5.3. Defensive Driving

Defensive driving means doing all you can to prevent crashes. As a defensive driver, you will "give" a little. You will change your driving to fit the weather conditions, the way you feel, and the actions of other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. Follow these steps to avoid crashes:

1. Look for possible danger. Think about what might happen. If there are children playing by the road, plan what you will do if one runs or rides into the street.
2. Understand what can be done to prevent a crash. See the defensive driving tips which follow and the Handling Emergencies section later in this chapter.
3. Act in time. Once you have seen a dangerous situation, act right away to prevent a crash.

Use these defensive driving tips if you see that you are about to be involved in a crash:

• It is better to swerve right instead of toward oncoming traffic to prevent a crash.
• Hitting a row of bushes is better than hitting a tree, post or solid object.
• Hitting a vehicle moving in the same direction as you are is better than hitting a vehicle head-on.
• It is better to drive off the road than skid off when avoiding a crash.
• It is better to hit something that is not moving instead of a vehicle moving toward you.

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