Examples of Defensive Driving

This article outlines possible situations which couldhighway approaching an intersection with a secondary
happen at any time, when least expected, during yourroad which has a stop sign. Another car is approaching
driving career. The defense suggestions are merelythe intersection on your right at a high speed, and it
recommendations for the situation. Each problemappears as though the other driver will not be able to
varies as to detail, so the defense must varystop. What defensive action can you take?
according to the situation. Below are some specificDefensive Driving Tactic 4
situations and specific solutions.Slow down. Put your right foot over the brake. Be
Safe Driving Spells Survivalprepared to make an emergency stop if necessary.
Situation 1This is why it is important to look far when driving in
You are driving down the highway at 60 miles perorder to pick up potential hazards in your peripheral.
hour approaching a curve when another carSituation 5
approaching from the other direction at 70 miles perYou are travelling down a highway at night when your
hour crosses the solid center line heading straight forcar develops engine trouble and starts to lose power.
you.The car speed reduces to 20 miles per hour and the
Defensive Driving Tactic 1engine stalls.
Do not steer to the left across the solid line. Brake, andDefensive Driving Tactic 5
steer out of the way onto the shoulder to the right.Pull completely off the road onto the shoulder, or onto
Sound horn. Do your best to avoid fence posts, trees,a driveway or lot. Turn the emergency four way
etc.flashers on. Lift up the hood. Tie a white cloth to the
Situation 2antenna and use flares if you have them available.
You are driving a vehicle down a slight grade on aSituation 6
main highway at 50 miles per hour. Suddenly the rearYou are driving down a highway when suddenly a car
right tire blows without warning, and the vehiclecoming from the other direction pulls out to pass. It is
swerves to the left and heads for the center whiteapparent that he has not got sufficient room to
line. A car is coming the other way at 60 miles percomplete the maneuver.
hour.Defensive Driving Tactic 6
Defensive Driving Tactic 2Brake immediately. Pull over to the right. Leave the
Do not brake. Gain control of the steering and bring thepavement and go onto the shoulder if necessary. It
car back on the correct side of the road. Let the carmay even be necessary to go into the ditch if the
slow down without using the brake. Pump the brakesother driver does not return to his own lane in time.
very gently at 10 or 15 miles per hour, and stop the carSituation 7
at the side of the road, off the pavement if possible.You are driving alone at night through a mountainous
Situation 3area where there are no motels. You become very
You are driving down the highway in a 60 mile pertired about 50 miles from your destination. Gradually
hour zone when a car approaches from behind. Thisyour eyes start to close for lack of sleep and you feel
car tailgates but does not pass.that you can no longer drive safely.
Defensive Driving Tactic 3Defensive Driving Tactic 7
Slow down so that the vehicle may pass. If possible,Immediately stop the car in an area off the road. Shut
merge into the lane to the right allowing the driver tooff the engine. Get out of the car and take a short
pass. Get off the road if necessary.walk. Open the window part way down and lock the
Situation 4car. Sleep for an hour or two, providing that the
Defensive drivers are always prepared for thetemperature is not below freezing. When refreshed,
unexpected. Imagine that you are driving down a maindrive on.