The long, open road always beckons when we have a few more days to weekend. Whether you’re taking a sho’t left or going the distance – defensive driving can help you reduce the risk of road accidents, anticipate dangerous situations, navigate adverse conditions, and avoid the mistakes of others on the road. It is the practice of maintaining an awareness of road and weather conditions, other vehicles, road users, and potentially hazardous situations and then taking steps to prevent becoming the cause of or becoming involved in a road accident.

 

Leading cause of accidents: Unroadworthy drivers

The biggest cause of road accidents in South Africa is driver error. This consists of genuine mistakes, but is primarily driven by errors in judgement, reckless driving, and other factors. In a report by personal injury law specialists DSC Attorneys, driver error accounted for 5 of their 8 leading causes of accidents in SA. Defensive driving can help us reduce errors on our side and adjust our driving to be more attentive to defend us against the threats from mistakes by other drivers.

 

The defensive driving journey starts with:

  • Your own driving experience,

Experienced drivers are good at using their acquired knowledge and skills to compensate for wintry weather conditions, reckless drivers, and other road hazards. Understand your limitations and try to avoid situations you are not equipped to handle.

  • Your vehicle’s capabilities

An awareness of your vehicle’s capabilities and limitations is vital, especially when towing a trailer or overtaking. This includes ensuring that your car is well maintained and roadworthy.

  • The road and traffic conditions

It is essential to stay alert regarding weather and traffic reports and to avoid the threats posed by heavily congested traffic and inclement weather conditions.

  • A clear understanding of the rules of the road

Ensure that you understand the meanings of road signs, road markings, and how to navigate different intersections regarding the right of way.

 

Defensive driving requires that you guard against your own mistakes and the mistakes of other road users.

Defensive driving techniques 

  • Continuously look at your mirrors and scan the road ahead for any hazards.
  • Be mindful of slowing traffic to anticipate problems before they develop.
  • Don’t drive too slowly, don’t drive too fast (both can be equally as dangerous). Drive at speeds that most other vehicles are driving at (within the speed limit).
  • Approach intersections with caution, regardless of green or red lights, or traffic at a four-way stop.
  • Follow road rules but do not try to “enforce” them by contesting the right of way or driving slower to punish the driver behind you.
  • Be courteous and respectful to other drivers.
  • Always keep an eye out for pedestrians, cyclists, and animals along the road.
  • Always mind your dashboard and warning lights.
  • Keep a safe following distance from the car in front of you and look well ahead.
  • Check your blind spot before changing direction, lanes, or merging onto other roads.
  • Avoid driving in the blind spot of another driver.

 

The defensive driving golden rule: Give yourself time and road to react

  • Use the 2-3 second rule to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead of you.
  • This should be increased to 4-6 seconds in poor weather, when driving at night or on gravel and when towing a trailer.
  • Posted speed limits apply to ideal driving conditions. Manage your speed according to the state of the road, the flow of the traffic, and weather conditions.
  • Always have an escape route – a place to move your vehicle to if your immediate path of travel is suddenly blocked.
  • Adjust your speed so that you can stop in the distance you can see.

 

Other helpful tips

  • Do not assume another driver will move out of the way or allow you to merge.
  • Do not make assumptions about other drivers’ sobriety, alertness, and intentions concerning safety.
  • Drive with the headlights on (dipped beam) between sunset and sunrise or whenever visibility is not ideal.
  • Always use indicators/turn signals to let other drivers know where you intend to go.
  • Ensure that your brake lights are always working to warn drivers behind you that you're slowing down.
  • Overtake cautiously and be mindful of power loss when overtaking at a higher altitude or on an incline.
  • Avoid sudden movements and lane changes by planning ahead of your turn or off-ramp.
  • Avoid driving too closely to trucks and watch out for the debris projected from their tyres.
  • Do not make it difficult or impossible for other drivers to overtake you.
  • Stay alert regarding potholes, fallen tree branches, debris, etc., especially after storms.
  • Pay attention to warning signs, such as high accident zones.