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How Defensive Driving Can Help You Avoid Accidents on the Road

On Behalf of | Apr 13, 2022 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

As a driver, you can not know who else is sharing the road with you. Therefore, every time you get behind the wheel, you must consider how to keep yourself and your passengers safe.

Learning how to drive defensively is an effective way to reduce motor vehicle accidents.

What Is Defensive Driving?

As auto accident fatalities in Virginia increase, defensive driving skills are more critical than ever. Classes can teach drivers to remain aware of their surroundings and react to avoid accidents and collisions.

What Hazards Can You Avoid By Driving Defensively?

Although various factors contribute to road accidents, defensive driving can prevent collisions due to three common causes.

  1. Drunk driving. Signs of driver intoxication include driving in the center of the road, swerving into other lanes and driving above or below the speed limit. Motorists who notice these unsafe behaviors should stay away from suspicious vehicles and pull over to avoid collisions. They should also activate their lights and horns, snap a photo of the offending driver’s car plate and make a police report.
  2. Drowsy driving. Vehicles of drivers who fall asleep at the wheel may suddenly slow down. Therefore, nearby drivers should flash their lights to warn others behind them before slowing slow down and pulling aside to avoid a collision.
  3. Distracted driving. Distractions lead to erratic driving speeds, lingering at or driving through stoplights, veering into the wrong lane or neglecting to yield. It is sometimes possible to alert drivers who are not paying attention, but some circumstances warrant pulling over and contacting the authorities with a description of the unsafe driver’s vehicle.

A defensive driving course dramatically increases your safety on the road. Still, when another driver’s negligence causes your severe injury, you should take measures to collect damages.