Drive Safe in Texas with These Defensive Driving Tips

Sigmund Freud once famously said, “There’s no such thing as an accident.” While his words were more philosophical than practical, there’s some truth to it. One of America’s largest companies, Schneder Electric, thinks so in the industrial safety context.

But what about road safety? Are all accidents avoidable? While not all, many of the accidents can be avoided with defensive driving. Defensive driving refers to a driving style where drivers actively take precautions while on the road. This can be as simple as staying within the traffic guidelines or maintaining a safe distance.

In this article, we will look at 10 defensive driving strategies to help you become a better defensive driver and ensure everyone’s safety on Texas roads.

1. Always stay focused

As human beings, it’s natural to get distracted now and then. But on roads, this can turn fatal, both for yourself and others. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of road accidents. Every year, around 3,000 people lose their lives in road accidents involving distracted driving. In Texas, 9.29% of accidents are because of non-focused driving.

Therefore, to become a defensive driver, you need to level up your focus on the road. This can be done by eliminating distractions. TDI, or Texas Department of Insurance, lists three risk levels of distracted driving:

• Risk level 1 – Listening to radio or music
• Risk level 2 – Speaking on the phone or using handheld devices
• Risk level 3 – Using a speech-to-text application

Therefore, while on the road, it’s better to turn off the music and stay focused. If it gets boring, take a break instead.

2. Be aware of blind spots

Just like distracted driving, blind spots are a major reason for accidents. Being aware of them and taking steps to minimize them can significantly decrease the likelihood of a collision.

The first line of defense is properly adjusted mirrors because the biggest blind spot is on your back. So, lean in your seat and adjust your rearview mirror so you can see just the edge of your car on each side. Then, adjust your side mirrors so that when you glance at them, you barely see the side of your car and mostly the lane beside you.

Likewise, when you approach a turn that has obstructions like trees, buildings, or any other objects, approach slowly with adequate honking.

3. Always drive within limits

Exceeding the speed limit might seem like a harmless way to save time, but it’s a gamble with serious consequences. The laws of physics are unforgiving. The faster you go, the greater the force of impact in a collision. So, even a seemingly minor bump at high speeds can result in serious injuries or fatalities.

While on the road, always be aware of the speed limits. In Texas, overspeeding results in tickets. But remember, it’s not about tickets; it’s about safety.

4. Avoid taking shortcuts

It’s tempting to take shortcuts and reduce efforts as and when you come across them. But shortcuts are a leading cause of accidents in workplaces. And you can pretty much say the same for roads.

On roads, shortcuts can be as insignificant as changing lanes without giving proper signal. Or taking a U-turn where it’s prohibited. These tasks surely reduce effort, but they increase the likelihood of an accident.

5. Maintain a safe following distance

In other words, don’t tailgate.

Tailgate is when a vehicle travels close to another vehicle with little distance separating them. In the US, 23% of all crashes are rear-end collisions. Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles can potentially reduce that figure.

So, ditch the tailgating and focus on maintaining a comfortable cushion – it could save you a lot of trouble down the road!

6. Signal your intentions

Signaling your intentions might seem like a minor courtesy, but it’s a fundamental pillar of safe driving.

We can’t predict what other drivers are thinking. Likewise, others can’t judge what we’re about to do exactly. Signaling your turns, lane changes, and even stops clearly communicates your next move, giving them ample time to react and adjust their driving accordingly.

When drivers see a turn signal, they become more attentive and prepared for your next move. This fosters a more defensive driving environment where everyone is on the lookout for potential hazards.

7. Limit driving in bad weather

Unless otherwise necessary, it’s safe to limit or discontinue driving in bad weather. Events like heavy rainfall, snowfall, fog, winds, and storms limit our vision and reduce the control we have on our vehicles. As you can imagine, this can lead to unintended consequences. If possible, postpone your trip or find alternative transportation during bad weather.

8. Do the same when impaired

How well we drive correlates with how well we are, both physically and mentally. But when we’re impaired, this always affects our driving. Thus, it’s always best to limit driving when impaired, injured, or not in a proper mental state.

Note that alcohol, drugs (including prescription medications), and even fatigue significantly impair your judgment and decision-making abilities. This can lead to reckless driving, poor lane control, and slowed reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.

9. Always have seatbelts on

Seatbelts are the unsung heroes of road safety. They might seem like a simple strap, but they’re a powerful defense mechanism in a collision.

During an accident, the force of impact can easily eject you from the vehicle. Seatbelts restrain you, keeping you securely in your seat and preventing you from being thrown out through the windshield or windows. This significantly reduces the risk of fatal injuries.

Thus, always have the straps on, even when driving at lower speeds.

10. Yield the right way

Yielding the right of way is a courtesy that goes a long way. It promotes a more predictable and cooperative driving environment, reducing accidents and creating a safer experience for everyone on the road.

Sometimes, even if you technically have the right of way, it’s safer to yield. This is called defensive yielding. For example, if you see a car approaching an intersection at high speed or someone seems unsure of what to do, it’s wiser to slow down or stop completely to avoid a potential collision.

So, when in doubt, yield!

A Defensive Driving Course Covers Everything

To become a defensive driver, you should consider taking a defensive driving course. These courses cover all the tips mentioned above and provide in-depth information on crucial topics like driving psychology, local driving laws, traffic safety problems, crash dynamics, and much more.

By taking a defensive online drivers ed course, you’ll become a more aware driver and reduce your collision percentage.

When Should I Take a Defensive Driving Course in Texas?

Texas law allows drivers to take a defensive driving course, but it isn’t mandatory. There are two main uses for these drivers ed in Spanish courses:

• Dismissing a traffic ticket: If you qualify (haven’t taken one in the past year, the violation wasn’t excessive speeding), you can take a court-approved defensive driving course to dismiss a ticket and avoid points on your license. The Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation mandates that you take a defensive driving course before you can dismiss a ticket.
• Insurance discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete approved defensive driving courses. These typically need to be renewed every few years. So, if you’re applying for auto insurance, completing the course can reduce your premiums.

Remember, defensive driving doesn’t guarantee accidents won’t happen, but it significantly improves your chances of avoiding them altogether. If you want to enroll yourself in one such course, contact us today.