LTMO shares Defensive Driving Techniques

Laguna Traffic Management Office
July 14, 2011
 
           Only practice and experience can make one a good driver. Most of the highway crashes are due to driver inexperience or callousness. To become a good and alert driver, one must follow several rules:
 
  1. Give driving full attention. Dangerous distractions like talking to passengers or talking over the phone, adjusting a car stereo, or eating should be avoided.
  2. Drive defensively.
  3. Learn to drive in different situations like highway driving, night driving, or driving under various weather conditions.
  4. Have knowledge about the emergency situations like skidding or tire blowout.
  5. Obey the rules of the road.

AFTER ENTERING THE CAR: Shut and lock doors, locate all controls. Ensure handbrake is on. Ensure gear lever is in neutral.
PREPARE YOURSELF: Adjust seating. Adjust mirrors. Fasten seatbelt.

PREPARE THE VEHICLE: Start engine (check dash warning lights and familiarize with positions of the key, i.e., ignition/accessories, etc.). Select appropriate gear (in an auto, foot must be firmly on brake). Release ratchet on handbrake (pull up a little, press button, and hold).

PREPARATION FOR TRAFFIC: Check mirrors. Give five second indication. Check over shoulder (blindspot). Release handbrake and move off. (Concern is often expressed about the danger of being trapped by a locked door. While this is valid, the possibility of an intruder is greater, especially when travelling alone at night. The best way to prepare yourself for unpredictable events is to drive defensively: 

  1. Always maintain a good vision ahead and around your vehicle.
  2. Stay alert and be prepared to react to the unexpected.
  3. Drive at right speed and know when to slow down and stop.
  4. Always wear the safety belt.
  5. Anticipate the mistakes or unsafe maneuvers of the other drivers.
  6. Keep your eyes moving.
  7. Watch for the reverse lights of any vehicle ahead of you.
  8. Pay close attention to crosswalks or when driving in the vicinity of playgrounds, schoolyards, and shopping center parking lots.
  9. Be cautious of bicyclists or children playing anywhere near the driveway. 
  10. Do not drive if you have been drinking alcohol, are on medication, or are very tired.
  11. Keep the vehicle in good working order. 
  12. Obey the rules of the road and give right of way whenever necessary. 
  13. Use your horn to warn pedestrians or other drivers of possible trouble or to avoid accidents. 
  14. Use headlights in rain, in evening, or early morning. 
  15. Allow extra space between heavy-equipment vehicles, motorcycles, or bicycles and your vehicle.
 
Just follow these guidelines before hitting the road.