Copyright 2007 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Defensive Driving Tips
Always wear your safety belt when driving and insist that your passengers wear a safety belt, too. Wearing a safety belt is required by law in every state, except New Hampshire. In some states, passengers also are required by law to wear a safety belt.
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Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol slows your reaction time, blurs and distorts vision, and impairs your judgment about distance.
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Never use illegal drugs.
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Read the labels on all prescription medications for warnings; consult your physician about how your medications or over-the-counter drugs could affect your driving.
Speed
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Never exceed the posted speed limit. Weather conditions permitting, always maintain the legal speed limit.
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To maintain a safe distance between you and the car ahead, keep a following distance of at least two seconds. Add one second for each adverse driving condition such as bad weather.
Intersections
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When approaching a green light, be prepared for it to turn red. It may have been green for a long time.
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When stopped at a red light and it turns green, proceed slowly. Look left and right before you drive through the intersection.
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Yellow lights mean proceed with caution, not speed up to get through the intersection before the light turns red.
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Turning right at a red light is not permitted in every state. Even in states where it is permitted, turning right is not allowed in some intersections. Watch for signs at the intersection.
Passing
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Make sure you are in a passing zone.
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Be certain that there is no oncoming traffic.
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Look at all mirrors carefully before you make a lane change.
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Look behind you for any vehicles that might be trying to pass you.
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Be aware of any blind spots. Once the lane is clear, signal your move.
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Move into the passing lane, and accelerate to pass the car in front of you.
Know Your Environment
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Never look directly at an approaching car's headlights. Use the right edge of the pavement as a lane guide until the other car has passed.
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Be aware of any potential road hazards. Watch for cars that suddenly swerve from their lanes to avoid pot holes, construction barriers, or stalled vehicles.
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Bad weather such as rain, snow, or fog can make driving difficult. Always watch for difficult conditions and be prepared to take defensive action. Follow these bad weather tips:
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The tires on your car can lose traction on wet roads. Slow down if the roads are wet.
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Snow and ice can make roads slippery. If your car goes into a skid, do not push down hard on the brakes. Take your foot off the accelerator and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. Do not turn sharply. Use moderate turns of the wheel until you come out of the skid.
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Slow down as you approach shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses in winter. These areas freeze first and stay frozen longer.
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When driving on a highway, always be prepared for drivers to changes lanes suddenly in order to exit.
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Do not let your emotions dominate your driving.
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Do not drive when you are tired. If you feel tired, pull off the road for some exercise and fresh air or a cup of coffee.
Maintain Your Vehicle
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Cooling system (radiator, radiator cap, thermostat, and hoses)
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Brakes and brake fluid
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Belts (fan, alternator, and air conditioning)
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Tires
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Engine fluids (motor oil, transmission fluid, and coolant)
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Lights
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Wiper blades
Source: Defensive Driving: The Best Offense, National Safety Council, 1991, 1121 Spring Dr., Itasca, Ill. 60143-3201.
Last reviewed and updated: July 2007
AAOS does not review or endorse accuracy or effectiveness of materials, treatments or physicians.
Copyright 2007 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Your Orthopaedic Connection
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
6300 N. River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: 847.823.7186
Email: orthoinfo@aaos.org
