One of the most important defensive driving techniques to learn is how to signal your intent when driving your vehicle. This means communicating to other drivers what you are about to do. Making sure all your signal lights are working is the first thing you should do before learning the finer points. This would entail ensuring the working condition of your indicators, head lights, brake lights and other essential driving lights.
Let Them Read The First Move Early On
When changing lanes, turning or undertaking some other maneuver that others may not expect, use your indicator early, before you make your move, rather than late or not at all. Do not disguise the maneuver you are about to complete - your indicators should put you on the defense and not on the offense, allowing you to give other drivers advance notice of what you are about to do.
Predictable, Not Unpredictable
You want to be as clear as possible with your indicators and follow your signal instead of doing a 360-degree turn and doing the opposite - a prime example of sound defensive driving techniques. Do not befuddle other drivers by turning on a dime. Don't indicate a left turn and then turn right or vice versa. And to avoid the chances of other drivers cursing the Dickens out of you because you've confused them too much post-maneuver, make sure to turn off your indicators once you are done using them.
Be Definite
While having a definite sense of direction does not exactly sound like traditional defensive driving techniques, neither is ending up in the middle of nowhere. Getting lost results not only in confusing yourself, but also in confusing others as you make sudden or false moves trying to find your destination. And slowing down and speeding up again is a waste of human energy and petrol alike. If you get lost, indicate correctly to an appropriate place to stop and consult your street directory or map, or ask someone for directions.
Always Signal
Before changing lanes or making a turn, always signal your intent - we must remind you of this integral facet of defensive driving. Even on a an apparently lonely road at night it is good practice to signal your intent.
Slowing Down
A key aspect of defensive driving techniques is slowing down or stopping. Just tap your brake pedal or flash your brake lights a couple of times to signal intent to the other motorists...and Bob's your uncle. It would be in your best intentions to make sure the other motorist, especially one who is approaching quickly, sees the light and knows your intent as soon as possible.
Let Them Read The First Move Early On
When changing lanes, turning or undertaking some other maneuver that others may not expect, use your indicator early, before you make your move, rather than late or not at all. Do not disguise the maneuver you are about to complete - your indicators should put you on the defense and not on the offense, allowing you to give other drivers advance notice of what you are about to do.
Predictable, Not Unpredictable
You want to be as clear as possible with your indicators and follow your signal instead of doing a 360-degree turn and doing the opposite - a prime example of sound defensive driving techniques. Do not befuddle other drivers by turning on a dime. Don't indicate a left turn and then turn right or vice versa. And to avoid the chances of other drivers cursing the Dickens out of you because you've confused them too much post-maneuver, make sure to turn off your indicators once you are done using them.
Be Definite
While having a definite sense of direction does not exactly sound like traditional defensive driving techniques, neither is ending up in the middle of nowhere. Getting lost results not only in confusing yourself, but also in confusing others as you make sudden or false moves trying to find your destination. And slowing down and speeding up again is a waste of human energy and petrol alike. If you get lost, indicate correctly to an appropriate place to stop and consult your street directory or map, or ask someone for directions.
Always Signal
Before changing lanes or making a turn, always signal your intent - we must remind you of this integral facet of defensive driving. Even on a an apparently lonely road at night it is good practice to signal your intent.
Slowing Down
A key aspect of defensive driving techniques is slowing down or stopping. Just tap your brake pedal or flash your brake lights a couple of times to signal intent to the other motorists...and Bob's your uncle. It would be in your best intentions to make sure the other motorist, especially one who is approaching quickly, sees the light and knows your intent as soon as possible.
About the Author:
Jumpstart your career with our detailed staging your home information and courses.
No comments:
Post a Comment