. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Defensive Driving
Safety-conscious drivers prevent accidents
Article written by Safety Quick Newletter Software BLR

Defensive driving in a concrete truck or private vehicle is driving to prevent accidents, in spite of the incorrect actions of others or adverse weather conditions. Drivers who are safety-conscious have developed good habits and practice them daily. And every time they get behind the wheel, they remember these important points:

• Keep alert and focus on your driving. Keep your mind free of distractions and concentrate on the road. Road hazards can pop up in a split second, and you may not catch them if you're fiddling with the radio, talking on your car phone, scanning the newspaper headlines, or putting on makeup in the rearview mirror.
  
• Obey all traffic laws. Pay attention to changing speed limits and other posted warnings. Make a full stop at stop signs. And remember, a yellow light means slow down and prepare to stop, not speed up and try to beat the red light.
  
• Be courteous to others. Give other drivers a break. Road rage leads to accidents. Defensive drivers take it easy and get home safely.
  
• Adjust your driving to suit weather conditions. Driving on wet or slippery surfaces is not the same as driving on dry surfaces. When the weather is bad, slow down and adjust your driving time and habits to the road conditions.
  
• Stay a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you. One vehicle length for each 10 mph is the standard rule. This will give you time to apply your brakes gradually so that you don't go into a spin or grind to a stop so quickly that the guy in back of you runs into you.
  
• Anticipate traffic problems. Defensive drivers constantly scan the road and look for potential problems-for example, curbside vehicles pulling out into traffic without warning, drivers running stop signs and red lights, unexpected stops and turns by other drivers, drivers changing lanes without signaling.

When you get behind the wheel of any vehicle, remember that defensive driving is a full-time job. The most dangerous mile you have to drive is the one directly ahead of you.