Safe and Defensive Driving Practices
Defensive driving is a habit of scanning, not a list of reactions. A simple framework is Search, Evaluate, Execute: search the road 12–15 seconds ahead, evaluate what could go wrong, and execute one smooth action instead of a panic move.
Space and vision
Keep a cushion on all four sides. Check mirrors every few seconds, but remember mirrors leave blind spots - turn your head before changing lanes. Signal early and cancel the signal afterward. At night, dim high beams within about 500 feet of oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle.
Bad weather
Puerto Rico gives you sudden heavy rain. Turn on your headlights whenever the wipers are on. If you hydroplane (steering feels light, the car floats), ease off the accelerator and hold the wheel straight - do not brake hard or jerk the wheel. In fog, use low beams; high beams reflect back and make things worse.
Skids and brakes
If you skid, look and steer where you want the car to go and ease off the gas. With ABS, press the brake firmly and keep pressing - do not pump the pedal; the vibration is normal. Without ABS, pump gently.
Aggressive drivers
Do not engage. Do not make eye contact, do not brake-check, and let the other driver go. Tailgaters should be given room to pass.
Occupant protection
Wear the lap belt low across the hips and the shoulder belt across the collarbone, never under the arm. Children need an approved child restraint per Puerto Rico law, and children should ride in the back seat whenever possible.
Rule of thumb: if you have to choose between two actions, choose the smoother, slower one - sudden inputs are what turn a scare into a crash.