What does it mean to drive defensively?

Do you check your mirrors every 5-8 seconds?
Do you maintain a following distance of 2-4 seconds most of the time?
Do you look left, right, and then left again before proceeding through an intersection?
Do you leave enough space when stopped to see the wheels of the vehicle in front of you touching the pavement?
Do you lean up in your seat to check your blind spot before changing lanes?
Do you scan the roadway ahead to anticipate road hazards or potentially dangerous drivers?
Are you focused on driving? (This means cup down, phone down, brain engaged!)

If you can honestly answer YES to all of these, you just might be a safe driver!

The holidays are just around the corner, and a lot of us can look forward to packing the family into the car for a nice long drive. During these busy months, remember to drive safely and defensively on your way to the job site and to grandmother’s house!

What does defensive driving require?

Defensive driving begins with knowledge and observance of all traffic rules and regulations for the area, alertness and awareness of other drivers, and an understanding of your surroundings.

Three Basic Steps to Driving Defensively:

Drive for the future. By watching as far ahead as possible, defensive drivers can spot potential hazards and adjust before encountering danger.
Understand the defense. Specific situations require specific ways of reacting. Become familiar with the unusual conditions that you may face and learn how to handle them.
Act in time. Once you’ve noted a hazard and understand the defense against it, act as soon as possible! Never take a “wait and see what happens” attitude when driving.

By remembering these three steps and limiting distractions, you will learn to tailor your own driving behavior to the unexpected actions of other drivers and pedestrians.

Helping Our Company:

Learning proper defensive driving techniques will not only protect you and others on the road from injury; it will also help protect P&J by avoiding the property damage and liability risks that are associated with even the most minor employee driving accidents.