Unlock the Safe Driving Technique You Need to Master

Automotive technology has evolved significantly today, including its safety features that help minimize risks when driving.

The most recent cars have been equipped with various active safety features, such as ABS brakes, reversing cameras, crash sensors, and passive safety features, such as airbags and crumple zones.

But, no matter how expensive and advanced the safety features a car has, the key to safe driving lies in the driver.

Technology is complementary only as the driver remains the most important factor in safety. Sadly, there are still many reckless drivers exhibiting bad behaviors on the road.

Racer-style driving is indeed unnecessary for driving safely. Rather, road safety refers to traffic behavior and understanding, which, in automotive terms, is often referred to as defensive driving techniques.

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Defensive Driving Tips for Safe Driving

Understand Car Dynamics

At its core, every vehicle moves at the will of its drivers. A good driver must understand every movement of their vehicle, including its dynamics.

This can be done when accelerating, turning, or braking, so the driver can predict the car’s dynamics in any conditions.

For example, when the throttle is suddenly applied, the tires may slip and move uncontrollably. Alternatively, when you enter a turn at high speed without reducing the throttle pressure, the car will tend to slide outward due to centrifugal force.

Lastly, when you suddenly brake at a high speed, the tires will skid, and the car will become uncontrollable. Drivers must understand these kinds of dynamics so that they can handle their cars.

See also: 5 Car Features Adding Comfort to the Driver

Keep a Safe Distance

Keeping a safe distance is the most basic and easiest way to avoid accidents. One of the ways to measure a safe distance is the 3-second rule, which is highly effective when driving over 40km/hour.

To do this, calculate the time when the front vehicle passes an object, such as trees, electric poles, and traffic signs, and use it as a reference point. The interval when your vehicle reaches the object must be three seconds after the front vehicle.

Pay Attention to the Surroundings

Drivers should keep their eyes on the road to anticipate and map out traffic conditions. If there are obstacles, such as potholes, people crossing, or vehicles going in and out of the road, be prepared and anticipate them early. The driver must make sure that their path is absolutely safe.

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Mind the Blind Spots

Every car has different blind spotsor the areas with obstructed view within the range of the eyes and rearview mirror. Check the car’s surrounding condition every 5-8 seconds, especially ahead of maneuvering.

This awareness is also useful to avoid drowsiness caused by the monotonous view fixated on only one point, like when driving on a straight and free highway.

Avoid Distractions

Avoid doing other activities that can distract your concentration when driving, such as using a phone, eating and drinking, changing radio stations, searching for songs on the head unit, or even looking at the digital map.

Try to keep your focus on the road and the surroundings. If you need to do those things, pull over and pause driving.

Those are the basic techniques according to the defensive driving method for a safe trip. Never assume that advanced technology in a vehicle can guarantee complete safety and always prioritize safe driving while on the road.

For comfortable and safe daily mobility, you can rent a car at TRAC. As a pioneer in vehicle rental services, TRAC offers transportation solutions to companies and individuals alike.

See also: Check Out the List of Luxury Cars You Can Rent at TRAC

TRAC offers self-drive car rental services or with a driver. The car choices are varied, well-maintained, and ready to use. For daily driving, we have city cars, SUVs, MOVs, and even fuel-efficient LCGCs such as Yaris, Agya, Ayla, Calya, Avanza, and Innova. Click here to learn more about the car choices.

For ease of transaction, you can directly order from the reservation page on TRAC’s website. Alternatively, you can rent via the TRACtoGo app, which is available for download on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.