Defensive Driving
A form of training or practice for motor vehicles that requires the drivers to drive prudently in order to reduce the dangers associated with driving is called defensive driving. This may be done by anticipating dangerous scenarios, which could range from bad weather to erring motorists. Although the benefits of this practice vary with each state, here are a few general reasons which signify the benefits of defensive driving courses.
Traffic Crashes
A survey suggests that approximately 41,000 die annually as a result of traffic collisions, not counting the additional 3,236,000 injuries. Moreover, about 38% of all car accidents are, in some way related to alcohol while another 30% are attributed to over speeding.
The financial loss and the psychological impact caused by these accidents can be prevented by defensive driving.
Psychological Factors
Drivers deal with a lot of psychological stress when driving on a considerably long route. Apart from that, long drives usually tend to exhaust a person: regardless of how determined the person is, long drives are bound to have serious effects.
Driving defensively can significantly reduce the risk of getting yourself into an accident.
DUI or Human Factors
Most accidents occur due to the driver’s irresponsibly careless driving: driving under the influence of drugs. Defensive driving courses offered usually by the ministry approved driving schools. The topics instructed there include the limit of blood-alcohol level set by the state, the role drugs and alcohol play on roadways and also the way your judgment, reflexes, motor skills and senses are affected by drugs. Furthermore, the prospect of being found guilty of driving under the influence of drugs is another story all in itself.
Machinery Errors
Not all accidents are caused just because of some human error; the person momentarily taking his eyes off the road or just by driving drunk. Accidents may also be caused by defected machinery. Although it is possible for a newly bought vehicle to be categorized as unsafe to drive, but usually a car becomes unsafe to drive if not kept under proper maintenance. Defensive driving courses all over the world especially the driving school in Guelph makes sure that none of the students finish their driving tests without having the basic information of keeping a vehicle under obligatory maintenance.
The Dynamics of a Crash
A car accident gives birth to a chain of events that follow shortly after the crash. Apart from the factors that can determine the severity of the crash, in every accident, the act of one vehicle hitting another vehicle or an object is not the only collision that occurs. A second collision that often results in the passengers hitting the windshield or sides of the car can be equally as fatal as the first one.
Defensive driving courses strongly recommend its students to wear a seat belt in order to minimize the impact from the second collision.
Apart from that defensive driving courses teach a person how to handle critical situations to prevent crashes. These crash prevention techniques usually include:
- Knowing your vehicle’s stopping distance
- Environment hazards
- Passing and necessary clear distance
- Speed adjustments and railroad crossings
- Vehicle emergencies
In short, these courses play a vital role in helping a person to learn to properly drive and avoid accidents.
