How to Avoid Reckless Drivers

Stay Safe on the Road: Defensive Driving

Nearly every motorist has a harrowing tale of another reckless driver on the road. However, do you know what to do to avoid careless drivers on the road? Avoid an accident and a call to us here at Fife Towing for an emergency tow by following fundamental defensive driving basics.

What is Defensive Driving?

Defensive driving is a way for motorists to use safe driving strategies to avoid hazards and reckless drivers on the road. Defensive driving courses go above and beyond instruction on basic traffic laws, as is the case in most driver’s education courses offered to first-time drivers.

In defensive driving courses, students learn to anticipate dangerous situations and practice making well-informed decisions on the road.

Defensive Driving Basics

There are a few basic rules to defensive driving, and they are as follows:

1. Safety First

No matter what the conditions of the road or the behavior of other motorists, one of the key facets of defensive driving is to think safety first. Motorists should refrain from aggressive and inattentive driving habits, such as cutting off other motorists or talking on the phone while driving. Always lock the doors and wear a seatbelt.

2. Stay Focused

Beware of road conditions and other drivers. Pay attention to your mirrors, and make sure to check road conditions at least 20 seconds ahead of your vehicle. Make sure to watch for any bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and pets on the roadway.

3. Follow the Four Second Rule

Make sure that there is plenty of room between your vehicle and vehicles ahead of you by ensuring that you stay at least 4 seconds of travel time away from them. This distance allows you to stop in time to avoid an accident in case of an emergency.

4. Have an Escape Route

In all situations, motorists should position their vehicles in a place where other motorists can see them. Planning for an alternate path of travel in case of a sudden blockage is also essential to defensive driving.

The Benefits of a Defensive Driving Course

In some cases, motorists may want to enroll in a defensive driving course. While defensive driving courses are often required after a ticket in exchange for a reduction of driver’s license points and a guarantee that auto insurance rates won’t go up. However, in some states, a defensive driving certificate can result in a 10% reduction in insurance rates for up to five years!

How To Spot a Distracted Driver

Most motorists have come across a distracted or reckless driver at some point on the road. Keep a lookout for these signs of a distracted driver:

Avoid an emergency tow by paying attention and staying focused on the road at all times!

• Staying at a stoplight or stop sign too long.
• Inability to maintain a consistent speed.
• Inability to maintain consistent lane position.
• Going much faster or slower than the flow of traffic.
• Weaving in and out of traffic.

How to Handle Distracted and Reckless Drivers

In addition to employing basic defensive driving tactics, motorists should do the following to prevent an accident with a distracted driver:

1. Check Intersections

Before driving through an intersection, check oncoming traffic quickly. Distracted or impaired drivers may not pay attention to a red light. Avoid an accident by paying attention.

2. Maintain Focus

The key to avoiding an accident caused by a distracted or reckless driver is to pay attention at all times. Keep a lookout for any motorists behaving recklessly and plan accordingly.

3. Stay Away

If you notice a reckless driver on the road, stay away from them. Do not tailgate the driver. Do not attempt to go around them. Keep a safe distance to avoid accidents.

4. Assume the Distracted Driver Cannot See You

To keep yourself and any other passengers safe, assume that a reckless driver cannot see you, even if a focused driver would.

5. Report the Behavior

Get to a safe place or have a passenger call 911. Make sure to give a detailed description of the vehicle, including make, model, and license plate number. Ensure that the dispatcher understands where you are, especially if traveling on a highway at high speeds.

How can Fife Service & Towing Help You?

As a family-owned business since 1949, the staff at Fife Service & Towing care about their customers’ safety. If you get into an accident or need a tow, Fife Service & Towing has emergency tow operators on call 24/7. In addition to vehicle tows, Fife Service & Towing can also help with recovery projects. Call today to find out more about how we can best serve you.

As part of our response to COVID-19, we are following all state guidelines recommended to help curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. If you have any questions about our staff’s procedures when it comes to disinfection or social distancing, please give us a call.