The holiday season is a wonderful time to hit the road for a visit with family and friends. But it often means long drives in heavy traffic. To help you stay safe (and sane) on the road to your destination, here’s a list of defensive driving tips to prepare you for the drive.
Planning: The First Line of Defense
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), defensive driving means taking reasonable action to prevent a collision. But defensive driving starts before you even get on the road. Checking weather and road conditions in advance helps you plan a route and know what to expect along the way. It’s also important to pack the car with basic supplies. A first aid kit, flares, snacks and blankets ensure you’re ready for emergencies on long drives.
Traffic Watch
The holiday season is not only one of the busiest travel times, but this year’s low gas prices mean many people will probably choose to drive. And more cars on the road means a higher chance of fatal crashes, so it’s extra important to stay alert this year and learn to spot and avoid hazards using these NSC-approved tips.
– Defensive driving instructors recommend checking your mirrors every three to five seconds and continuously scanning ahead for possible dangers.
– Always give the right of way to fellow motorists, but be prepared to react to unexpected lane changes and turns.
– During heavy traffic, keep a safe distance from other vehicles and give yourself ample response time by slowing your speed.
– Look for signs of impaired, distracted and even aggressive driving and develop techniques like deep breathing to keep calm under pressure.
Collision-Proof Your Drive
The NSC has identified six unsafe driving behaviors that most often lead to collisions. By understanding each infraction and learning how to avoid them, holiday travelers can develop safer driving habits and collision avoidance techniques.
1) Improper speed. Keep a close eye on both the posted speed limit and weather conditions. Even if you’re obeying the limit, you may need to slow down to drive safely on a wet or icy road.
2) Violating right of way. To make sure you’re yielding properly and following all traffic signals and stop signs, drive at an appropriate speed to give yourself time to react and take a moment to scan intersections before entering them.
3) Driving left of center. Patience and foresight are key to avoiding this unsafe behavior. Slow down and stay behind cyclists or pedestrians until it’s safe to pass them, and watch the road ahead for animals or other obstacles so you can brake or safely steer around them instead of swerving into the other lane.
4) Turning improperly. Always use turn signals to let other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists know where you’re going. (Most traffic laws require you to signal within 100 feet of a turn, but you should check local regulations.)
5) Passing improperly. When passing, be sure to use your turn signals and check your blind spots, as well as in front of and behind your vehicle. You should be able to pass without getting too close to the car ahead or going over the speed limit; if you can’t, it may not be safe to pass.
6) Following too closely. At low speeds, this can lead to irritating fender benders; at high speeds, it can be deadly. Give yourself at least three seconds of distance between your own vehicle and the one ahead. If someone is tailgating you, don’t speed up! Maintain your speed and move over to let him or her pass if and when it is safe to do so.
Did you know? GEICO policyholders who complete defensive driver training could qualify for discounts on their auto insurance, depending on the state they live in. To learn more about defensive driver courses in your state, visit geico.com/ddc.
By Katherine Palbom & Kristen Koch
don hurst says,
Very helpful reminders during the holidays and always! Thanks,
Nia soule says,
Thanks. That’s great idea and remind us to drive safety.
Happy Holiday.
Miguel A Gutierrez says,
driver first thing we have to use our cintiron adjust your mirrors to check its functioning with the minimum be aware of the area celocidad calmly confucir not use cell not argue with anyone be so arrive amanle driving safer
Scott says,
Three simple things that would improve traffic and safety:
1. Pay Attention at all times- Situational Awareness
2. Use your Turn Signals.
3. Slow Traffic Keep Right.
kathleen sconce says,
Very good advice! I dont drive much , but it really gave me some idea’s that I never knew, So I’m very happy you sent this ! Thank you , so much , have a very merry Chistmas and New year !!!!???????????????????????????
Hung Do says,
It is very good defensive driving in heavy traffic for holiday season.
Some how you do not get accident by heavy traffic by defensing driving . But you get hit by drunk driving on the road. that is a problem.
I think better way is stay home for safety.
do not driving and shopping by online and get free delivery to your home.
Go to buy food at your local grocery in town close to your house.
You can make a phone call to relationships and friends to say happy holiday.
You don’t worry about drive on Hwy or free way with heavy traffic. They can kill you by accident. You have internet you can see your friends on skype or on Viper it is free no need call long distance charge.
Just Me says,
That is great information, I will pass on to Those I know, I always lookalike direction’s and always use turn signals always, be safe, Merry Christmas to all! :-):-):-)
Richard Kapise says,
This is a very good thing for Gejco to do especially just before the holiday. A memo / reminder should be sent out each year .
Romeo says,
Moreover, I have noticed that during the holidays people drive extremely aggressively.
Probably, thinking about getting presents, attending parties and spending money with credit cards. Getting in debt, upset, and unhappy.
Sissie Duvall says,
Wished states would post more speed signs, once you past a sign and missed it, due to watching traffic, driver in front, darkness and concentrating on lines in roads, you won’t see another until it’s too late and you get stopped, or you are driving too slow. Or there are no more for long distances.
Joseph lafranco says,
That’s great to remind us to drive properly thank you ? Happy holidays
Ron Clayton says,
You forgot to mention hazards like: texting, dialing a cell phone, map reading, fiddling with the radio or tape/CD player, eating, or looking at passengers with whom you are talking, and of course … drugs and alcohol!
John says,
Great suggestions, stay safe.
Kathy Hicks says,
Is it possible for me to get a discount if I m already trained in defensive driving? I had my CDL’s and drove for C R England. They have safety classes monthly and I am a very safe driver. If I can prove I have been instructed?
Jacob says,
I don’t think having a CDL license would get you a discount, but depending on the state you reside in, taking a Defense Driving course can get you a discount if taken within the past 3 years.
Cynthia Smiles says,
Thank you for your information. It will be helpful for those who are traveling over the holidays and in everyday life.
Alborona Douglas says,
Thank you for the information.