Driving gives you the freedom to work, travel, and live your life, wherever it may take you. Like any freedom, though, it comes with responsibilities, like following the rules of the road and operating your vehicle safely.
While preparing for your road test will help you understand the laws you must follow when driving, it won’t necessarily give you the skills you need to deal with other drivers on the roadway. This comes from experience.
Some drivers are aggressive, while others are defensive. What separates these two driving styles, and which type of driving should you practice?
What Is Defensive Driving?
Defensive driving involves driving in a way that is meant to minimize risks and ensure the safety of you, your passengers, and anyone else sharing the roadways with you, such as other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
In addition to following the road rules and responsible behaviors you learn from driving lessons, you need to keep an eye on what others are doing. To be a defensive driver, you have to stay alert and pay attention to what’s going on around you so that you can react appropriately.
If another driver were to cut you off, for example, would you be prepared to brake or change lanes suddenly? Are you aware enough to make room for a cyclist who veers into your lane to avoid a parked car? Increasing your awareness, honing your reflexes, and learning strategies to avoid harm is all part of developing defensive driving skills.
What Is Aggressive Driving?
People often confuse defensive driving with aggressive driving, but the latter involves a reckless disregard for the rules of the road. Speeding, ignoring stop signs, weaving in heavy traffic, and incidents of road rage all fall under the category of aggressive driving, and they can lead you to harm yourself or others.
Become a Defensive Driver Today
Auto Safety Driving School teaches teens in Tampa safe and effective driving techniques, so they can practice defensive driving and avoid aggressive driving. Call 813-875-4809 to learn more or schedule a private driving lesson with Auto Safety Driving School today.