| With the number of traffic accidents, many motorists | | | | slow to react to things like traffic light changes. |
| are looking at defensive driver training to improve their | | | | Motorists should never take for granted that other |
| skills and become safer drivers. Defensive driving | | | | drivers would also drive safely at all times. Instead, |
| programs provide drivers a number of useful | | | | drivers should have greater awareness on the road, |
| strategies to avoid accidents and become more | | | | and calmly make decisions based on the situation at |
| responsible motorists on the road. | | | | hand. |
| An essential part of defensive driving is focusing on | | | | Many motorists make the mistake of getting angry in |
| the task of driving. People do a lot of things inside the | | | | response to another driver's aggressive or reckless |
| car while they drive: Sending text messages, making | | | | driving. However, getting angry can cause a driver to |
| phone calls, eating and drinking. These activities can | | | | make irrational decisions. This can lead to potentially |
| easily distract a driver and cause him or her to take his | | | | dangerous situations on the road and make the |
| or her focus off the road altogether. By focusing on | | | | problem worse. A defensive driver who remains calm |
| the task of driving, a motorist is able to respond to | | | | can make rational decisions. |
| different situations promptly. | | | | Defensive driver training programs help motorists |
| Also part of a defensive driver's training is constant | | | | become more aware of good driving techniques and |
| vigilance behind the wheel. Other drivers could be | | | | safety practices. By learning to drive defensively and |
| angry, sleepy, intoxicated or distracted, and of these | | | | practicing these actions behind the wheel, motorists |
| factors could cause them to drive recklessly or be | | | | can have a safer time while driving. |