Defensive driving is a strategy that helps drivers recognize potential hazards on the road and adapt to weather and traffic conditions and the unpredictability of other drivers. Learning defensive driving habits can help you stay safe behind the wheel.

The Benefits of Defensive Driving

Defensive driving can help people reduce their odds of being involved in a car accident and gain more confidence behind the wheel. Taking a formal class may also help you reduce your auto insurance premiums or reduce the impact of a speeding ticket on your driving record.

What Do Defensive Driving Courses Teach?

Each state regulates its own defensive driving courses, tailoring the content of the lessons around state-specific laws. However, most courses contain the same basic information to help drivers learn to recognize and anticipate potential problems.

Traffic Crashes

Most defensive driving courses outline traffic crash statistics in the state, including how many crashes happen in a given year, the number of fatalities and injuries, and the most common causes. Courses may also cover information such as the financial impact that a car accident can have.

Overcoming Psychological Factors

Lack of sleep, stress, road rage and daydreaming can take a toll on how attentive someone is while driving. To help students recognize the dangers of distracted driving, courses may highlight the importance of focusing on maintaining a positive attitude while operating a vehicle.

DUI / DWI

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can significantly impact a driver’s ability to pay attention to their driving, notice road conditions and anticipate what other drivers are going to do. Defensive driving courses often outline the dangers of driving under the influence and how to recognize when another driver on the road is posing a danger.

What Happens in a Crash

Defensive driving courses may give an overview of what happens during a crash, including how speed and the type of impact affect the damage done to a vehicle or its passengers. Courses may also cover how not wearing a seatbelt can cause a second impact that may cause as much as more damage as the initial impact.

How to Prevent Crashes

Defensive driving courses cover strategies that participants can develop to recognize potential hazards and avoid crashes. This may include knowing their vehicle’s stopping distance, adapting to vehicle emergencies and environmental hazards, and sharing the road with semitrucks and motorcycles.

Getting Better Auto Insurance Rates with Nevada Insurance Enrollment

Defensive driving does not just keep you safe on the road, it can also help you score better rates on your auto insurance. At Nevada Insurance Enrollment, our auto insurance agents help you find policies that incentivize safe driving, helping you find affordable auto insurance coverage.