Defensive Driving: the practice of driving to save lives, time, and money in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others. Check out this infographic for our recommended defensive driving tips and techniques!

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2017 Car Crash Statistics

• 222 million – number of licensed drivers in the U.S.
• 40,100 – estimated number of car accident fatalities
• 4.57 million – people seriously injured in car crashes

Top 10 Causes of Auto Accidents

1. Distracted driving
2. Speeding
3. Drunk driving
4. Reckless driving
5. Rain
6. Running red lights
7. Running stop signs
8. Teenage drivers
9. Night driving
10. Design defects

5 Core Defensive Driving Laws

1. Obey Traffic Laws

• Don’t exceed posted speed limits
• Come to complete stops at stop signs
• Follow proper merging procedures

2. Practice the 3-Second Rule

• It takes 1.5 seconds to notice potential risk in front of your car
• It takes another 1.5 seconds to react and hit the brakes
• Give yourself at least 3 seconds between your car and the one in front of you
• Add an extra second in rainy weather
• Add 2 extra seconds when driving large, heavy vehicles

3. Avoid Distractions

• Put your cell phone away while driving
• Don’t eat or drink while driving
• No personal grooming (makeup, brushing hair, etc.)
• Pay attention to all traffic signs and signals
• Stay alert to dangerous traffic or road conditions around you

4. Yield to Aggressive Drivers

• Give speeders, tailgaters, and swervers the right of way
• Don’t antagonize aggressive drivers
• Slow down and let them drive away from you

5. Know Your Defensive Driving Stuff

• Be informed – knowledge helps prevent accidents
• Take a defensive driving course
• Study safe driving tips
• Find out how good a driver you are

Defensive Driving Tips

• Always buckle your seatbelt
• Designate a sober driver when out with friends
• Don’t drive when overly fatigued
• Avoid driving while on opioid pain medications
• Monitor your teen’s driving habits

Benefits of Defensive Driving

• Reduce the risk of getting in an accident
• Avoid injury to yourself and your vehicle
• Less likely to get a ticket
• Fewer car repairs
• Lower insurance costs
• Makes the road safer for everyone