why do you take a defensive driver course

by Elnora Champlin DVM 4 min read

Defensive driving courses are designed to make you a safer driver and car insurance companies see the value in that. If you’d like to decrease your car insurance payment, these courses are a great way to do that! Safety The most important reason to take a defensive driving course is safety.

With defensive driving classes, students learn to improve their driving skills by reducing their driving risks by anticipating situations and making safe well-informed decisions. Such decisions are implemented based on road and environmental conditions present when completing a safe driving maneuver.

Full Answer

What's the point of defensive driving?

Defensive driving is all about avoiding unexpected dangers on the road. From bad weather to distracted drivers, there are all sorts of dangers that can lead to a crash. As a defensive driver, you can defend yourself against these threats by being cognizant of the road and knowing how to act quickly to avoid a crash.

What are the advantages of defensive driving training?

5 Top Benefits of a Defensive Driving CourseQualify for a 10% Car Insurance Discount. ... Prevents Points from Being Added to Your Driving Record. ... Save Money on Transportation. ... Avoid High Accident Fees. ... Become a Safer Driver.

Is defensive driving course good?

The short answer is yes, defensive driving courses are worth the money. Defensive driving courses give drivers a new perspective on viewing the road. They help drivers identify dangerous situations before they unfold. Defensive drivers can determine and mitigate risky behavior from other drivers.

What is an important part of being a defensive driver?

Defensive driving requires a thorough knowledge of the rules of right of way and the willingness to yield the right of way to the other driver whenever necessary to avoid an accident. Defensive driving requires an attitude of confidence that you can drive without ever having a preventable accident.

What is the most important element of defensive driving?

Put Safety First by Following to the Rules The most important aspect of driving defensively, is the practice of safe road habits. You won't grasp this concept until you obey the rules of the road, and minimize the risks you take.

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.

What is defensive driving training?

Defensive driving is a form of training for vehicle drivers that makes them aware about the driving rules, standard driving practices and the required driving mechanics. Its main objective is to reduce the risk of driving by anticipating hazardous situations, adverse conditions or the driving errors of others.

How do I improve my driving skills?

How to Be a Better Driver1 Maintain a 4-second gap between other vehicles.2 Adjust your mirrors so they're actually correct.3 Keep your head on a swivel.4 Use the flip switch on the rearview.5 Check your mirrors before changing lanes.6 Don't turn the wheel before you turn left.More items...

Can I take defensive driving for a speeding ticket in Texas?

But there is one effective way to fight your speeding ticket. You can take defensive driving in Texas to dismiss your ticket. This is the single best way to fight a speeding ticket in Texas.

What are 5 reasons why you want to drive defensively?

Why Defensive Driving Is So Important#1 Put down your phone while driving.#2 Pay Attention To All Traffic Signs While Driving.#3 Keep Your Distance From The Vehicle In Front Of You.#4 Become Proficient at Driving In All Weather Conditions.#5 Always Concede The Right Of Way To Other Vehicles In Difficult Situations.

What are the 3 basic principles of defensive driving?

What are the basics for teens to know about defensive driving? Safety First at all times. To be Courteous or simply be a nice person. Proper maintenance of your vehicle.

What are the five steps in defensive driving?

Top 5 Rules Of Defensive DrivingLook up ahead. It sounds obvious to make sure you're looking ahead rather than what's directly in front of you. ... Be aware of blind spots. ... Slow down at all intersections. ... Maintain a safe following distance. ... Minimize all distractions.

What is defensive driving training?

Defensive driving is a form of training for vehicle drivers that makes them aware about the driving rules, standard driving practices and the required driving mechanics. Its main objective is to reduce the risk of driving by anticipating hazardous situations, adverse conditions or the driving errors of others.

Can I take defensive driving for a speeding ticket in Texas?

But there is one effective way to fight your speeding ticket. You can take defensive driving in Texas to dismiss your ticket. This is the single best way to fight a speeding ticket in Texas.

How does one become a good defensive driver?

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.

What is defensive driving in Kenya?

Defensive Driving Course in Kenya is now being offered by the leading driving school in Kenya, Sensei Driving School. Defensive training helps you anticipate, spot and prevent potential hazards and act to protect yourself. Basic defensive driving training in Kenya. Requirement: A national ID & a valid Driving License.

Who should take an defensive driving course?

Many insurance companies offer discounts that can save you up to 10% off your auto insurance premiums every two to three years and, of course, the price for saving lives is invaluable.

What are the benefits of defensive driving?

In addition to saving lives, a defensive driving course can provide a few other valuable benefits, all from the convenience of your home or office: Save you money on your auto insurance. Dismiss a traffic ticket. Remove points from your driving record.

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 happens if you have a defensive driving course?

If you have driving violations, completing a defensive driving course could remove points or dismiss a ticket from your driving record. Too many points or tickets on your record could cost you money in fines, as well as potential lost wages if your license is suspended.

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.

How much does a defensive driving course reduce insurance premium?

Many states support safe driver incentives that could reduce your insurance premium by as much as 10% for completing a defensive driving course. Many states support safe driver incentives that could reduce your insurance premium by as much as 10% for completing a defensive driving course.

How to stay safe while driving?

The best way to stay safe is to put yourself in position to avoid potential threats. 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.

Can you control the pace of DriveSafe?

You Control the Pace. DriveSafe Online courses feature intelligent bookmarking so you can start and stop the course as often as you like.

What Is a Defensive Driving Course?

A defensive driving course teaches drivers how to control their vehicles in emergency situations. These courses will instruct you on best driving technique practices to help avoid and prevent crashes.

Defensive Driving Course Benefits

Not only do these courses help improve your safety, as well as passenger and pedestrian safety, but there are many other benefits as well! Let’s take a look at traffic tickets.

Taking a Course

Whether you want to save money, dismiss a ticket, or get points deducted from your driving record, a defensive driving course can get you there!

Why might I need/want to take a defensive driving course?

While the allowable reasons are state-dependent , these courses can be taken for the following:

What is a defensive driving course?

Defensive driving courses—also known in some states as traffic school —are courses that enhance your skills behind the wheel. They are state-specific and address your state's traffic requirements and regulations, as well as areas of concern on the road. They also aim to instill habits that can prevent accidents or help you react more quickly to an oncoming hazard.

How much does a defensive driving course cost?

The price of your course will depend on the state you take it in and the provider you choose.

What are the requirements for taking defensive driving?

While these do vary from state to state, the basic requirements for taking a defensive driving course include the following:

Does taking a defensive driving course remove a ticket from my driving record?

It completely depends on your state and your court. Generally, the answer is no.

Can I take defensive driving to remove a ticket for driving under the influence?

No. Drivers who receive tickets for driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence cannot take a defensive driving course to points from their driving record. In some states, drivers who have received a DWI or DUI may be required to take a course specifically designed for these offenses. These are not considered defensive driving courses. Visit your state's motor vehicle department website for more information on DWI or DUI infractions.

Will defensive driving remove a parking ticket?

No. You can't take defensive driving courses for non-moving violations.

What are the effects of medications on driving?

The effects of medications on driving. The importance of eliminating distractions, such as eating, smoking and using a cellphone. After completing the course, you will have a greater appreciation of driving challenges and a better understanding of how to avoid potential collisions and injuring yourself or others.

Do drivers age 50 or older look back on their licenses?

Cars have changed. So have traffic rules, driving conditions and the roads you travel every day. Some drivers age 50-plus have never looked back since they got their first driver's license, but even the most experienced drivers can benefit from refreshing their driving skills.

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