What is the Importance of Defensive Driving Courses?
A defensive driving course which is also commonly referred to as traffic school is beneficial to all drivers regardless of their driving ability or age. The course aims at reducing the dangers and potential hazards that are likely to occur when driving. The course also familiarizes the drivers with these hazards to impart them with skills that will help the drivers avert and avoid accidents. To enable the drivers to anticipate hazards, the course instructs the drivers to focus 15 seconds ahead thereby giving you time to react. Additionally, the course also instructs the drivers to give other drivers space and time to avoid collisions. Here are some of the basics:
Traffic Crashes
Traffic crashes cause both personal and social impacts. On average, millions of people across the globe die annually from traffic collisions, with other tens of millions suffering permanent injuries. Most of the accidents that occur on the road every day are avoidable by up to 99%. As such, with the right training and instruction, drivers can be able to prevent the likelihood of the crashes occurring. The main aim of defensive driving is reducing the risks of the accidents occur. This is achieved by educating drivers to exercise good judgment and great caution while driving.
Human Factors
Driving under the influence is one of the main causes of accidents in the present times. All driving courses educate drivers about the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. While drugs have different influences in the body, it is worth noting that all drugs intoxicate the mind and hence may hinder the efficient functioning of the mind. This hinders the ability of the driver to make life-saving decisions when driving in the event of a likelihood of an accident occurring. With defensive driving training, drivers are advised on the permissible alcohol limits in different states and countries.
Psychological Factors
Drivers deal with different personal issues that can have a great impact on their driving. These issues cause a great psychological toll on the driver and often affect the normal functioning of their minds. This, in turn, may inhibit the driver’s ability to focus on the road. Defensive driving courses focus on training drivers on overcoming negative psychological factors like unnecessary stress, emotional distress, road rage and fatigue. The courses also instruct the drivers on developing positive attitudes when driving thereby enhancing the drivers’ focus on the road.
Crash Prevention Techniques
The highlight of defensive driving courses is training drivers on crash prevention techniques. This is achieved by training the drivers in recognizing potential hazards that are likely to cause accidents. Some of the crucial crash prevention techniques are such as adapting to surroundings and knowing your vehicle’s braking ability and distance. Other techniques include speed adjustments, safe over-taking and right of way among other
aspects.
For drivers who enroll for defensive driving courses, their driving skills are polished, and as such, their likelihood of causing accidents are greatly minimized. In some states, these courses are mandatory, and all drivers are required to go for these courses before they are given their licenses.
