You can’t control what other drivers do. However, you can take proactive measures to reduce your risk of getting into a crash while traveling on a New Jersey road or highway. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of defensive driving and how it can help you stay safe while driving to work, school or other destinations.
What is defensive driving?
When you drive in a defensive manner, you assume that everyone else on the road is going to make a mistake that could put you in danger. For example, you assume that the person driving the car in the lane next to yours will attempt to move over without using a turn signal. If you see someone in another vehicle using a cellphone, you assume that they may stop, slow down or otherwise move in an erratic fashion.
Why should you engage in defensive driving?
Defensive driving may reduce your risk of a crash because it allows you to remain calm regardless of how busy a road may be. This is because you already know what you’ll do if you see someone making an unsafe lane change or traveling at an inconsistent rate of speed. In some cases, keeping your stress level in check can prevent you from being the one who is driving in an aggressive or unsafe manner.
Going on the defensive forces you to remain aware of what’s around you
You can’t drive in a defensive manner if you are using your phone or talking to a passenger. Ultimately, this strategy forces you to remain focused on road conditions, which can reduce your odds of a car accident in almost any type of situation.
If you are involved in a crash caused by an inattentive or aggressive driver, it may be worthwhile to take legal action. Thia may allow you to recover the cost of medical bills and other losses that you incurred.