Rules of the Road: Keep An Eye Out For Poor Drivers And Stay Out…

We’ve all been on the road with another driver who is doing anything but driving defensively. In fact, what can be really frustrating to those who regularly practice defensive driving techniques is just how uncommon it can be. The safest drivers are the ones who assume no one else on the road is driving safely and thus react accordingly. It’s unfortunate that we can’t give everyone the benefit of the doubt but it’s simply not a risk that’s worth taking.

When you do notice another car that is driving erratically or exhibiting otherwise potentially dangerous techniques, the best thing to do for your personal safety is to give them space. Let them get out of your vicinity and create enough distance so that they no longer pose a significant threat to you. That could be mean changing lanes, slowing down or even sometimes speeding up. Being alert and aware of other drivers is always part of defensive driving and doing so will make you prepared to notice another vehicle that could be of concern.

It would be nice if everyone took a defensive driving course in order to improve their skills behind the wheel. If it was something that people did more regularly, the roads would be a much safer place and we’d see fewer accidents. But until that happens, it’s up to each individual driver to be as safe as possible and that could mean simply staying out of the way of others on the road who aren’t being as respectful as they should.