Safe and Defensive Driving Practices
The system behind defensive driving
- Scan ahead 12 to 15 seconds and keep your eyes moving; check mirrors every five to eight seconds.
- Two-second following distance in good conditions, at least four in rain, snow or darkness, or when following a large vehicle. Pick a fixed object and count.
- Space cushion: keep room ahead, to the sides and behind, and avoid travelling in another driver's blind spot.
- Blind spots: shoulder-check before every lane change; mirrors alone leave gaps.
- Communicate: signal early, use brake lights, and make eye contact with pedestrians and other drivers where possible.
Handling the environment
Rain, ice and fog all reduce traction and visibility. Slow down, increase following distance, and use low beams in fog or heavy rain - high beams reflect back and make things worse. In winter, clear snow and ice from all windows, lights and the roof before moving. On wet roads at highway speed, worn tires can hydroplane: ease off the accelerator, keep the wheel straight and avoid hard braking until the tires regain contact.
Worked example
Your rear wheels start to slide on an icy bridge. The correct response is to take your foot off the accelerator, look and steer where you want to go, and make small, smooth corrections. Hard braking or steering sharply against the skid will spin the vehicle.
Traps that cost marks
- Following a large truck so closely that you cannot see the road ahead.
- Using high beams in fog.
- Braking hard while hydroplaning.
- Leaving cruise control on in rain or snow, where it can spin the drive wheels when traction returns.