Training is the only difference between an average driver and a good one. That is the main reason to take a defensive driving course to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary to anticipate driving hazards, avoid them, and stay up to date latest road traffic laws.Here are six of the most important defensive driving techniques:

Let other drivers know your intentions in advance

Sudden stopping, turning, and changing lanes often lead to accidents because they surprise other drivers. Hence, one of the basic rules of defensive driving is to communicate to other drivers precisely what you will do. Because of this, your brake lights, headlights, signal flasher, and other directional lights must be working. If not, ask for an immediate review. Otherwise, defensive driving is not an option.

Being predictable helps

Having all of your indicators in good shape is excellent, but they won`t help you much if you are not predictable. Defensive driving is predictability – you do what you`re supposed to do. If you turn left, turn left. Don`t show that you are going left and suddenly turn right. And under no circumstances, always signal right or left and then drive on for miles. When driving defensively, never make a move that confuses other drivers on the road. Surprises are great, but never when driving.

Know where you want to go

The first rule of defensive driving is: know where you are going. Nothing is as dangerous as making a sudden turn or stop, and something motorists do when they are not sure where they are going. The same goes for slow driving and then sudden quick zooming. If you don`t know where you are going, you are likely to confuse other people on the street too. If you get lost, park your car and get your bearings. Look at a street map or directory, or maybe even ask someone for information. The worst thing you can do is drive aimlessly. It`s like searching for problems with a capital T.

Make the signal a habit

One of the best defensive driving techniques is to signal every time you turn or change lanes. You will never surprise other drivers. Make signage a habit. Even when the road looks deserted and no other vehicles appear to be around, signaling your intent is always excellent defensive driving practice.

Notify others when you stop or slow down

If, for some reason, you are stalling or slowing down, communicating your intent to other drivers is a good defensive driving technique. You can do this by depressing the brake pedal a few times so that the brake lights flash, indicating that you are slowing down or stopping. This is especially important when the driver behind you is driving fast and is approaching quickly.

Try to anticipate the worst in others

It may sound cynical and isn`t a good rule of thumb in life, but it pays to anticipate other drivers` mistakes on the road when driving defensively. For example, many drivers routinely signal to turn but not turn. Meanwhile, others don`t even signal and suddenly turn around. Many people ignore stop signs or control red lights, so keep an eye out for these occurrences.

Conclusion

Be aware of what is happening on either side of the road. Look for feet under parked cars to spot a pedestrian, child, or even a dog running in front of you. Also, check out the back streets and make sure other vehicles saw you and stop and swerve. Watch out for people in parked cars, opening doors, or leaving parking lots.

To learn more about defensive driving, click here.