Obtaining a permit is a process that requires a lot of patience. After all, future vehicle drivers need to be fully prepared and aware of everything to do with traffic rules and driving, especially when it comes to defensive driving.
The skills that make up defensive driving are essential for greater friendliness and safety on the public highway. In fact, a good percentage of accidents could have been avoided if all drivers practiced defensive driving, which is a set of habits and procedures to be practiced in traffic.
The fact is that even good drivers can sometimes be surprised by an unforeseen event that can impair their driving performance.
That’s why a defensive driving course is so important for anyone who wants to drive or already has a license. Indeed, the defensive driving course helps you understand how behaving in traffic can avoid major problems not only for you, but also for other drivers and pedestrians.
Want to know more about the key benefits of a defensive driving course? Read on and check them out!
The main benefits of a defensive driving course
Defensive driving is made up of preventive practices that the driver must adopt to avoid potential accidents. They range from preventive and frequent maintenance of cars to the correct posture of the driver, who must at all times be focused on his or her own actions, as well as those of other drivers and pedestrians.
The opposite of defensive driving is aggressive or offensive driving. This type of driving occurs when the driver fails to observe the rules of safe driving, putting not only his or her own life at risk, but also that of others.
Thinking about emphasizing the importance of following preventive practices, we separate the main benefits of a defensive driving course, which are:
1. Driver and pedestrian safety
Vehicle drivers who adopt the practices that make up defensive driving not only protect themselves, but also ensure safe traffic for all. A driver with careless attitudes can put the lives of many people at risk, including pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists.
Attitudes can make all the difference in traffic and prevent serious accidents. Not using electronic devices while driving, respecting the speed limit and obeying traffic signs are just a few examples of attitudes that are part of the daily routine of a driver who practices defensive driving.
It’s also important to put cordiality into practice. It’s important to avoid conflicts and to be tolerant and patient in traffic, knowing how to deal with potential traffic problems.
You may also like to read this article: Practical driving lessons: everything you need to know!
2. Avoid traffic fines
When a driver fails to practice defensive driving, he or she is likely to run into trouble with traffic tickets. This is because fines reflect the need to drive safely and defensively, and exist to educate drivers.
So for drivers who are responsible and drive carefully, fines are unlikely to be a problem. Those who don’t use their cell phones in traffic, respect the speed limit and crosswalks, don’t run the risk of paying fines and also having points deducted from their license.
3. Provides fuel economy
Anyone who owns a car knows how much you have to spend on fuel. Especially in times of financial crisis, the price of fuel tends to rise sharply and steadily. But when you drive carefully, you can also reduce the number of trips to service stations.
This happens because one of the preventive practices is to keep speed constant and thus avoid any sudden changes. This habit saves money, since when the driver accelerates or brakes suddenly, more fuel is consumed.
By maintaining consistency, the engine is not used frequently, so gasoline or alcohol can be used more efficiently and economically.
4. Prevents the car from getting into trouble in traffic
Another aspect of defensive driving is frequent maintenance. This includes checking car parts, and preventing any problems.
Imagine you’re on a road with lots of fast-moving cars and you have a problem with one of the car’s components? As well as being very dangerous, it’s also very frustrating, because depending on the problem, you’ll need the help of a mechanic and maybe even a tow truck.
When carrying out this maintenance, as well as asking to check the essential elements, you can also take the opportunity to review other elements such as the reverse sensor, for example, avoiding any unforeseen events.
Putting defensive driving into practice
Now that you know the benefits of a defensive driving course, remember that practicing these attitudes not only makes your life safer, but the lives of everyone else in traffic.
Be aware and responsible at the wheel and help make public roads a safe place for everyone!
Where can I take a defensive driving course?
It’s always a good idea to take a defensive driving course, as it helps you develop the skills and knowledge you need to drive safely in difficult or unexpected situations. Auto-école Lémanique in Geneva offers defensive driving courses for drivers of all levels.
During a defensive driving course, you’ll learn how to anticipate dangerous situations on the road, avoid collisions and react in an emergency. Instructors will also show you how to adapt your driving to weather conditions and the road environment, and how to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
Auto-école Lémanique’s defensive driving courses are taught by qualified and experienced instructors, who use effective teaching techniques to help you understand the key concepts of defensive driving. Courses can be tailored to your individual needs and level of experience.
By taking a defensive driving course, you can improve your confidence as a driver, reduce the risk of accidents and protect yourself and others on the road. Please contact us to find out more about their defensive driving courses and to register.