Sunday, 10 January 2016

Defensive Driving Helps Keep The Roads Safer For All Of Us

By Kenneth Cox


Piloting an automobile on the roads is dangerous. Especially when people are in a hurry to get to work or someplace they're supposed to be, accidents can happen. Defensive driving is a way to keep yourself out of trouble and make the highways safer for everyone on them.

Port Coquitlam is an incorporated city that has become a bedroom community for people who work in Vancouver. It is a pleasant city, but in rush hour its commuter arteries can be fast and furious. As congestion gets worse, drivers need to do their part to avoid accident and injury.

Everyone is in a hurry, but the best way to get somewhere on time is to do it safely. Otherwise you'll be on the side of the road waiting for an officer to sort out the accident - that is, if you're not taking a detour to the hospital. Accidents are a waste of time, money, and life. Avoiding them in the first place just makes sense.

Also use common sense when behind the wheel. Speed makes everything worse. If you are traveling fast, you have less time to react to problems ahead or mistakes made by other drivers. Don't just obey the speed limit (although that's always a good idea.) Take into account the road conditions, visibility, and the number of cars traveling with you. When the weather is bad, slow down even more.

Intersections add another dimension of danger on the roads. Running a red light is so common that careful drivers check to make sure cross traffic is stopped before proceeding on a green light. Just because you have the right of way does not mean it's safe to take it. An extra second to make sure the way is clear can make all the difference.

Following other vehicles closely is another habit that can get you into trouble. If the driver ahead slows down or slams on the brakes, you may crash right into that car. Giving yourself time to see traffic ahead slowing or stopping can mean the difference between a safe stop and an accident. If you run into the car ahead, the accident will be your fault and your insurance will have to pay for damages - not a good scene.

Getting into the habit of looking ahead and anticipating driver error or hazards on the road will help no matter what is happening. Maybe there's a large animal on the road - like a deer, elk, or moose. Maybe a car on a side road is pulling out regardless of your approach. By anticipating the unexpected, you will have time to react appropriately and spare yourself and others on the road the hassle and danger of a collision.

There are courses in driving safely that are run by the government or sponsored by non-profit organizations. Driving schools in Port Coquitlam teach these skills. You maybe able to save on insurance or get points taken off your record if you take such a course. You also will learn to be a better driver.




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