You may have heard the words “defensive driving” before but not been aware of exactly what they meant. Knowing how to drive defensively in Wisconsin can be very beneficial to you.
There is always the possibility that motor vehicle accidents can be avoided and lives saved if you adopt and master the appropriate skills. The website SafeMotorist.com defines defensive driving as “anticipating situations and making safe well-informed decisions.”
National statistics on motor vehicle collisions are horrific: There are some 41,000 deaths per year plus more than 3.2 million injuries. Speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol are two of the major causes. Smarter driving, meaning routinely using better judgment and not taking foolish risks on the road, might potentially cut down those numbers. At the very least, you might be able to keep yourself out of a devastating crash.
What is involved in defensive driving?
Like all skills, the ability to drive defensively needs to be acquired so it comes to you reflexively, as if it was second nature. Although you cannot control all the circumstances that affect whether you have a crash, such as stormy or icy weather and the poor driving of other motorists, you do have control over some things. Defensive driving helps you with those.
Here are some of the fundamentals:
- Knowing how and when to pass a vehicle safely
- Modifying your speed to suit conditions
- Dealing effectively with sudden vehicle problems like a blown tire
- Maintaining an ample distance between your car and the one right ahead of you
- Taking stock of your environment and being ready for the actions of other drivers
When defensive driving doesn’t work
It’s commendable to develop and always utilize good habits when you drive. Nevertheless, you can’t always evade the bad driving of others. If you are involved in a crash and you believe another driver was the reason, see if you have any methods of recourse. Learning more about your financial options in a time of crisis is always wise.
