Defensive Driving

Defensive driving means “always expect the unexpected.” The first step in driving defensively is to wear the safety belt. See Safety Belts .

. Assume that other road users (pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do and be ready.

. Allow enough following distance between you and the driver in front of you.

. Focus on the task of driving.

    See also:

    Control of a Vehicle
    You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering, and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the ...

    Exit Lighting
    The headlamps, taillamps, parking lamps, back-up lamps, and license plate lamps come on at night, or in areas with limited lighting, when the key is removed from the ignition. The dome lamps ...

    Turn and Lane-Change Signals
    The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two downward (for left) positions. These positions let you signal a turn or a lane change. To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down. ...