defensive driving course what to expect

by Prof. Cristobal Glover PhD 9 min read

Defensive driving courses tend to focus on how drivers can overcome negative psychological factors such as unneeded stress, fatigue, emotional distress and road rage. They also offer instructions for developing a positive attitude behind the wheel and increasing your focus on the driving task.

What are the 3 basic principles of defensive driving?

Pass to stay alive. Then look to see if anyone behind you is moving out to pass. Speed up to get around the other vehicle. Get back into the right lane as quickly as possible. Do not pass unless you can see far enough ahead.May 11, 2009

What is defensive driving select your answer?

Defensive driving describes the practice of drivers who consciously reduce the dangers associated with driving. Defensive driving techniques reduce the likelihood of a collision or incident and can even save costs related to vehicle maintenance and fuel consumption, by driving smoothly and steadily.

What are the 5 steps for the strategy of defensive driving?

Following these defensive driving tips can help reduce your risk behind the wheel:Think safety first. ... Be aware of your surroundings — pay attention. ... Do not depend on other drivers. ... Follow the 3- to 4-second rule. ... Keep your speed down. ... Have an escape route. ... Separate risks. ... Cut out distractions.

Which defensive driving course is easiest?

#1: iDriveSafely iDriveSafely is my top recommended easiest online traffic school for 2022. They've been around since before online traffic school even existed.

What is an example of defensive driving?

Pay Attention To Your Surroundings – Check your mirrors, keep your eyes moving constantly, be aware of slowing cars or brake lights ahead, avoid road hazards, and pay attention to weather-related conditions which could impend safe driving.Jun 28, 2021

What are the 4 A's of effective defensive driving?

In the past, some have called the topics in this lesson Aggression, Alcohol, Accidents and Awareness.Jun 21, 2017

What does the 2 second rule refer to in driving?

The two-second rule provides the minimum distance to give you enough time to react and take action if something should happen ahead. Three or more seconds is even better and some states require at least a three-second distance.Oct 6, 2014

What makes a good defensive driver?

A defensive driver is one who is able to react to their surrounding drivers, and avoid collisions and accidents that many other people wouldn't be able to avoid. Being a good defensive driver can save you money, and even potentially save your life.Jul 22, 2016

How can I improve my driving skills?

Effective tips to improve your driving skillsLimit Distractions. First, you need to keep your car in good condition. ... Know Yourself. ... Be Aware of Your Surroundings. ... Learn from Experience. ... Make Time for Practice. ... Be Active on the Road. ... Follow Traffic Rules. ... Stay Alert.More items...•Aug 10, 2021

Which online defensive driving course is best?

#1 Defensive Driving Course ProviderIDriveSafely is one of the oldest defensive driving brands in the business. ... IDriveSafely.com has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). ... Take an IDriveSafely Course.Take a DriversEd.com Course.Take a MyImprov Course.Take ApprovedCourse Defensive Driving.More items...•Dec 21, 2021

Should you drive in snow or ice?

How to drive on snow and icy roadsGently accelerate the vehicle using low revs and shift to a higher gear as quickly as possible. ... Maintain a greater braking distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you, especially in conditions like rain, ice and snow; leave as much as ten times the usual recommended gap.More items...

What is the fastest drivers ed course?

The iDriveSafely online traffic school program has been around for literally decades and they have it down to a science. This is the fastest online traffic school you can take and it has made this list every year including now in 2019.

Traffic Crashes

Losses from traffic crashes have both social and personal impacts. Approximately 41,000 die annually as a result of traffic collisions, with an additional 3,236,000 injuries. About 38% of all fatal car crashes are alcohol related with another 30% attributed to speeding.

Psychological Factors

On the roadways, drivers have to deal with several factors that can affect their driving. Though some of them are beyond the control of the driver, psychological factors can be controlled by the driver if he knows what to look for and how to handle it.

The Dynamics of a Crash

Vehicle crashes are almost always a preventable result of a series of events. The combination of speed, place of impact and size of object being impacted can determine the severity of the crash. In every accident, however, the act of one vehicle hitting another vehicle or other object is not the only collision that can occur.

Safety Equipment

Approximately half of all deaths that are result of an automobile crash could have been avoided if the victim were wearing a safety belt properly. Of course safety belts are only the most commonly thought of vehicle safety equipment.

Crash Prevention Techniques

The key to any good defensive driving strategy is knowing how to avoid traffic crashes and recognize potential hazards before it's too late. That's why defensive driving courses tend to present a lot of information on crash prevention techniques.

State Traffic Laws

The final portion of many state defensive driving curriculum requirements is state-specific traffic laws. While for many students this portion serves as a mere refresher course, state traffic laws are not always known by all students.

Defensive Driving Courses

SafeMotorist.com Driving Safety Articles:#N#This article was written by SafeMotorist.com defensive driving staff writers and reviewed for accuracy by defensive driving instructors. All articles are based on current traffic laws and defensive driving practices.

What is defensive driving?

Defensive Driving is a concept that has been around for many years and has helped many drivers become safer, more proactive motorists. Defensive Driving encourages drivers to expect the unexpected and take precautions to prevent accidents before they happen. If you are interested in learning more about Defensive Driving, ...

What is the 3 second rule?

Here is a short video that helps you use the Three Second Rule on the road: 3. Defensive Driving encourages drivers to decrease their likelihood ...

What Will I Learn In A Defensive Driving Course?

In a defensive driving course, you will be educated on traffic rules, laws, signage. Proper understanding of these topics will reduce potential threats to your safety, as well as the safety of other motorists around you. You may already know much of this information, but rules do change over time.

Defensive Driving in a Nutshell

When we talk about defensive driving, there are really only two factors that you can control.

Making Defensive Driving Work for You

People take defensive driving courses for several different reasons. Certainly, the most common is to remove a citation or points from a driving record. Others take a driver safety class for an insurance discount or job-related purpose. Whatever the reason, scheduling a course will require rescheduling your life.

Defensive Driving is a Good Idea for Everybody

Whether you’re a new driver or a seasoned veteran, there is always something new to be learned by taking a defensive driving course. If you’re taking the course for an insurance discount or to get a traffic ticket dismissed, a defensive driving course can be your ticket to more responsible driving practices.

Why do you need to take defensive driving classes?

Taking a defensive driving course teaches you safe driving techniques for controlling your vehicle in emergency situations, as well as procedures for handling fatigue, emotional stress, and road rage. Of course, there are many more reasons for learning safe driving habits.

What is defensive driving?

Defensive driving courses teach drivers safe techniques to proactively anticipate and effectively react to a variety of hazards including careless actions by other drivers, poor visibility and road conditions due to dangerous weather conditions, and dangers triggered by various physical and emotional states.

What are the advantages of defensive driving?

While the benefits of a defensive driving course will save you money and help you become a smarter, safer driver, the advantages offered by online courses make the learning experience fast and easy. Convenient. Anytime, anywhere, any device learning means you decide when to fit the courses into your busy schedule. You Control the Pace.

How to keep your driving record clean?

And if you are unable to drive, you’ll need to allocate money for cabs, buses, and any other transportation needs. Completing a defensive driving course is a fast and effective way to keep your driving record clean. Check with your insurance agent, state DMV, or court clerk where you received the ticket to learn if DriveSafe Online® course satisfies your court requirements.

Does insurance cover defensive driving?

In some states, including North Dakota and Pennsylvania, state authorities require insurance companies to provide discounts to drivers who successfully complete a defensive driving course.

How long does it take to get a defensive driving license?

Then, just log in and start taking the defensive driving course. It will take a total of about four to six hours to complete, depending on your state requirements and you can work at your own pace.

How to get a discount on State Farm insurance?

There are several ways to get a discount on State Farm auto insurance. Completing an online defensive driving course from SafeDriver.com is one of the easiest options, where approved. A few other discounts offered by State Farm include: 1 Drive Safe program 2 Steer Clear program for drivers under 25 years of age 3 Accident-Free discount 4 Good Student Discount

Does State Farm offer discounts on auto insurance?

In most states, State Farm Insurance offers a discount on auto insurance policies if you and/or other drivers on your policy complete an approved defensive driving course online.

Does State Farm offer a discount on defensive driving?

Yes. State Farm isn 't the only car insurance provider offering a discount for completing an online Defensive Driving Course, such as SafeDriver.com.

Does State Farm offer insurance?

State Farm sometimes provides course takers with an insurance discount, depending on your state and age. Contact your State Farm representative today at 1-800-782-8332 to find out how much your discount will be. Once you've figured out how much you can save, you'll want to REGISTER for the course.

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