Inexperienced drivers, or drivers with plenty of highway hours preparing to spend extensive time in high-traffic conditions, are frequently advised to practice “defensive driving” techniques. While the advice is not necessarily bad, many drivers find it difficult to take. What is “defensive” driving? How does it differ from other basic safe driving practices? How can new drivers, or anyone trying to navigate challenging driving conditions, drive defensively? Read on for answers – and to learn more, consider scheduling a consultation with the experienced Virginia traffic attorneys at Driving Defense Law. Call (757) 929-0335 now to find a time that works for you.
What Is the Meaning of Defensive Driving?
Defensive driving is sometimes compared to aggressive driving. The impulse to compare is understandable, since both terms characterize the driver’s attitude toward others sharing the roadway. In Virginia, however, “aggressive driving” is a legally codified set of traffic violations punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor under § 46.2-868.1 of the Code of Virginia. Defensive driving, on the other hand, is a more informal term that may be used to refer to any of several driving techniques informed by a safety-oriented approach to vehicle operation, as well as to the structured awareness, on the part of the driver, that facilitates following these “best practices” for safe driving.
Benefits of Defensive Driving
Defensive driving can have a number of benefits. Adopting a defensive approach to vehicle operation can make it easier for drivers to anticipate dangerous situations, securing critical seconds of “lead” time for evading unexpected obstacles or responding to the actions of other drivers. At highway speeds, even a slight extension of the time a driver has for recognizing a potential hazard and activating their reflexes can sharply reduce the likelihood of a crash. Defensive driving practices can also help motorists avoid moving violations, improve fuel efficiency and reduce wear and tear on vehicles.
What Are the Defensive Driving Techniques?
Because defensive driving, unlike aggressive driving, is not codified into law, different sources will give different answers to the question “What is defensive driving?” In general, however, most safe driving authorities are agreed that the following constitute key elements of defensive driving that apply across a wide variety of driving scenarios and traffic conditions:
Keep a Safe Following Distance
The minimum safe distance will likely depend on roadway and weather conditions; for instance, it is generally a good idea to allow “extra” space between vehicles when driving on wet or icy roads than might be needed for clear roads on a sunny day. “Following too closely” is one of the violations covered under Virginia’s “aggressive driving” law, but § 46.2-816 allows peace officers some discretion in applying the statute by defining the violation as following “more closely than is reasonable and prudent” for the road conditions and related circumstances. If you have been charged with misdemeanor aggressive driving for following too closely behind another vehicle, consider reaching out to a Virginia traffic attorney with Driving Defense Law to discuss your situation.
Check for Blind Spots
A “blind spot” is any area the driver cannot see from their position at the wheel of a vehicle. In everyday conversation, “blind spot” is most often used to refer to regions in the immediate vicinity of a vehicle that a driver is blocked from seeing by the construction of the vehicle itself. These areas will depend on the driver’s height, the placement of the mirrors, and of course the layout of the vehicle, but some of the most common “blind spots” fall just behind a vehicle’s rear bumper (where in many cases the driver cannot see the ground even by looking in the rear-view mirror), or in a narrow, wedge-shaped “slice” on either side of the vehicle, between the area visible through the rear-view mirror and that covered by the mirrors on each side.
The good news is that in most cases drivers can compensate for blind spots by turning their heads while using their rear-view and side mirrors. Swiveling will not increase the total breadth of the driver’s vision, but can offer something of a “panoramic” view that sweeps the immediate surroundings and improves the driver’s chances of spotting a potential hazard. If you share a vehicle with another driver, particularly someone who is significantly taller or shorter than you, it may also be helpful to take a moment, before you start the vehicle, to adjust the positions of the driver’s seat and all mirrors, to minimize blind spots and maximize the comfort, as well as the safety, of vehicle operation.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that distracted driving was a factor in 3,308 traffic-related fatalities in 2022 alone. Few safe driving practices yield rewards more reliably than simply paying attention while at the wheel. Just as distracted driving reduces available reaction time and increases the chances of missing important roadway signage or possible traffic hazards, maintaining strong situational awareness while operating a vehicle makes it much easier to identify potential risks and improves a driver’s response time.
Follow Traffic Laws
While the specific laws that apply will vary by jurisdiction, in general a common aim of most traffic laws is to reduce the likelihood of accidents and increase the chances that travelers will reach their individual destinations safely. Important traffic regulations to keep in mind, especially when traveling, include whether (and when) it is legal to “turn right on red,” whether and under what conditions state or local laws allow for legal U-turns, and of course considerations such as posted speed limits and restrictions on lane changes.
Speak With a Virginia Traffic Attorney About Defensive Driving
Defensive driving can improve safety outcomes and lower the stress associated with operating a vehicle, especially in high-traffic situations. If you have ever wondered, “What is defensive driving?” – or if you are curious about how defensive driving techniques may help you avoid moving violations – you may find it helpful to speak with a traffic attorney in your area. Virginia residents can reach an experienced attorney at Driving Defense Law by calling (757) 929-0335. Call today to schedule your free consultation.
