What is defensive driving?
To stay safe on the road in Georgia, it’s not enough to employ safe driving techniques. You’ll also have to learn defensive driving techniques that can prevent accidents if another driver makes a mistake. You can’t control what other people do, but how you react could mean the difference between a near-miss and a catastrophic accident.
What are some defensive driving techniques?
When you’re on the road, you can’t assume that everyone follows the law as closely as you do. Many people speed, drive while they’re intoxicated, fail to yield to other drivers or simply don’t pay attention to the road in front of them. As a result, you’ll have to engage in distracted driving techniques to avoid getting in a motor vehicle accident.
One defensive driving technique involves assuming that other drivers will make a mistake. For example, when your stoplight turns green, you could engage in defensive driving by waiting for a moment instead of immediately plowing ahead. This could prevent an accident if another driver wasn’t paying attention and barreled through a red light.
Another defensive driving technique involves watching the road ahead so that you can prepare for the unexpected. Listen to the radio to stay updated on any bad road conditions. If you know what to expect, you can prepare to slow down, yield to other drivers or look out for construction workers. You should also keep an eye on the other vehicles around you: Some people might not think to slow down in a construction zone or drive carefully in bad weather.
You should also avoid engaging in distracted driving. Even if the other driver breaks the law, you might not be entitled to a full settlement if the other party can prove that you weren’t paying attention.
What should you do if another driver hits your vehicle?
Ultimately, you’re responsible for your own behavior behind the wheel, and if another person wants to drive recklessly, there’s not much you can do about it. A personal injury attorney may be able to help you file a lawsuit if another driver’s negligence causes serious injuries.