Tyler Gross | January 30, 2025 | Car Accidents
Many people don’t realize that there’s a difference between being a good driver and being a defensive driver. One has a lot to do with making sure you’re following the law. The other has more to do with knowing how to keep yourself and your fellow citizens safe — even when other drivers don’t seem to have that goal in mind.
In this day and age, many driver education programs in Florida focus on what is known as “defensive driving.” This helps you develop an understanding of how to safely respond to road hazards, including debris, inclement weather, damaged roads, and others’ poor driving habits.
Whether you’re just learning to drive or have been on the road for years, it’s never too late to improve your skills. Take a closer look at the crucial principles of defensive driving and how you can contribute to making your local roadways safer for everyone.
The Benefits of Defensive Driving
Safety is the most significant benefit of defensive driving.
However, there are some additional advantages of learning to drive this way, such as:
- Reducing the likelihood of receiving a ticket or moving violation
- Saving on vehicle maintenance and repair costs
- Gaining the ability to drive in different weather patterns
- Qualifying for safe or defensive driving discounts on your insurance
- Keeping your stress levels low while out on the roads
In this way, defensive driving doesn’t just benefit others. It’s good for your own well-being and that of your loved ones, too.
How To Drive Defensively On Any Road
Defensive driving is about much more than just following the law. You must go above and beyond sticking to the speed limit or using your turning signal to truly stay safe on the road.
The following defensive driving principles can help you accomplish your goal of making it safely home each day and doing what you can to make sure that others can do the same.
Be Observant
It’s crucial to avoid distractions as you’re driving on the road. Though it may be fun to talk to others on the phone or sing along to the radio, it’s more important to ensure that you remain aware of your surroundings.
Pay attention to how other cars are moving by noticing what is going on in front of you, as well as in the view of your rear and side mirrors. This can help you anticipate any issues and react appropriately should any problems arise.
Avoid Impaired Driving
In addition to not driving distracted, it’s also essential to ensure you aren’t driving impaired. You likely know that Florida law requires you to avoid driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, have you ever been guilty of trying to drive when you are tired or irritable?
Try to avoid driving when you aren’t in a proper physical or mental state to do so. As a defensive driver, this may even mean pulling off the road if you notice yourself getting sleepy. Though it may be inconvenient, it can help you avoid a potential car accident.
Take Your Time
You also don’t want to rush to your destination. Leaving on time can help you resist the urge to follow too closely behind other drivers in an effort to get them to go faster. Maintaining a safe distance also allows you enough time to hit your brakes if the driver in front of you taps on theirs. This is yet another tactic to help you reduce the likelihood of a car or truck accident.
An Attorney Can Assist You After a Car Accident
Even as a defensive driver, accidents can still happen. If you’re put in this situation due to the negligence of another, it may be wise to reach out to an attorney for help, especially if you’ve sustained injuries or lost wages.
Not only can a good attorney help you build a solid personal injury case, but they can also negotiate with insurers, helping you obtain the best outcome possible.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in North Florida
If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced car accident lawyers in Florida at Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. We have five convenient locations in Pensacola, Navarre, Crestview, Milton, and Mary Esther.
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Pensacola Office
803 N Palafox St
Pensacola, FL 32501
Phone: (850) 434-3333
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Navarre Office
9933 Navarre Pkwy
Navarre, FL 32566
Phone: (850) 757-2898
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Crestview Office
1501 S Ferdon Blvd
Crestview, FL 32536
Phone: (850) 407-7726
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Milton Office
6373 US-90
Milton, FL 32570
Phone: (850) 790-7790
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Mary Esther Office
151 Mary Esther Blvd Suite 103A
Mary Esther, FL 32569
Phone: (850) 809-0170
