The ABCs of Defensive Driving: Anticipate, Be Prepared, Control

Driving a vehicle is arguably very simple, but there is no doubt that it requires skills to maneuver the vehicle on the road acknowledging that only some people on the road are as sane as you. The roads are filled with all kinds of people, and it is not a surprise to watch someone drive carelessly as one would drive in a video game. Unfortunately, we have to share the road with these people and it is important to ensure our safety, and ‘Defensive Driving’ is one way to do that.

Like any other skill, driving skills can also be learned and upgraded. Defensive driving is a technique that helps you ensure your safety and avoid accidents even when other vehicles around you might not be driving according to the rules. It includes awareness of the road, anticipating danger, and keeping the vehicle in your control. People who master defensive driving are prepared for unexpected situations and don't lose patience in a challenging situation.

What are the ABCs?

The ABCs of defensive driving are: A- Anticipate, B- Be Prepared, and C- Control.

Anticipate: Think Ahead

In India where not only drivers, but even the roads are unpredictable you need to continuously stay aware and keep scanning the road and the mirrors. Identify potential risks, it could be a sharp curve, a merging road, a car changing lanes without indicators, or a truck driving faster than it should. Be attentive to what is happening around your car and you will avoid being in a situation where there is a risk of an accident. 

Be Prepared: Stay Aware

After anticipating danger, you need to ensure you are prepared to avoid any mishap. To be in a position where you have the chance to escape danger, you should keep a few things in mind. Firstly, maintain enough distance from the vehicle ahead. You should have at least 2 to 3 seconds to reach where the other vehicle is. Secondly, in case you can anticipate a potential panic situation, you should have an escape route planned which helps you avoid panic situations. Lastly, It is important to consider the weather conditions when you are driving as driving in rain delays the impact of brakes. Keep your vehicle well-maintained including the lights, brakes, clutch, and tire pressure.  

Control: The Master of the Wheel

To master driving, you need to have control not only over the wheel but over your mind as well. You might find yourself in a panic situation, but in such scenarios, you should remain calm instead of panicking. Taking the right step despite being emotionally hyperactive in such situations is what will benefit you. It is natural to feel scared, stressed, or angry but reacting to these emotions without thinking can increase the risk of an accident. One example is to avoid sudden braking and swerving when the car ahead stops suddenly. Instead, you should complete a scan and change the lane accordingly. Keep in mind to keep your focus on the road and avoid distractions like talking, eating, and using mobile phones, and other gadgets. 

Additional Tips for Defensive Driving

Here are some additional tips to combine with the ABCs of defensive driving.

• Use indicators properly, they make other drivers aware of your intentions.
• Be comfortable while driving, and adjust your seat alignment accordingly. 
• Don’t drive aggressively, you may find some reasons to get aggressive but it’s not going to benefit anyone.
• If you are feeling sleepy and can’t help it, just park the car in a safe place and take a quick nap.
• No matter how good you are at defense driving, always wear a seatbelt and do not compromise on safety.

Ready to Go

This article provides you with an overall idea of defensive driving. You can learn the skills with a defensive driving course as well but it can be voluntarily learned as well. Being aware of your surroundings and adhering to the traffic rules will keep you safe from the risks of accidents and collisions. Learn from the mistakes made by you and others, and work towards not repeating them. Remember that defensive driving is a learning process that requires time, attention, and practice but is equally essential for safety. 

To read more about road safety, visit:

https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1776782

https://morth.nic.in/national-road-safety-policy-1

https://www.mygov.in/campaigns/national-road-safety/

https://www.insurancedekho.com/news/the-new-age-fight-vs-distracted-driving-83 

https://www.insurancedekho.com/car-insurance/news/road-safety-traffic-signs-to-follow-in-india.htm#:~:text=One%20should%20never%20drive%20without,Drive%20within%20speed%20limits. 

https://www.insurancedekho.com/car-insurance/news/tips-to-maintain-safety-on-roads-while-driving-a-car.htm 

https://www.insurancedekho.com/car-insurance/news/traffic-rules-every-driver-must-know-staying-safe-on-the-roads.htm