Monday 13 October 2014

Defensive Driving

DEFENSIVE DRIVING.
This blog has already appeared on Google+ , facebook and my website, but with the weather changing for the worse, it's worth another look here. I also want to get back into Blogger.
With autumn weather arriving, more darkness and rain, it's an idea to have a rethink on keeping as safe as possible on the road. You will benefit from having a plan in place and this is called DEFENSIVE DRIVING.
The roads today are busier than ever and this is set to continue.
As well as the traffic volumes,todays driver often has to cope with unpredictable, irrational, offensive and dangerous driving from others. (Lis and me had the pleasure of experiencing some obnoxious driving on the way to Cheltenham last night!)
Such driving behaviour makes todays road conditions hostile in a real sense, with a higher risk of accident. In these conditions drivers need to revise and practise a defensive strategy. This is" defensive driving", sometimes called "planned driving."
Defensive Driving.
Defensive driving is based on EFFECTIVE observation, good anticipation and control. Always question the actions of other road users, be prepared for the unusual, so that you are not taken by surprise.
Try to always drive with responsibility, care, consideration and courtesy. This will help you to "stay cool" if things do blow up.
Always put safety above all else. Have concern for others as well as yourself, especially the most vulnerable, those walking or riding.
Expect others to make mistakes and be ready to slow down or stop-even if you think you have priority. Never rely on other road users to do the correct thing.
Your safety is mainly in your own hands. The better your control and use of road space, the safer you will be.
Try to set a good example with your driving, it might impress and influence others.
Reduce hostility.
If you drive defensively, you will demonstrate more patience and anticipation, which will go a long way towards reducing incidents that result in open hostility, abusive language, threats and physical violence. Avoid at all costs the type of driving that gives offence to others, provokes reaction, and creates a dangerous situation.
Competitive Driving. Avoid driving with a spirit of competition, as this is the opposite to defensive driving and will increase the risks to everyone.
Future posts will look in a little more detail at various elements of defensive driving.
In the meantime, as always. Be careful out there!
Thanks, John.
Continuing the subject of defensive driving,This brings us on to OBSERVATION, a vital need in the search for safety on the road.
When you check your mirrors, just looking is not enough. You must act sensibly on what you see. You should make a mental note of the speed, behaviour and possible intentions of any other road users.
If you're not using effective observation, you can't assess a traffic situation properly.

At junctions, for example, there is no point in just looking if your view is obstructed by parked vehicles, you must move forward, slowly in to a position where you can see, without emerging into the path of traffic. We call this "peep and creep." When you can properly see what's going on you should Look, Assess, Decide and Act and that's what EFFECTIVE observation is all about.
More posts on observation coming up, meanwhile, be careful out there!
Thanks, John.

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