You cannot control every other driver, but you can give yourself more space and time to respond. Defensive driving means looking ahead for potential trouble and acting before it becomes an emergency.
At a glance
Anticipate hazards, adapt to conditions and leave room for other people’s mistakes. No technique can guarantee a crash-free journey.
In this article
1. Spot problems before they develop
Defensive driving is proactive. Instead of watching only the vehicle directly ahead, scan further along the road for slowing traffic, pedestrians and other changes. These accident prevention habits give you more opportunities to act early. Leaving a safe gap gives you time to react without an abrupt response.
Choose a following distance that suits your speed, visibility and vehicle. Queensland’s safe following distance guidance explains how to use a roadside marker to judge your gap and why you need more space in poor conditions.
2. Adjust to bad weather
Rain can change visibility and grip, so the same speed and gap may no longer be suitable. Slow down as conditions require, leave more space and keep your actions smooth. If conditions are unsafe, delay the trip.
Never attempt to drive across a flooded road. Training does not make floodwater safe to enter. Follow closures and the Queensland wet-weather advice.
Confidence comes
with practice.Build your skills, one lesson at a time.
3. Prepare for unfamiliar roads
New surroundings can add to your workload. Plan the route before setting off, read signs early and get into the appropriate lane in good time. Review the steps for changing lanes safely before practising on an unfamiliar route. If you miss a turn, take a safe alternative instead of making a sudden manoeuvre.
Working through different driving situations with an instructor gives you a chance to practise these habits with support. Find out about easyas and the lessons available in your area.
Build habits you can use every day
After a practice drive, discuss one hazard you noticed early and one you could have spotted sooner. Repeat that habit on the next trip. Defensive driving is an ongoing approach to sharing the road, rather than a guarantee that other people will act safely.
Sources and further reading