Defensive Driving

Defensive driving is the most important form of operating a vehicle. Operating a motor vehicle is a serious matter and requires a lot of responsibility. By taking a defensive approach to driving, you could ultimately save someone's life or help prevent an accident. Defensive driving skills can also help you avoid the dangers caused by other people's bad driving. Over 40,000 people die each year due to reckless driving.

Before you get into your vehicle, make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. Your vehicle should be inspected at least once a year. Always make sure that your headlights, brake lights, and signal lights are properly working and are clean. Also pay close attention to your brakes, tires, windows, steering, wiper blades and horn. These items should be checked regularly. It is important to have your automobile checked at least once a year by a certified professional. If any problems arise, make sure you deal with them as soon as possible because mechanical problems may result in breakdowns or traffic accidents. It is very important to secure each passenger in the car before you even start up the engine. People do not realize that proper safety constraints are important even if traveling a short distance. Whenever I get into the car, I always remember the slogan “Click it or ticket”. Seat belts and car seats for children and adults save thousands of lives each year. Seat belts do several things for you. They provide impact protection, they absorb crash forces, and they keep you from being thrown out of the vehicle. So before take off, make it a habit to check that everyone is properly secured.

You must always stay alert when