Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Think and drive defensively
You may drive at a safe speed and obey traffic signals, but not everybody does. A defensive driving approach helps you anticipate dangers and avoid colliding with careless drivers.
Scan ahead for hazards
Look further down the road so you won’t be surprised by dangers. On the highway, scan at least 20 to 30 seconds ahead of your vehicle. In town, scan 12 to 15 seconds ahead.
Check your ‘safety zone’
Check your rear- and side-view mirrors frequently so you know what other drivers are doing all around you.
Identify and predict threats
Watch out for anything that may affect the path your vehicle is travelling: other vehicles, pedestrians, children playing, animals, parked cars, traffic lights. Predict how these potential obstructions might affect you and decide how you’ll deal with them. Then take action.
Prepare for intersections
When you’re approaching an intersection, always make sure it’s clear. If you have a green light and vehicles are approaching the intersection from the side, check to see that they’re preparing to stop.
Be prepared to brake
If there’s any doubt at all that an intersection will be clear, slow down and cover the brake pedal with your foot. This reduces reaction time and helps you stop more quickly if needed.
For more information, watch The 60-Second Driver on CTV, and check out the following on our website:
- Defensive Driving in Driving Tips
- You can access the 60-Second Driver video on Defensive Driving directly
