You may encounter accidents or obstacles during your drive through California roads because the likelihood of an accident isn’t always zero. As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring the safety and protection of not just the passengers in your car but those in other vehicles, too.
There’s no replacement for adequate preparation for driving in California, even through routes you’re already familiar with. One way is through defensive driving. Understanding what defensive driving is and how to practice it may just be what you need to help save lives on Orange County roads.
What is Defensive Driving?
Defensive driving is a method that anticipates and prepares for potential hazards on the road to ensure the safety and well-being of drivers and their passengers. Dangers include inclement weather, damaged asphalt, debris, and even other drivers.
Here are a few stats and facts surrounding defensive driving in California that you should be aware of.
Tailgating is prohibited (California Vehicle Code)
California Vehicle Code § 21703 prohibits drivers from driving too closely to the driver ahead of them. This act is known as tailgating and is dangerous for a few reasons. One of which is tailgating, which may cause an increased risk of accidents with reduced reaction time.
More than 4,000 crashes occurred in 2023 because of drowsy driving (California Highway Patrol)
Defensive drivers must be alert to anticipate potential hazards on the road. Sleepiness and the resulting drowsiness can severely hamper that ability, emphasizing how a good night’s rest can truly save lives.
California authorities issued over 57,000 distracted driving citations from October 2021 to September 2022 (California Highway Patrol)
Keeping your eyes off the road increases the risk of accidents drastically. The prevalence of phone usage and distracted driving explains why over 9,700 people have been injured and 96 lost their lives.
6 Types of Defensive Driving Techniques
Defensive driving isn’t always about securing your position in the lane or avoiding accidents. It could also be how you conduct yourself as a driver and prepare to travel. Here are a few techniques to be a safer and more effective driver.
1. Secure your documents
Besides your driver’s license, the vehicle’s registration and insurance details are critical documents that verify your identity and car ownership.
As a defensive driver, you must always have these with you because accidents can happen anytime. Authorities will look for these to ensure you’re a registered driver and didn’t steal the vehicle you’re handling. Having your insurance information readily available also allows you to exchange information with other drivers in case of accidents.
2. Know your surroundings
Spatial awareness is an important skill any responsible driver must develop to avoid accidents, especially from the blind spots of their car. Roads are generally big enough for your car; you don’t need to hug either end of the lane to fit. Focus your steering wheel on the middle of the lane and let the vehicle stay in the center.
Knowing your surroundings also means preparing for your drive. Before going on any road trip or driving to an unfamiliar location, do a quick online search about how to get there. Google Street View will help you virtually drive your intended route to let you know of any landmarks or obstacles on the road to watch out for.
Despite its ability to scan its surroundings, drivers shouldn’t fully trust self-driving vehicles. Some Californians opt to drive their own Audi or other car brands.
3. Wear your seat belt at all times
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that half of the people killed in a car accident in 2021 were not buckled into their seats.
Seat belts are effective devices that secure you in the case of an accident. It’s especially beneficial in preventing you from being ejected from your seat and through the windshield, which is a real possibility. Unfastened passengers are also likely to bounce around the vehicle in case of a high-speed crash, potentially injuring even other passengers with seat belts on.
As a responsible defensive driver, always ensure that you and your passengers—even the ones in the backseat—wear their seat belts properly.
4. Keep your distance from other drivers
Driving too close to the car ahead of you blocks your view of the road, making it challenging to anticipate possible bumps or obstacles. Additionally, it makes crashes almost inevitable if the car in front stops abruptly. Stay a car’s length away from the vehicle ahead to give you ample space to break and avoid a rear-end accident.
5. Always use your signals
Turn signals allow you to communicate with other drivers on the road; they let others know when you’re switching lanes, making a turn, or you’ve stopped temporarily. The California Driver’s Handbook clearly outlines the situations where using your signals is necessary, which include the following:
- At least 100 feet before turning right or left
- Before you change to another lane
- If you’re driving on the freeway, at least 5 seconds before you change lanes
The handbook emphasizes that you need to use turn signals even when no cars are behind you. Failure to follow the rules of the road is considered an element of negligence in California.
6. Focus on the road
Part of being a good defensive driver is knowing the road’s conditions. You can’t do that properly if you don’t pay full attention to what’s ahead of you. Distracted driving in California is a serious legal offense.
Driver distractions come in many forms and can fit into one of three categories: visual, cognitive, or manual. California officials recommend being well-rested and driving with the appropriate, focused mindset to avoid the risks distractions can cause.
Defend Yourself on the Road and in Court
Earning your driver’s license isn’t all it takes to safely drive the streets of California. It also takes adopting the mindset and behavior of a defensive driver. That includes being prepared with your documents in case of an accident, paying full attention on the road, and always wearing your seat belt.
No matter how defensively you’re driving, accidents can still occur, inflicting you with a personal injury. Matters of liability and insurance coverage tend to complicate these incidents, which is why having a car accident lawyer by your side will not only help you navigate the process but also find the restitution you deserve.
RMD Law’s experienced team of lawyers is ready to provide you with the excellent and tireless representation you deserve. Contact us today to receive a free case evaluation to understand what you need to prepare for with your current personal injury case.
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