Defensive Driving: Help Protect Yourself and Others

When you think about the most important skills for safe driving, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s perfect parallel parking, checking your mirrors, or no texting while driving. What about defensive driving?

What Is Defensive Driving?

Defensive driving is a proactive approach to road safety. It means being constantly aware of your surroundings, predicting potential hazards, and making smart decisions to help avoid accidents – even when other drivers aren’t.

At its core, defensive driving is about control over your vehicle, your attention, and your reactions.

Why It Matters

Every year, millions of accidents are caused by speeding, distraction, fatigue, and aggressive behavior on the road. Defensive driving can reduce your chances of being involved in these incidents, regardless of who’s at fault.

Key Defensive Driving Techniques

Here are a few foundational practices every driver should know:

1. Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Tailgating reduces your reaction time. Use the 3-second rule: stay at least three seconds behind the car in front of you, adjusting to bad weather.
2. Eliminate Distractions: Texting, eating, and fiddling with GPS are all dangerous. Your full attention should always be on the road and the drivers around you.
3. Expect the Unexpected: Other drivers will make mistakes. Assume they might not signal, might run a red light, or might drift into your lane. Be ready to respond, not just react.
4. Keep Your Cool: Aggressive driving is contagious. Don’t let another driver’s bad behavior dictate your response.
5. Adapt to Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and night driving all require slower speeds, greater distances, and increased caution.

Vehicle Maintenance = Defensive Driving

A big part of safety is having a car that performs properly. Regularly check:

• Tire pressure and tread
• Brakes and lights
• Wiper blades and washer fluid
• Mirrors and blind spot visibility

Even the best drivers can’t avoid a problem if their car isn’t road ready.

The bottom line: defensive driving can save lives. No one can control everything on the road, but you can control how you drive. Many insurance carriers may offer discounts for drivers who complete certified defensive driving courses. Consult your independent agent to learn more about these programs.

Source: “New York State Driver’s Manual and Practice Tests – Chapter 8: Defensive Driving.” NYS Department of Motor Vehicles. https://dmv.ny.gov/new-york-state-drivers-manual-and-practice-tests/chapter-8-defensive-driving. Accessed May 2, 2025.