Being a defensive driver is just smart for any car owner, and it’s easier to do than you think. Follow these tips from Cary’s Auto Service so that you can be a more defensive driver every day.
Get Familiar with Traffic Laws
Traffic laws aren’t the most exciting thing ever, but they’re important to know. They also change over time, so if the last time you touched base with local traffic laws was way back when you first got your driver’s license, you need to refresh your skills a bit. Bad habits while driving can keep you from being a defensive driver.
Minimize Distractions While You’re Driving
The more distractions you’re battling as you drive, the more difficult it is to be as safe as you need to be in a car. If something takes your attention or your hands off of the task of driving, then it’s best to either pull over or wait to engage in whatever that activity is. Sometimes activities that aren’t distracting normally can become so, which is why addressing distractions is often a continual activity.
Pay Attention to What Other Drivers Actually Do
A big part of defensive driving involves making sure that you’re clued in to what other drivers are actually doing, rather than what you think they’ll do or even what they indicate they’re going to do. That means paying attention to the fact that the driver ahead of you who didn’t turn on their turn signal is switching lanes or that they’re slowing down, even if their brake lights aren’t on. This can help you to avoid an accident.
Maintain Proper Distancing from Other Vehicles
Something else that can help you to avoid a wreck is to keep your distance from other vehicles. When you follow other vehicles too closely, that doesn’t give you room to maneuver if something should happen. Leaving space for other drivers leaves space for you, too.
Keep up with Vehicle Maintenance
When your vehicle is properly serviced, you’re less likely to break down and that’s important when it comes to being a defensive driver. A sudden breakdown could leave you either stuck in the middle of traffic or unable to get your car fully out of the way. Staying as prepared as possible is all part of anticipating problems and correcting them before they happen.
Cary’s Auto Service in Tempe, AZ is here for any maintenance or service needs your car has. Just contact us today to set up an appointment and we’re happy to help.