Defensive - Most of the time, when we come across this word, it usually had a negative connotation. But today in this blog, let us rebrand the word ‘defensive’ and walk you through a positive concept - Defensive Driving. 

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What is Defensive Driving?

It doesn’t matter how well-trained you are at driving because when you are behind the wheel there are many variables that are out of your control such as other road users, road debris, bad weather, vehicle malfunction, etc. In such situations, despite your best efforts, your safety is compromised. You are exposed to potential danger and hazards. The solution to this predicament is  Defensive Driving. 

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Defensive Driving is a series of safe responses while driving that keep you safe from potential dangers, including but not limited to other road users, damaged roads, etc. The primary goal of defensive driving is to help you predict accidents and safeguard yourself from collisions that may happen due to the mistake of others. 

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It is an important tool for road safety that should be practiced by everyone. Partaking in a defensive driving course will teach you effective ways of managing your vehicle in emergency situations and handling stressful situations like road rage and driver fatigue. 

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Benefits of Defensive Driving 

Defensive Driving can be effectively learned through either offline or online defensive driving training courses. But the question now is - why should you learn it? Let us help you make a wise decision. Here are the benefits of defensive driving -

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Preventing Accidents 

The goal of defensive driving is to train and educate you on how to exercise caution and good decision-making skills when you are on the road, driving. Defensive driving teaches you techniques that go beyond simply adhering to road traffic laws. You learn to improve your driving skills and make well-informed decisions that are usually based on predictive analysis of danger from other drivers as well as other bad environmental and road conditions. This drastically contributes toward reducing road accidents.

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Reduced Costs

Along with ensuring road safety, defensive driving also has money-saving qualities. With proper defensive driving training, you will be able to anticipate and respond to potential hazards, thereby reducing the probability of collisions which in turn decreases the high costs associated with vehicle damage and hospital bills. This cautious approach to driving also ensures improved fuel efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. In addition, there are no unnecessary expenses, such as traffic fines as defensive drivers are likely to follow traffic rules. 

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Increased Situational Awareness and Personal Safety 

Defensive Driving encourages you to be attentive to road conditions, traffic patterns, and potential risks. This enhances your situational awareness capacity, making you proficient at assessing your surroundings. Apart from focusing on others, this form of driving also highlights the importance of your safety as a driver as well as the safety of your passengers. It greatly reduces the risk of personal harm or injury during an accident due to adherence to safe habits such as wearing a seatbelt, driving at a slow speed, etc. 

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10 Defensive Driving Tips 

While Defensive Driving might seem like a fancy name, there are a few simple tips you can follow to get started with this safe driving habit. 

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1. Stay Focused and Scan the Road Ahead - Always pay attention to the road and avoid distractions such as mobile phones. Be sure to be vigilant and continuously scan the road for any signs of potential danger including pedestrians, roadblocks, etc. 

2. Try to Predict - Once you are well-versed in assessing your surroundings, it is important to know how to predict a dangerous situation. Following the prediction and identification, you will need to plan a proper course of action within a limited time period to ensure that you are safe from the risk. For example - if you see the car in front of you driving in a reckless manner and overspeeding, make sure to safely distance yourself from the car and resort to a slower speed. 

3. No Tailgating - Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This provides a safe stopping distance in case of a collision or sudden brakes. 

4. Proper Signaling - Always remember to use your turn signals to communicate your intent of turning with the other road users. It is also important to use your signals when you are about to change your lane. 

5. Avoid Blind Spots - Check your blind spots before changing lanes or merging by turning your head. Also, be careful and avoid driving in the blind spots of other vehicles.

6. No Expectations - When on the road, there may be a tendency to assume that the other drivers will also practice safe driving and follow the rules. You can only control your driving not that of others. So, it is necessary to presume that the other drivers will not be driving defensively. 

7. Right of Way - Be acquainted with the right of way and know when to yield appropriately, especially at stop signs, yield signs, and when entering a highway.

8. Cautious of Bad Weather - Avoid driving during adverse weather conditions like heavy rainfall, thick fog, or snow. If traveling during such times if absolutely necessary, exercise extreme caution. 

9. Preparedness for Emergencies - Keep a few essential items with you in case any unexpected events occur, such as a spare tire and jack, along with roadside assistance equipment.

10. Miscellaneous - Always maintain lane discipline, use headlights appropriately, be patient, avoid aggressive driving and overspeeding, be cautious at intersections, and Watch for pedestrians and cyclists. 

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Why is Defensive Driving important for Enterprises?

Occupational Road Accidents are a leading cause of fatalities in the workplace. Field Employees who travel daily are the most vulnerable to this global menace. 

But with proper defensive driving training by the enterprise, employees can become safer on the road. Equipped with defensive driving training, the chances of road accidents are drastically reduced which results in safeguarding their lives along with higher productivity and lesser financial costs.

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How can SafetyConnect Help?

SafetyConnect offers enterprises insights into the driving behavior of their field employees. This helps them intervene and roll out defensive driving training to whosoever requires it. By analyzing the driving score assigned to each field employee, the concerned authority can also gauge the success of the training. 

SafetyConnect, therefore, significantly contributes towards creating an enhanced culture of driving and road safety in an enterprise. To unlock the potential of our AI-based Driving Safety Solution, you can schedule a demo here