A good, safe, defensive driver is one who:

• Knows and obeys the rules of the road.

• Anticipates the mistakes of other drivers who may lack skill, use poor judgment or make unsafe maneuvers, which could jeopardize road safety.

• Exercises care to avoid making any driving errors of their own.

• Has learned to drive proficiently in different situations like highway or city driving, day and night driving, or driving under various weather conditions.

• Uses extra care to avoid being involved in an accident or a close call due to weather, road conditions, traffic, or the actions of pedestrians and other drivers.

• Keeps windows and mirrors clean with mirrors properly adjusted to provide the best possible view around the vehicle.

• Is observant of other vehicles traveling into blind spots and accounts for them in their driving behavior.

• Avoids blind spots of other vehicles.

• Accounts for wind conditions by reducing speed and being prepared for sudden gusts which could push vehicle into another lane or off the road.

• Uses common sense when a vehicle is tailgating or driving dangerously or aggressively, by changing lanes or pulling to the side of the road if necessary if and when it is safe to do so using appropriate signals and timing.

• Drives at appropriate speeds for the weather, traffic and road conditions.

• Remains centered properly in traffic lanes using appropriate signals and timing while changing lanes.

• Is observant of construction or speed reduction signs.

• Avoids drifting into “tunnel vision” or “highway hypnosis” by continually looking ahead of and around the vehicle and checking mirrors for other traffic.

• Recognizes that road features such as intersections, curves, hillcrests, bridges, railroad crossings and tunnels generate increased hazards and exercises the care necessary in negotiating these features to avoid creating an accident risk environment.

• Is fully aware of the track of the vehicle and exercises proper control while negotiating curves and turns to avoid running over curb, damaging signs, light standards or cutting off or damaging other vehicles.

• Is cautious of bicyclists or children playing anywhere near the roadway.

• Allows ample space between vehicles of at least a three second interval (more if any adverse conditions exist) to provide safe reaction time.

• Is observant while approaching and passing crosswalks or when driving in the vicinity of playgrounds, schoolyards, and parking lots.

• Is alert to the increased hazards involved when performing such maneuvers as backing, passing, changing lanes, parking and leaving a parked position, and taking the appropriate actions required to prevent the risk of an accident.

• Uses extra caution when traveling in unfamiliar areas.

• Recognizes when road or weather conditions are becoming unsafe and locates a safe place to park until conditions improve enough to continue.

• Exhibits proper use of four-way flashers, slow vehicle sign, oversize load sign, oversize flashers, oversize flags, “hazmat” placards, road flares, reflective triangles or any other warning devices that are appropriate.

• Maintains appropriate speed and gear selection when navigating hills or mountainous areas.

• Exhibits proper use of passing lanes or “turn out areas” allowing faster traffic to pass on narrow roads or while climbing a grade.

DRIVE SAFE!

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