Everything you have to know about Defensive Driving [Infographic]
Accidents can strike any time, anywhere, and to anyone—and driving on the road increases the odds that you meet one. These accidents can be very minor, while some are so fatal, thousands of lives are taken every year by these horrible car crashes. Regardless of how careful you are while driving, there are many other extraneous factors that are not of your control that you should consider and think about.
One of the most common causes of road accidents is human error and reckless driving. Distracted driving becomes a larger threat every year and has been the leading cause of car accidents for the past decades. Another factor and common causes of car accidents: reckless driving. This is a broad aspect that can range from speeding over the limit, changing lanes quickly and without proper signing, to acting aggressively on the roads. Speed has been identified as a key risk factor in road traffic injuries, the World Health Organization notes. One of their published reports on road-related injuries and death revealed that in high-income countries, speed contributes to about 30% of deaths on the road, while in some low-income and middle-income countries, speed is estimated to be the main contributory factor in about half of all road crashes. Police reports have also found that disregard of the red light, tailgating, and Wrong-Way Driving/ Improper Turns are also some of the most common causes of road accidents as well.
While no one can predict and tell when, where, and how an accident will happen, every driver and the car owner can prepare for it and know what to do to prevent it and what to do if ever they happen to be in one. Part of preparing for an accident is having enough knowledge: what are the most common road accidents and how can you avoid them?
One of the most advised techniques for drivers to stay away from any accidents is defensive driving. It is both a style of driving and a type of safety course drivers can take.
Driving defensively means:
- Looking ahead and expecting the unexpected.
- Controlling your speed.
- Maintaining a safe following distance.
- Preparedness for the reactions of other drivers.
- Driving safely for weather and/or road conditions.
- Being alert and distraction-free.
- Watching and respecting other drivers.
Some driving schools are offering defensive driving courses that motorists and car owners can take just to take extra precautions. Some courses may focus primarily on these driving techniques, while others may focus more heavily on your state’s road regulations, traffic laws, and street signs.
An old but still applicable adage among motorists is that, no matter how much of a defensive driver you are, there is still the risk of running into trouble with your fellow motorists. And not every motorist has insurance, which might make the whole ordeal much harder for you. Knowing what to do in this situation will ensure that your situation is resolved much more smoothly.
Comprehensive car insurance, with its wide scope, would certainly help you in the case that the uninsured motorist won’t have enough to pay for the damages. This insurance would stand in the place of the missing or insufficient compensation for repairs of your car’s damages if the accident was the uninsured motorist’s fault. This also allows you to avoid either paying for your losses or needing to sue the other driver for damages that will more than likely only reap very little.
It is an understatement to say that risk is an everyday reality. Accidents—in all forms, shapes, and intensities can happen any day to anyone. Some meet unfortunate events on the road as they were driving to work, or coming home. Once you’re driving, you expose yourself to a constant risk that indeed, you do not have direct control of. This is why every car owner should have their vehicles insured. Aside from following the law, drivers should accept the fact that accidents are just waiting to happen, and the best way to prepare for it is by having comprehensive car insurance.
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