Driving Instruction

List of Five Principles of Defensive Driving

June 28, 2021

List of Five Principles of Defensive Driving

Would you like to know more about the main principles of defensive driving? If yes, you are at the right place. All the defensive driving principles follow the Smith driving standards that are specially designed to impede driving risks by teaching drivers on how to forestall dangerous circumstances. You can reduce the probability of injuries or accidents if you learn, understand and intelligently use the defensive principles. The following are the simple rules you can count on to dramatically alleviate the risk of getting in danger while on the roads or highways during extraordinary circumstances like when the weather is severe or when other drivers become careless.

1. Aim high

It is the first principle of defensive driving, and it requires you to be alert and focused so as to avoid collisions and, in particular, the rear-end and also warn the other drivers of the impending traffic. Your gait should be held up high so that you can have a clear view of the road.

2. The Big Picture

List of Five Principles of Defensive Driving

Did you know that distracted drivers are equal if not worse than the intoxicated ones when it comes to defensive driving? “Yes/no.” Your big picture is to identify the angry & erratic drivers and always being aware of your surroundings. The whole picture principle entails keeping your vehicle safe from the surrounding potential dangers including other people’s vehicle.

3. Keep Your Eyes Moving?

This Smith’s system principle of defensive driving requires you to keep your eyes on the road consistently and in alert mode. Some energy drinks can help you do just that, but they may cause your body to crash if taken consistently and regularly making you daydream on the road. Another reliable way to keep your eyes alert is to move them consistently.

4. Leave Yourself An Out

List of Five Principles of Defensive Driving

The fourth rule of the Smith System of Defensive Driving requires you to at least leave one way out for yourself. What does that mean? Ensure you are not boxed by other drivers while they are selecting their lanes. Don’t follow other cars closely and also, make sure you anticipate what the other drivers around you are making their choices.

5. Ensure they see you

The worst thing you can do while driving is to assume that other drivers will drive safely, arrive safely, they can see you or they are not dangerous. The final principle of defensive driving involves making sure that other drivers in your surrounding see you. Let the other drivers anticipate your moves and learn you are nearby. If they fail to see you, then you can use a horn.