Defensive Driving Principles Module 1 The standard Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Operation, , defines defensive driving skills as “driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of other drivers”.
 
 
 
Intended Learning Outcomes
 
One of the things we often hear when we learn to drive is that we have to drive defensively. This does not mean that we have to be tense and wait for something unpleasant to happen at any moment. Beyond our driving skills, we need to pay attention to the drivers around us and try to anticipate what they will do. If we learn to do this we will have the ability to avoid many unpleasant events. 
Obtaining a driver’s license is a great thing and it is a proof of maturity. But remember, with the driver’s license you will have a new set of responsibilities. You are responsible not only for the safety of yourself and those in the car with you, but you are also responsible for other road users.
In today’s article we will address some defensive driving techniques  tips for novice drivers. These concern our relationship with other road users.
How to drive defensively in relation to other drivers
1. Never use a mobile phone while driving
If you talk on your mobile phone or send / receive text messages, you will not be able to pay full attention to driving and you will not notice the intentions of the drivers around you. Using a mobile phone is extremely harmful and you should only do this when the car is switched off.
Studies have shown that using a hands-free does not improve the situation at all, it has even been shown that hands-free users are just as careless but drive faster. A dramatic statistic reveals that activities such as writing or reading messages are even 20 times more risky than a conversation.
Try not to use your phone while driving, and if it is necessary to do so, pull to the right.
2. Pay attention to all road signs
This is a habit that many drivers forget over time. If you pay attention to all road signs, you will know what the speed limit is on a road section, you will be able to respect the legal speed, which is one of the key points of defensive driving. Do not imitate what the driver in front of you is doing. After all, it can break traffic rules, which can lead to an accident. 
Also, pay attention to traffic light intersections. The red light entering the traffic light can be the equivalent of a dramatic accident.
3. Never drive too close to the car in front of you
You need to make sure that there is enough space between your car and the front ones in case an emergency brake is needed. If you do not keep your distance, there is a chance that you will hit this vehicle in front of you and regardless of the reason for the accident, it is your fault.
4. Learn to drive at any time
Weather conditions can cause many accidents so it is very important to learn to drive in bad weather, or in the dark, until you have confidence in your abilities.
By the way, did you know that the braking distance on ice or snow can increase up to 12 times compared to scat asphalt?
More advice on driving in bad weather will follow in the coming months as we approach winter. Of course, you can get the best advice in the defensive driving course organized by Napoca Rally Academy.
In the article How to drive defensively in the fall , we discuss some aspects of preventive driving during the cold season.
5. Get used to the car you will drive
Defensive driving tips for novice drivers always apply. But there is a variable when we get behind the wheel. The car. Every car brand is different and you should get used to it and learn the controls of each of the cars you drive. This includes seat adjustment, radio, air conditioning, defrosting, window heating, how to clean the windshield, etc. The last thing you need while driving as a young driver is to look for the Monday switch.
6. Don’t become too confident too soon
Learning to drive is a little scary at first, but after a while you will gain the necessary skills and get used to this activity. You will be able to drive at different times of the day, in any weather, with heavy traffic, or on the highway and even make a side parking. Being a confident driver is a good thing, but don’t let that confidence change you. Driving is a dangerous activity but you can make it safer by the way you drive. That is why these defensive driving tips are useful for novice drivers.
7. Look as far ahead as possible
Man is built to travel at much lower speeds than he can with a car. When we drive fast, there is a constant struggle within us with our instincts. Normally people tend to look right in front of the car they are driving or in the car in front of us. This is a big mistake and an unhealthy driving habit. You should look as far as possible on the road and analyze as many details as possible about other road users.
8. Observe the legal speed
Failure to do so is the biggest killer of young drivers. You must keep in mind that it is not an obligation to keep pace with other vehicles in traffic. Complying with speed limits will not only reduce the risk of accidents but will also help you avoid costly fines.
9. Check the blind spot each time
The side and rearview mirrors help us see what’s going on behind the car. However, the mirrors leave a fairly large area uncovered, the so-called blind spot. Drivers must periodically check the rear-view mirrors, so as not to catch cyclists or people traveling in the blind spot of the vehicle. Drivers should check the blind spot when parking or leaving a parking space or when changing lanes.
10. Drive with the headlights on
Today, all new vehicles are equipped with daytime running lights. However, there are still a large number of vehicles without this facility. In this case it is mandatory to drive with the taillights on. Beyond the legal obligation this makes you visible in traffic.
When driving defensively you can be sure that you are always in control at the wheel. By driving defensively you are able to anticipate what other road users will do. This way you are able to avoid accidents.