Origin of the Term “Defensive Driving”
The term “defensive driving” became widely recognized in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. It was strongly promoted by safety organizations such as National Safety Council.
The idea was based on one core principle – A driver should drive in a way that prevents accidents, regardless of the actions of other road users or conditions around them.
Defensive driving training was first widely used for:
- Military drivers
- Commercial transport operators
- Fleet drivers
- Industrial and corporate organizations
Growth in Commercial and Corporate Use
By the 1960s and 1970s, companies began adopting defensive driving programs to:
- Reduce road crashes
- Protect employees
- Lower insurance costs
- Improve fleet safety performance
Many organizations discovered that driver attitude and hazard anticipation were major factors in accident prevention.
Modern Defensive Driving
Today, defensive driving has evolved into a global road safety practice and is a major component of:
- Fleet management systems
- Driver training schools
- Corporate transport operations
- Government road safety programs
It is also linked to international road safety standards such as ISO 39001, which focuses on reducing road traffic deaths and injuries.
Modern defensive driving now includes:
- Hazard perception
- Fatigue management
- Speed management
- Distracted driving prevention
- Eco-driving techniques
- Journey risk assessment
What is Defensive Driving Techniques?
Defensive Driving Technique (DDT) can be defined as safe driving practices used to anticipate potential hazards, reduce risks, and prevent accidents, in spite of the incorrect actions or driving patterns of others or adverse road and weather conditions.
What are the GOALs of Defensive Driving Techniques?
- Your safety and well being – Drive to stay alive
- Anticipate and avoid hazards that can lead to accidents
- Ensure the safety of passengers and other road users
- Reduce vehicle damage and properties/assets of others (Public and private)
- Improve road safety awareness
Who is a Defensive Driver? A Defensive Driver is the driver who adopts Defensive Driving Techniques on the road.
Basic Principles that guide the MINDSET of a Defensive Driver?
1. Defensive Driver sees other road users as mad or insane: A defensive driver operates with the mindset that other road users may behave in a mad or insane manner at any time. An insane person is unpredictable, and no reasonable person would expect someone acting irrationally to make the right decisions consistently. Therefore, a rational person naturally becomes more careful, alert, and watchful around such behaviours.
In the same way, a defensive driver remains constantly cautious and observant of the vehicle in front, the vehicle behind, oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users in general. A defensive driver continuously anticipates hazards, predicts possible mistakes, and adopts a precautionary approach at all times, with the understanding that any road user can make a wrong judgment, act carelessly, or behave irrationally at any moment.
2. Defensive Drivers Do Not Fight for Right of Way:
A defensive driver understands that dragging or fighting for right of way on the road can be dangerous. This attitude is one of the major causes of road rage, and road rage itself is a major contributor to accidents on highways and public roads.
A defensive driver understands that the primary objective of driving is not to prove who is right, but to protect himself, his passengers, other road users, and property from accidents and harm. Therefore, a defensive driver remains calm, exercises patience, forgives the mistakes of others, and allows unsafe actions or errors from other road users to pass without confrontation or retaliation.
Common Defensive Driving Techniques:
1. Act Correctly – Act In TIME: The standard crash prevention formula includes three main components:
- Hazard recognition
- Understanding the defense
- Acting on time
- Choose the safest driving maneuver to prevent a collision.
2. Control and maintain safe speed: Drive within speed limits and adjust speed for weather, traffic, or road conditions.
3. Maintain Safe Following Distance: Keep enough space between your vehicle and the one ahead. Do not ever do “bumper to bumper” driving. Apply the common “6-second rule.”
4. Do not drive when Intoxicated: Alcohol, drugs, or any intoxicating substance can seriously affect:
- Judgment and decision-making
- Reaction time
- Vision and coordination
- Concentration and alertness
- Speed control and braking ability
Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can increase the risk of crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Intoxicated driving is also illegal in many countries, including Nigeria, and can lead to:
- Arrest or fines
- Loss of driving privileges
- Injury or death
- Damage to property and lives.
5. Stay Alert and Avoid Distracted Driving: Avoid the use of a phone or any mobile device. Avoid other acts that can lead to distracted driving, such as eating, smoking, having a heated argument, reaching for something on the dashboard, seat, or floor, looking at something outside the vehicle etc. Continuously scan mirrors and the road ahead.
6. Always Use Mirrors and Blind Spot Checks: Consistently stay in the same lane and always use a signal if changing over to another lane becomes necessary. Check mirrors regularly, look over your shoulder before changing lanes. Always remember to check for blind spots and changing lanes can increase your chance of potential accidents.
7. Obey Traffic Rules and Signs: Follow road signs, signals, and lane markings consistently. Comply with traffic lights and cooperate with traffic officers.
8. Avoid Aggressive Driving: Stay calm, Do not engage in road rage, tailgating, or unnecessary overtaking.
9. Apply common sense: Drive according to the weather and road conditions. Manage and control speed based on the nature of and the activities around the location.
10. Proper vehicle maintenance: Carry out morning drills on your vehicle before driving. Check oil, wipers, tires, lights, etc. Check your accessories such as fire extinguishers, C-caution etc.