Adopting defensive driving techniques will help you stay relaxed on the road, helping you avoid accidents — and high vehicle bills.

It is surprisingly simple to follow. All you need to is a bit of practice and focus.

“Defensive driving is basically driving in a systematic way, taking, using and giving information to reduce risk, planning effectively and actively managing the behaviour of other road users by your actions,” said Ian Littlefield, Training and EnQHSE Manager, Dubai Driving Centre.

As a driver, managing your own behaviour in itself is quite a task, but how do you manage the behaviour of other road users?

Littlefield said the key is to create a bubble of safety around your vehicle by giving yourself enough time and space to make your journey safe and relaxed.

“Controlling your speed to give you enough time to act safely and smoothly on the information you are taking in will help you create a bubble of space around the vehicle. When someone squeezes your bubble from the back, you extend it in front and you try to do the same with your side space. It might sound complicated but in reality with a little bit of practice it becomes second nature,” added Littlefield.

Once a driver adopts defensive techniques, he is more relaxed, gets involved in fewer incidents and saves money on vehicle-related bills.

SOURCE : GULFNEWS