Defensive driving involves knowing the rules of the road, staying aware of your surroundings, and anticipating the actions of other drivers to minimize the chance of an accident. It’s no secret that driving in New York can be stressful and dangerous, especially during rush hour when everyone’s headed to work or school and you are on the same roads. While it’s not always possible to drive defensively, it’s crucial to do so whenever possible to avoid costly accidents and penalties and accidents that could endanger your life or the lives of others on the road. Here are five reasons why defensive driving is crucial for all car drivers.
Table of Contents
1. Defensive Driving Increases Awareness
Being aware of your surroundings is the first step to defensive driving. Paying attention to what other drivers are doing, as well as keeping an eye out for potential hazards on the road, can help you avoid accidents. For example, you’ll find a defensive driving course online that will train you how to scan the horizon to help you stay alert and safe while driving.
Scanning refers to looking around your environment rather than focusing on one thing or another. It’s easy enough for most people; we do it every day without realizing it! It just takes practice and discipline to keep up with it when you’re behind the wheel. The more you scan your environment, the better you’ll be able to spot dangers before they happen – like spotting pedestrians before they cross the street.
2. Reduces the Chances of Collision
One of the most important reasons to take a defensive driving course is that it can help reduce your chances of being involved in a collision. When you know how to properly handle your vehicle and anticipate the actions of other drivers, you’re much less likely to get into an accident. Even if you are aware of the dangers on the road, they can still catch you off guard – especially when there’s something in your car that needs your attention or when weather conditions change quickly. A good defensive driving course will teach you what to do in these situations to prepare you for anything.
For example, you’ll learn about hazardous driving conditions such as poor visibility, slippery roads, steep hills, and high-speed bumps. You’ll also learn to avoid speeding tickets by following traffic laws carefully and never tailgating another driver. The knowledge you gain from this class can also help you become a better driver because once you understand why things happen the way they do behind the wheel, it’s easier to deal with them accordingly.
3. Teaches How to Stay Calm in Risky Situations
When you’re driving, there are a lot of things that can happen that are out of your control. Whether it’s another driver cutting you off or you’re experiencing inclement weather conditions, staying calm in these situations is essential. That’s where defensive driving comes in. It teaches you how to safely deal with any problem on the road, including aggressive drivers. When you remain calm in a complex traffic situation, it can help diffuse aggression from other drivers and make them more aware of their actions.
For example, if someone is speeding up and tailgating you, your first instinct might be to speed up and slam on the brakes yourself. But you can diffuse the situation by remaining calm and slowing down until they pass. This technique works for aggressive drivers and those who cut you off when changing lanes.
4. Saves You Money on Insurance and Point Reduction
In New York, taking a defensive driving course can save you 10% on your liability insurance and 4 points on your license. Even if you have a clean driving record, the cost of your insurance will go up if you get into an accident. You can take a defensive driving course every three years for an insurance discount. When you take a defensive driving course, you learn how to become a safer driver.
5. It’s a Requirement for NY Taxi Drivers to Get a TLC License
You must complete a defensive driving course to get a TLC license to drive a taxi in New York City. The NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission requires all its drivers to take the class before accessing their TLC license. That helps explain why this is one of the most popular classes for people in NY.
Defensive driving is not just for those who want to be professional drivers; it’s for anyone who wants to feel more confident behind the wheel. Whether you’ve been on many road trips or just had your driver’s license for a few months, this class will help give you an edge on the road.
Conclusion
You may never know when an emergency or accident might happen on the road. If you know how to handle these kinds of situations properly, then you could save yourself from a lot of stress and even save someone’s life! It would help if you learned as much as possible about driving safety to help protect yourself, your family members, and other drivers on the road.