| It is true that driving is a very dangerous activity. Any | | | | components and parts of the car are not in good |
| trouble in driving would not only endanger his own life | | | | condition, most especially the brakes. Make it a must to |
| but also the life or lives of his passengers and other | | | | have the car sent for a mechanical condition check |
| drivers and passengers at other cars in the road. | | | | with professionals at least once a year. |
| Through the decades, people have witnessed some | | | | 3. Focus on the road. |
| of the most tragic accidents by road. It is in this regard | | | | Defensive driving skills center well on focusing on the |
| that there is a need to further popularize defensive | | | | road. When driving, always scan the highway or road |
| driving. | | | | for any tell-tale signals from other vehicles like turn |
| Defensive driving refers to a form of road driving | | | | signals and brake light indicators form other cars. |
| training that is aimed at helping a driver take an | | | | Usually, vehicular accidents occur because drivers fail |
| important intellectual and safety approach that helps | | | | to take heed and recognize the light indications and |
| save brakes, fuel, tires and of course, lives. | | | | warnings from other drivers. Moreover, it is also |
| Defensive driving skills are necessary to lower if not | | | | imperative for you to make sure your headlights or |
| totally eliminate the risks of driving vehicles through the | | | | daytime running lamps are turned on while driving in a |
| anticipation of dangerous driving situations even at the | | | | busy and rapid road to avoid other cars from crashing |
| face of adverse conditions and inappropriate driving | | | | into your car. |
| practices by others. | | | | 4. Always assume the worst in other drivers. |
| There are seven general rules that are generally | | | | It may be a little paranoid, but one of the distinct |
| observed when a driver is acquiring and practicing the | | | | defensive driving skills is the ability to always assume |
| skills to defensive driving. Here are those general rules. | | | | that other drivers are the worst drivers. As such, do |
| 1. Pick and purchase the right car. | | | | not rely heavily on light indicators from other cars, as |
| Of course, the basic requirement before acquiring and | | | | drivers have the tendency to change minds on the last |
| using defensive driving skills is to make sure you are | | | | minute about taking a turn. Also, expect that other |
| driving the right vehicle. No matter how cautious and | | | | drivers at your back might not be able to see and |
| safe you are as a driver, you would inevitably | | | | interpret the stop signals and other tail light indications |
| encounter challenges and road accidents if you are | | | | you may do. |
| driving an unsafe and accident-prone car in the first | | | | Beware when you see drivers talking to their mobile |
| place. So how could you select and purchase the right | | | | phones while driving as they are more prone to |
| car? There are some basic tips on car purchase. | | | | accidents. Do not always assume that in intersections |
| First, when purchasing cars, avoid bland and dark | | | | you will always have your right of way. |
| colors. Gray, tan and silver are bland colors that look | | | | 5. Keep an exit route. |
| like urban camouflage. Thus, other drivers would have | | | | When driving in the highway, always remain in the |
| a hard time taking distinct and immediate notice of the | | | | outer lane especially on freeways. That way, the need |
| car. | | | | to cross the lane to get to the shoulder in cases of |
| Likewise, dark colors like black and red are very hard | | | | problems would be eliminated. Have space on either |
| to see especially in dim light. Then, make sure the car's | | | | side of the vehicle. |
| center of mass is low and the four-wheel drive | | | | 6. Avoid danger. |
| system has a differential center balancing forces | | | | Avoid driving at danger sites, like near large vehicles or |
| between rear and front. It would also help if you would | | | | cars that are defective. Visibly damaged cars should |
| avoid purchasing or driving cars with heavily tinted | | | | also be avoided as it can be safely assumed that their |
| windows especially in the front. | | | | drivers are not skilled enough to drive safely. |
| 2. Inspect the car thoroughly before driving. | | | | 7.Observe precaution when approaching or passing by |
| Check all the components and parts of the car prior to | | | | vehicle break-down and crash scenes. |
| driving. As an unwritten law, drivers should make it a | | | | When being awed by such vehicular cases, stay |
| habit to inspect the good quality and condition of tires, | | | | focused on your own driving. If not, you may risk |
| engines, lights, brakes and oil and water levels | | | | running at wandering animals or pedestrians. Worse, |
| especially in preparation for a long trip. | | | | you may run across obstacles or other road |
| Major car accidents usually happen because some | | | | accident-causing sites. |