D E F E N S I V E   D R I V I N G

Many people incorrectly confuse Defensive Driving with Advanced Driving.

Defensive Driving is where the driver uses all possible means at their disposal to drive in a positive and safe manner. The goal at the start of every drive should be to arrive at the destination safely.

We incorporate defensive driving into our normal teaching curriculum and in addition we also offer defensive driving courses for new drivers wanting to further develop their driving skills.

A few basic defensive driving concepts are:

Scanning
Scanning is the skill of keeping your eyes moving. Progressively work your eyes from far away to objects nearby. Look in the distance, at the road, to the sides of the road, your mirrors, and then your controls. Repeat this continuously every 5 to 10 seconds.

Safety Margin
The Australian Driver Trainers Association recommends a minimum following distance of 2 seconds between moving cars. This gives the driver time to react and brake in the event of trouble in front. In adverse conditions you should double the distance.

Speed
Do Not Speed!! A defensive driver chooses a speed matching traffic as closely as possible without exceeding speed limits. If traffic is moving at higher speed than you should go, keep to the left and out of the way.

Observation
Learn to predict potential hazards, identify risky situations and minimise danger. We teach you to conduct a commentary drive where you explain to us in detail, all of the potential dangers you are seeing. It is amazing the number of times a young person in particular has not identified a potential dangerous situation – they often just don’t see it.

Do not Trust the other Driver
Many crashes happen when a car fails to give way at an intersection. This is often because they fail to see the other vehicle. Whatever the reason, we cannot assume that the vehicles in the side streets will give way. If there is any doubt in your mind as to whether the other driver has seen you, simply prepare to brake.

Attitude
Understand how a driver’s attitude and risk taking behaviour can affect that driver’s safety and the safety of other road users. Road rage is becoming more common and it is important to understand what it is, why it happens, and how to avoid it.

Night Driving & Wet Weather Driving
Night driving and wet weather driving can be quite difficult. Reaction and stopping time can be dramatically effected. Leave yourself more space from the car in front, as this will create more time for you to be able to see what is ahead and be prepared for whatever may happen.

Positive Approach
Develop a positive and proactive attitude towards defensive driving.

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