How to Drive Defensively Unless you live in a big city, chances are that you own a car and drive this car to get to most of your destinations. These destinations could include work, school, and places to buy food and clothes. Car owners probably agree that owning and driving a car gives them a lot of freedom. They are free to go places when they want, and they do not have to wait for anyone else to tell them when to go. They do not have to wait for public transportation of any kind; they can go where they want, when they want. However, driving a car is a big responsibility.
First Things First The average car weights around 4,000 pounds. If you own a large truck or SUV, it is likely to weigh even more. When you drive your car, you are in control of 4,000 pounds of mass that could be very deadly if not handled properly. Many people die every year in automobile accidents. These facts can be startling, but as drivers of cars it is important that we realize the risks involved when we get behind the wheel. Therefore, it is very important to drive defensively at all times in order to minimize the risk of getting into an accident.
Steer Clear One of the most important things you can do to drive more defensively is to stay out of the way of aggressive drivers. We’ve all seen them: drivers who are going 20-30 miles over the speed limit on the freeway or any other road, and are constantly weaving in and out of cars so they can be first in line. First of all, if this driver is you, then try to get out of the habit of being an aggressive driver. Aggressive driving greatly increases your risk of getting into an accident. And if an accident does occur, it will most likely be your fault. Try to calm down when you’re driving and realize that being first in line or being ahead of everyone else is not worth the risk to your safety. Try to stay out of the way of aggressive drivers and just let them pass you. If they want to get in an accident, so be it. But it won’t be with you.
Be Careful and Courteous Another tip to help you drive more defensively is to yield. If you’re at a four-way stop, or any other stop, and you’re not sure whose turn it is to go, yield to everyone else. Try to make eye contact with the other drivers and signal to each other when you’re going to drive. Again, it is better to be safe than sorry. Waiting the extra 30 seconds or so for the other drivers to pull forward is better than possibly getting into an accident because you were so concerned about being the first one to go. Another way to ensure safety while driving is to invest in good car insurance. If you’re looking for car insurance in Colorado, look no further. Affordable American Insurance in Colorado can help you get the best car insurance possible. Affordable and American, this insurance company will offer you the best car insurance in Colorado. Photo Credit: epSos.de, Luciano Meirelles, Theakshay