Making roads safer by defensive driving
JOHANNESBURG – Defensive driving is not merely using a set of driving skills when on the road. It starts with preparedness on the side of the driver and awareness of abilities, challenges and restraints, said Arrive Alive spokesperson Wendy Watson.
In a released statement, Arrive Alive spokesperson Wendy Watson said that the biggest cause of road crashes in South Africa is driver error. It is generally accepted that 85-90 per cent of road crashes can be attributed to driver error.
Watson said that this includes not only the honest mistake or error in judgment but also driver recklessness, driver inattention and many other factors.
“It is important that we strive both to reduce these errors on our side and adjust our driving to be more attentive and defend ourselves against the threats from errors by other road users. These skills and techniques required are called defensive driving,” said Watson.
Watson explained that when driving defensively, people are aware and ready for whatever happens. “We are cautious, yet ready to take action and not put our fate in the hands of other drivers.
“Defensive driving is the practice of maintaining an awareness of road and weather conditions, other vehicles, road users and potentially hazardous situations and then taking steps to prevent becoming the cause of or becoming involved in a road crash,” explained Watson.
“Defensive driving is not merely using a set of driving skills when on the road. It starts with preparedness on the side of the driver and awareness of abilities, challenges, restraints etc,” said Watson.
Watson cautioned that sometimes the best way to defend oneself against dangers is to avoid confrontation with the danger.
Watson noted that preparedness for defensive driving includes an awareness of the following:
- Your own driving ability
“We have to drive within our ability. Elderly drivers are good at using their experience to compensate for lack of among others physical strength, reduced eyesight and hearing. They drive defensively by adjusting their time of travel and where they drive,’ said Watson.
- Vehicle fitness
“The defensive driver will be aware of vehicle capabilities and limitations. This would include going onto the road and towing a trailer, awareness of the ability to overtake,” said Watson.
Watson said that defensive drivers will ensure that their vehicles are well maintained and in roadworthy condition with properly inflated tyres, clean windshields and wipers, reliable engine and suspension.
- The road and traffic conditions
“Defensive driving is also an awareness of when not to drive when to delay travel and when and where to remain stationary inside the vehicle. This is discussed in more detail on the Arrive Alive website in the section on safe driving in bad weather conditions,” said Watson.
- Readiness to adjust to road and weather conditions
Watson said that the driver must always be willing and able to adapt to road conditions. Safe road conditions cannot be assumed and chances should never be taken. When in doubt –don’t.
“Even light rain can produce dangerous conditions, particularly early in the season when the water picks up oil from the road surface, making it slippery. Tyres lose their grip at higher speeds, so slowing down in inclement weather is a fundamental defensive-driving technique,” said Watson.
Related article:
