DEFENSIVE DRIVING TECHNIQUES

Besides simply obeying the traffic laws, driving defensively is an effective way to avoid accidents. More often than not, this means looking out for drivers who are less responsible.

Get the keys from someone who has been drinking or give someone your keys if you have been drinking. If you're on the road and see someone driving erratically, swerving in and out of lanes, slowing down and speeding up, pull over. Let him or her get out of your way and if possible, notify the authorities of the reckless driver.

• Keep both hands on the wheel and be prepared to stop or swerve suddenly.
• Avoid distracting activities such as eating or drinking.
• Take extra caution at intersections.
• Avoid the blind spots of other drivers (especially truck drivers).
• Know you're surroundings and recognize areas such as school zones or neighborhoods with children.
• Look before you pass. Don't rely only on your review mirror. Look behind you, use your blinker and then pass if it's safe.
• Keep your distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. The 2 second rule helps you determine if you have given yourself enough room. Find a fixed point on the side of the road such as telephone poll or mile marker. After the car in front of you passes the point it should take you about 2 seconds before you reach it.