How to drive safely on the road without getting into an accident? (Defensive Driving) Let's talk about it today!

If you are a driver, we can never control how other people drive or what they do on the road. That is true. However, there are many things we can do to reduce the risk of an accident and to protect ourselves. That is what we call ' defensive driving'. To be precise, this is like taking precautions before we get sick. It is about being as careful as possible before an accident happens on the road.

So, how do we do this (Defensive Driving)?

This doesn't have to be a big deal. The most important thing is to prepare your mind before you get behind the wheel . That means you need to be alert, attentive, and always be aware of other drivers. Then try to follow these steps.

1. Always be aware of your surroundings.

This is the first and most important thing. Don't just look straight ahead and drive.

• Always check your vehicle's mirrors. You need to see who's coming from behind and who's coming from the other side.
• Look ahead. That means always looking at what's happening on the road 20 to 30 seconds ahead . That way, if something unexpected happens, you can prepare for it in advance.
• Don't keep your eyes fixed on one spot. Scan in all directions.
• Sometimes there are very aggressive drivers on the road. If you see someone like that, the best thing to do is to slow down a bit, or if possible, pull over to the side of the road and let them go. Don't compete with them or make them angry. Because we don't want to fight, our safety is more important.
• Also, always be aware of pedestrians, joggers, cyclists, and sometimes pets that jump onto the road . This is especially important in urban areas and near schools.

2. Control your speed.

Speed ​​can be a very dangerous thing if not controlled properly.

• Drive within the speed limit. Speed ​​limits are posted on the roads for a reason. They are very important for your safety and the safety of others.
• When you're going faster than you think, it's harder to control your car. If someone suddenly pulls up in front of you, a dog jumps out of the way, or the car in front suddenly stops, you have less time and distance to stop. Just like you're more likely to slip and fall on wet pavement, the faster you go, the more likely you are to have an accident.
• Drive more slowly during bad weather. That means you should drive slower than usual during heavy rain, when the roads are wet, or when there is fog. The road is more slippery at such times, and visibility is reduced.

3. Follow the 3-second rule

Driving too close to the vehicle in front is a very dangerous habit. This '3-second rule' will help you maintain a safe distance.

• This is very simple. When you are driving, when the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed marker on the side of the road (for example, a light pole, a line drawn on the road, a tree, a sign), start counting in your mind, "One... two... three..." for three seconds.
• When you count to 'three', your vehicle should pass that sign. If so, you are at a safe following distance .
• If you accidentally pass that sign before you count to 'three', it means you are tailgating . Then slow down a bit and maintain a safe distance.
• If the road is not good, that is, on a rainy day, on a muddy road, or in fog , it is very beneficial for the body to increase this to about 3 or 6 seconds . Because at such times, the time it takes to stop the vehicle is longer.

4. Completely eliminate distractions

When driving a vehicle , you should be fully focused on the road and driving. Even a momentary distraction can lead to a serious accident.

• The biggest problem of our time is this mobile phone . Calling, texting, going on social media, watching videos while driving is very dangerous. These are things that are prohibited by law, and if you are caught, you can even get a fine.
• Not only that, eating while driving, looking for a bottle of water, playing loud music, making something on the dashboard, or even getting into a conversation with the people in the back seat can all distract you.
• As much as possible , stay away from all distractions until you reach your destination. Put your phone on silent and put it somewhere out of reach, perhaps in your bag. Some phones also have a 'driving mode' , which when turned on automatically sends a message to callers that you are driving. That's also a good idea.

Just think, if a small mistake, a split second of forgetfulness, causes a major accident, the damage it can cause. Lifelong disabilities, family grief, economic losses... All of this can be prevented with a little thought and a little caution, right?

5. Don't rely solely on other drivers.

We all need to be kind to others when we're on the road, and we need to give them space. But, don't drive with 100% confidence that everyone else will drive according to the law, see you, let you go, and behave the way you think they should.

• You take care of yourself. That means, no matter what others do, think about how you can protect yourself.
• Instead of just throwing yourself out there thinking, 'He'll let me go,' think about it for a moment, 'What will I do if he doesn't let me go?'
• For example, when you're about to turn right at an intersection, rather than assuming that the oncoming vehicle will let you through, have a plan for what you'll do if they don't stop.
• Maybe the other driver is on his phone, he didn't see you, he was in an emergency, or he just doesn't know the rules.
• Some drivers run red lights and ignore stop signs. So it's best to be prepared for these things at all times. That means always thinking 'what if'.

Another thing about safe driving

If possible, it is very worthwhile to take a defensive driving course every few years. It will not only refresh your knowledge, but it will also help you improve your driving skills. In some countries, taking such courses also gives you a small discount on your car insurance premium. There are places in Sri Lanka that offer such courses. You can find out more about this from reputable driving training schools in Sri Lanka, or from government agencies such as the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Finally, what to remember (Take-Home Message)

So, if you keep these points we discussed today in mind while driving, you can definitely reduce the chances of an accident a lot.

• Always be attentive.
• Control your speed.
• Keep a safe distance from the vehicles in front.
• Avoid distractions completely.
• Be prepared for the possibility of other drivers making mistakes.

Your life, as well as the lives of everyone else on the road, are very valuable. Therefore, always think about safety, be patient, and drive carefully. Remember, a good driver is not the one who goes fast and reaches his destination first, but the one who goes carefully and finishes his journey safely.

Be careful when you go!

Safe Driving, Accident Prevention, Defensive Driving, Sri Lanka Driving Tips, Driving, Road Safety, Driver Attention