Defensive driving means consistently applying safety behaviours and techniques when driving to help reduce chances of being involved in an accident or mishap. As a defensive driver, you not only reduce risk of accidents but you also save money on car maintenance costs, traffic fines and even insurance. You will be a more confident driver. Minimizing chances of road rage, dealing safely with errant drivers like matatus, drunk drivers and even bodas will be second nature.
To help you get started, we have compiled for you a list of 12 tips and techniques to help you improve your defensive driving skills:
Focus on Driving: When on the road, your focus should be 100% on the task at hand which is driving. Do the following:
- Put away your phone, they will distract you.
- Stay awake. If you are sleepy, pull over and rest.
- Do not space out or day dream while driving.
- Pay attention to the road and your driving rather than what is going on inside your car e.g. what the other passengers are doing.
- Do o not eat, smoke, drink or put on makeup while driving.
- Do not be distracted by what you see outside that is not related to defensive driving. For example, do not become distracted and slow down to ogle an accident; instead, stay focused on what you need to do to drive safely away from other distracted drivers.
Be Alert Always: Know what is happening around you always. What is in front of you, what is behind you and what is on either side of you. Be aware of pedestrians, bicycles, motorbikes, matatus etc. So scan the road ahead and keep checking your mirrors. Ensure that if there are vehicles on your sides or behind:
- They are not tailgating
- They are not in your blind spots or you in theirs
Prepare for the Unexpected: Drivers can swerve unexpectedly. Pedestrians can be distracted and stray onto the road. On top of being alert, be prepared to react quickly for unexpected moves by the other road users. Predict risks and work out ways to avoid it e.g. if the lorry in front of you has loose stones that can fly off and hit your windscreen, change lanes, overtake or keep a very safe distance. Same for a matatu picking passengers on the road.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance: One way of preparing for the unexpected is maintaining a safe following distance to the car in front. Follow the three-second rule, which means you should have at least 3 seconds of driving time based on your current speed between you and the vehicle in front of you. This gives you adequate time and space to react should something go wrong. Do not tailgate. Consider increasing the following distance beyond the three seconds in the following conditions:
- Bad weather conditions such as fog, rain or wind gusts.
- Bad road conditions such as slippery roads or road construction.
- Bad traffic jam, especially when cars dart in and out of your lane.
- When another vehicle is tailgating you.
- When you are behind a bus, large truck or motorcycle.
Obey Traffic Rules: Traffic rules are there to ensure everyone’s safety. Keep left unless overtaking, stopping at a red light, giving way at junctions, maintaining speed limit, not overtaking on a continuous Yellow line etc. are some of the important rules that should be obeyed at all times. You are safer on the road, and in turn, make it safe for other road users when you obey them.
Download the NTSA Highway Code
Make Good Use of Your Car’s Safety Features: Buckle up. Take advantage of the various safety features available with your car such as lane assist, blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert, forward collision warning etc.
Communicate to the Other Drivers When Making a Manoeuvre: Use your indicators, lights and hand signals when taking turns or requesting they stop so you can make a manoeuvre.
Adapt to Road Conditions: When it rains, its windy, it is foggy, it is hot etc,; the road conditions change. Always remember to adapt your driving accordingly. Slow down when roads are slick, and be extra cautious in adverse weather. If visibility is zero, park the car (not close to the road) and wait for it to improve.
Be a Patient and Courteous Driver: Let that car merge. Stop for that pedestrian to cross the road. Wait patiently behind the slow driver for a safe opportunity to pass. Someone makes a dangerous manoeuvre, give them adequate space to correct. Avoid road rage.
Keep Your Vehicle Well Maintained: Doing regular checkups and ensuring brakes, tyres, lights, and fluids are in top-notch condition goes a long way to a smooth, stress-free and safe ride. If you do suffer mechanical breakdown, pull over safely and park a comfortable distance away from the highway. Make good use of hazard lights and warning triangles to warn other motorists.
Don’t Drink and Drive: When going out, plan ahead. Get a designated driver if you plan to take alcohol.
Know How to Drive Safely at Night: Use your headlights wisely so you do not blind incoming motorists. If you are on an unfamiliar road, slow down, be especially careful and watch out for the unexpected. If you can not see ahead, slow down or pull over and stop altogether.
Remember, defensive driving is a mindset, not just a set of skills. Be a responsible driver today.
