Bell Insurance Defensive Driving

Defensive Driving

According to the National Safety Council, over two million people suffer disabling injuries, and more than 41,000 people lose their lives in motor vehicle crashes each year. Impaired or careless driving and not using occupant restraints, high speeds, threatens every driver—regardless of how careful or how skilled.
Driving defensively means not only keeping an eye on "the other guy" but also taking responsibility for yourself and your actions. The National Safety Council suggests the following guidelines to help reduce your risks on the road.

Safety belts save thousands of lives each year! Lock all doors. Don't start the engine without securing each passenger in the car, including children and pets.
Driving too fast or too slow can increase the likelihood of collisions.
Alcohol is a factor in almost half of all fatal motor vehicle crashes. If you plan to drink, designate a driver who won't drink. Don't kid yourself.
Stay alert! If you notice that a car is stopping abruptly, weaving, straddling the center line, making wide turns, or responding slowly to traffic signals, the driver may be impaired.
If it appears that an oncoming car is crossing into your lane, pull over to the roadside, flash your lights and sound the horn. Avoid an impaired driver by turning right at the nearest corner or exiting at the nearest exit.
Notify the police immediately after seeing a motorist who is driving suspiciously.
Don't contest the "right of way" or try to race another car during a merge. Be respectful of other motorists. Follow the rules of the road.
Always use a "three-second following distance" or a "three-second plus following distance." Don't follow too closely.
While driving, be aware, responsible and cautious of other drivers.