you were hurt in a collision despite following the rules of the road and driving defensively, contact Heilman Law Group.
Our Jackson accident law team is proud to help clients pursue the compensation they deserve. Call 601-914-1025 to schedule a case evaluation. If you want to learn more about car accident claims in Mississippi, visit the USAttorneys website.
