Defensive driving is defined as "driving to save times, lives and
money". It goes beyond the fundamental basics of mastering the rules of
the road. Defensive driving is a skill which teaches drivers to
anticipate dangerous situations, to reduce the risk of collision despite
the often stupid actions of other road-users.
How does defensive driving save you money?
Particularly in the United States, drivers who have undergone defensive driver training are eligible for insurance discounts. The training demonstrates the driver has shown more than the basic competence in safe driving.
What does defensive driver training teach?
There are several elements taught during defensive driver training.
Lowering Speed
Driving within the speed limit is proven to reduce the likelihood and frequency of road accidents. Speeding can also be an indicator of an aggressive driver - increasing the chance of a collision. This is why insurance companies weight the premiums of drivers with speeding convictions.
Observing the Highway Code
Following other rules of the road is a fundamental part of defensive driving. For example, not overtaking on the brow of a hill, at a junction or where there is a solid white line in the road. Quite apart from these rules all being sensible precautions against accidents, demonstrating to an insurance company that you've taken the time to learn the Highway Code will go in your favour.
Defensive Positioning on the Road
Where appropriate, it can be safer to position your vehicle in the middle of your lane, preventing other cars from over-taking you. Whilst this might not seem like a defensive tactic, if it prevents another vehicle from attempting a dangerous manoeuvre, you are actually reducing the risk of an accident and endangering themselves and other road users.
Patience
Defensive driving also involves patience. Many accidents are caused by drivers impatiently trying to overtake when they shouldn't, pulling out of junctions precipitately because they're fed up waiting for a gap in the traffic or weaving in and out of traffic lanes when they're in a hurry. This kind of driving is sure to result in either a driving conviction, and accident, or both. Patience is really the long-term route to cheaper insurance premiums.
Observation
A driver with advanced skills should be just as aware of other drivers as he is of his own car. No matter what your own driving ability, there's no accounting for the inexplicable stupidity of others. A driver with good observation skills can often sense when another driver is about to do something untoward though, and take evasive action. Observation is a large part of defensive driving.
Concentration
Tuning out distractions is essential to avoiding accidents. Can you ignore the children arguing behind you? Is the car stereo a distraction? Mobile phones are also a significant cause of accidents. Focusing your attention on the road, your car and other road users greatly reduces the risk of an accident.
Defensive driving is recognised by insurance companies, particularly in the States, as an indicator for cheaper car insurance. Ask your own insurance company about it today.
How does defensive driving save you money?
Particularly in the United States, drivers who have undergone defensive driver training are eligible for insurance discounts. The training demonstrates the driver has shown more than the basic competence in safe driving.
What does defensive driver training teach?
There are several elements taught during defensive driver training.
Lowering Speed
Driving within the speed limit is proven to reduce the likelihood and frequency of road accidents. Speeding can also be an indicator of an aggressive driver - increasing the chance of a collision. This is why insurance companies weight the premiums of drivers with speeding convictions.
Observing the Highway Code
Following other rules of the road is a fundamental part of defensive driving. For example, not overtaking on the brow of a hill, at a junction or where there is a solid white line in the road. Quite apart from these rules all being sensible precautions against accidents, demonstrating to an insurance company that you've taken the time to learn the Highway Code will go in your favour.
Defensive Positioning on the Road
Where appropriate, it can be safer to position your vehicle in the middle of your lane, preventing other cars from over-taking you. Whilst this might not seem like a defensive tactic, if it prevents another vehicle from attempting a dangerous manoeuvre, you are actually reducing the risk of an accident and endangering themselves and other road users.
Patience
Defensive driving also involves patience. Many accidents are caused by drivers impatiently trying to overtake when they shouldn't, pulling out of junctions precipitately because they're fed up waiting for a gap in the traffic or weaving in and out of traffic lanes when they're in a hurry. This kind of driving is sure to result in either a driving conviction, and accident, or both. Patience is really the long-term route to cheaper insurance premiums.
Observation
A driver with advanced skills should be just as aware of other drivers as he is of his own car. No matter what your own driving ability, there's no accounting for the inexplicable stupidity of others. A driver with good observation skills can often sense when another driver is about to do something untoward though, and take evasive action. Observation is a large part of defensive driving.
Concentration
Tuning out distractions is essential to avoiding accidents. Can you ignore the children arguing behind you? Is the car stereo a distraction? Mobile phones are also a significant cause of accidents. Focusing your attention on the road, your car and other road users greatly reduces the risk of an accident.
Defensive driving is recognised by insurance companies, particularly in the States, as an indicator for cheaper car insurance. Ask your own insurance company about it today.
Insure Your Motor
offers cheap car insurance to drivers demonstrating safe and careful
driving driving records. Contact them for an instant quote.
No comments:
Post a Comment