Driving is dangerous, but you can take steps that make it safe for you and other road users. More than six thousand people suffer permanent disabilities or injuries from road accidents. An additional one hundred people die in automotive accidents every day. Defensive driving is one of the most reliable way to that guarantee safety for you and those around you.
Defensive driving is a technique where the driver is always ready to defend against hazards from the outside or inside the car. Since you cannot control how other drivers behave on the road, you can take charge of your behavior when driving.
Introducing your teenager to defense driving will guarantee their safety when they are on the road. Are you wondering why you should enroll your teenager in a driving school to learn defensive training? Here are some reasons why you should register for them.
Builds confidence
Once your teen starts driving, you do not want them to be overconfident on the road. Overconfidence leads drivers into situations that could have been prevented if they were cautious. Overspeeding, overtaking carelessly, drunk driving, and ignoring traffic signs are some of the consequences of overconfidence.
Defensive driving classes will mold your teen to be a confident but cautious driver.
Creates Awareness
Defensive driving awakens your alertness on the road. The skill helps you to be on the lookout for possible hazards on the road. The attention allows you to maneuver through difficult situations on the road without harm. Enrolling your teen in the class will enable him to learn how to use the mirrors to check out for any danger and to find ways to avoid risky incidences.
Power to Make Informed Decisions
When driving, your teen has zero control over what other drivers do on the road. Unfortunately, other people’s actions can lead to undesirable consequences, such as injuries or death. So, equipping your teen with information on risky activities on the road and ways to deal with them safely saves his life and that of other road users. When an unexpected incident happens on the road, your teen will respond responsibly because they have learned how to make informed decisions during such situations.
How can your teen apply skills learned during defensive driving classes?
- Buckle up your set belt the moment you enter the vehicle. It improves your safety in the car.
- It is easy to get angry when on the road. However, it would be best if you did not react but rather respond. It takes practice to move from reacting to responding to challenging situations on the road.
- Teenagers learn to avoid distractions, such as using the phone while driving. Distractions are a leading cause of automotive accidents.
- Always be ready for the worst from the other drivers. Since you cannot tell the drivers’ condition on the road, keep an eye on their driving habits. If you notice unusual driving tendencies, be cautious.
- Maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. The space gives you an allowance to brake in case of an emergency. However, during bad weather or when driving in a place with debris, increase the distance as the brakes do not respond as fast under such conditions.
- Watch out for the road signs and follow them. If conditions such as bad weather make it impossible to keep up with the recommended speed limit, drive at a comfortable speed.
Defensive driving equips your teen with the right skills to be a better and safer driver. Every parent feels at peace when they know their child is safe. Consider enrolling your teen for defensive training classes.