Top 9 Defensive Driving Tips in Colorado Springs

Many of us live our life in a hurry, and we all need occasional reminders to drive safely and defensively.  Defensive drivers are cautious and calculated, and much less likely to be involved in an auto accident. Get to your destination safely and without mishap!

9 Tips to Help You With Defensive Driving:

·Watch out for the other guy!  No one has the right-of-way unless it is yielded to them, and no one wins when there is a collision. And don’t be “the other guy” –  stay focused and courteous.

·Wear your seat belt. Use of safety belts alone cuts the rate of injury and death by 50%.

·Don’t drive impaired. Wait at least two hours for each drink before you drive. Even small amounts of alcohol, some prescription drugs, or marijuana (even though it is legal in CO) impair judgment and increase incidence of reckless driving.

·Keep your mind on the road. A 2006 study found that almost 80% of all crashes involve some kind distraction (cell phones, eating, makeup) in the 3 sec. leading up to the accident.

·Slow Down and don’t tailgate! An increase of 10mph will increase your risk of having an accident by up to 50%, and will only get you to your destination a few minutes earlier (or much slower, if you crash). When you tailgate the driver in front of you, you decrease the amount of time you have to react. Or, if someone is too close to your tail, change lanes and let them go around you. (Remember, patience is a virtue!)

·Slow your entrance into an intersection. Even if your light is green, slow down and look both ways twice before venturing forward. Watch out for that person who is running the red light!

·Watch your rearview mirrors and be aware where the cars are in your vicinity.  In case you need take evasive action… have a plan ready for your escape route.

·Aggressive driving is never a good idea. Changing lanes quickly, honking, and hand gestures (usually an indication of the person’s IQ) increase the possibility of reciprocal road rage, and increases everyone’s blood pressure.

·Share the road! As a cyclist, this one hits home. I am very appreciative of motorists who give as much space as possible (recommended space is 5 feet) when passing, or slow down and pass only when it is safe to do so. Be aware that cyclists need room to maneuver around debris and road grates, and often have no shoulder on which to ride.  And thank you for your patience!

“Treat others the way you would like to be treated” works on the road, too. Drive safely, so you don’t end up at the hospital, at Honest Accurate Auto Service, or the body shop!