Have you ever been hassled about taking a defensive driving course? Same. Whether it was your parents, your spouse or your insurance company, no one wants to sit through a long course for a few defensive driving tips. While these courses can help save you a few dollars, they can be a pain right in the rear. This week, we have those tips right here on our blog for you to check out and take a little refresher course of your own from the comfort of your recliner. So, sit back, snuggle up, and let’s get to learnin’!

• Anticipate other drivers to make mistakes or mishaps.
• Always be in control of your own vehicle and keep your focus/ full attention on the road ahead. Don’t let cell phones, the radio, friends, or a heated argument distract you from being a safe driver.
• Slow down and take your time on the road. Stay with the flow of traffic, but be mindful of speed limitations and other drivers who might come to a stop or slow down.
• Click it or get a ticket. You’ve heard this since you’ve started driving and we’re telling you to do the same! Don’t risk your life or someone else’s because you don’t like to wear your seatbelt.
• Play it safe and yield when you’re not sure what another driver intends to do. Even if you have the right of way, give the other driver the benefit of the doubt and let them pass ahead of you.
• Keep your eyes peeled for stop lights and stop signs. Distractions will happen, but driving through a red light or a stop sign can lead to tragic collisions. Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Use your blinkers, always. Driving is not a guessing game, don’t make other drivers guess where you’re turning or if you even plan to make a turn. Use your blinkers to indicate your turn and hope other drivers have the same driving courtesy as you do.
• Take a deep breath and don’t let road rage get you. People make mistakes on the road and it is our job to let it go, proceed to our destination, and be safe while doing so. Don’t let the actions of other drivers negatively affect your drive or day.
• Leave some space between you and other drivers. Collisions happen when one driver is too close and another stops too quick. This is very common in cold temperatures and frozen roadways. Give your fellow motorists space (extra space in the winter months) and prevent unnecessary collisions from happening in the first place!
• Choose a safe vehicle with a high safety rating to ensure that every drive will be a safe one from start to finish.