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Iowa driving lesson · Defensive Driving & Communicating

Defensive driving techniques

A 3-minute lesson from the Iowa course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Defensive Driving & Communicating
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
47

94 percent of serious crashes are due to dangerous choices or errors people make behind the wheel. Defensive driving means staying aware and ready for whatever happens—including other drivers' mistakes.

94%

Share of serious crashes due to dangerous choices or errors behind the wheel

Handbook p. 47 ↗

Seven defensive driving techniques:

  • 1. Think safety first: avoid aggressive, inattentive driving; leave space; wear your seatbelt
  • 2. Be aware of your surroundings: check mirrors often and scan 20 to 30 seconds ahead
  • 3. Don't depend on other drivers: assume they'll run red lights or stop signs
  • 4. Follow the 3- to 4-second rule
  • 5. Keep your speed down: match speed to conditions
  • 6. Have an escape route
  • 7. Eliminate distractions
Handbook p. 47 ↗
20–30 seconds

How far ahead to scan conditions

Handbook p. 47 ↗

Know the rule

If another driver shows signs of aggressive driving, slow down or pull over to avoid them. If they're driving so dangerously that you're worried, get off the roadway by turning right or taking the next exit if it's safe.

Handbook p. 47 ↗

Know the rule

Keep an eye on pedestrians, bicyclists, and animals along the road.

Handbook p. 47 ↗

Know the rule

Plan your movements anticipating the worst-case scenario; don't assume another driver will move over or let you merge.

Handbook p. 47 ↗

Escape route

An alternate path of travel—a place to move your vehicle if your immediate path is suddenly blocked. Position yourself where you can best see and be seen.

Handbook p. 47 ↗

Distraction

Any activity that diverts your attention from the task of driving.

Handbook p. 47 ↗

Know the rule

Posted speed limits apply to ideal conditions; matching your speed to actual conditions is your responsibility. Higher speeds make the vehicle harder to control when things go wrong.

Handbook p. 47 ↗

Put it into practice

A driver behind you is weaving and tailgating aggressively. Don't engage—slow down or let them go by. If you feel unsafe, turn right or take the next exit when it's safe.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

About what percentage of serious crashes are due to dangerous choices or errors drivers make?
  1. 50 percent
  2. 25 percent
  3. 75 percent
  4. 94 percent

Answer: 94 percent

The manual states 94 percent of serious crashes are due to dangerous choices or errors people make behind the wheel.

Handbook p. 47 ↗
What does having 'an escape route' mean in defensive driving?
  1. Leaving yourself a way out if blocked
  2. Knowing where the nearest exit is
  3. Knowing the fastest route home
  4. Staying in the left lane to pass

Answer: Leaving yourself a way out if blocked

An escape route means leaving an alternate path so you have somewhere to go if your travel path is blocked.

Handbook p. 47 ↗
You notice a driver ahead weaving aggressively between lanes. What should you do?
  1. Speed up to pass them quickly
  2. Slow down or pull over to avoid them
  3. Flash your high beams at them
  4. Follow closely to watch them

Answer: Slow down or pull over to avoid them

If another driver shows signs of aggressive driving, slow down or pull over to avoid them.

Handbook p. 47 ↗
What should you scan ahead for while driving defensively?
  1. Only the vehicle directly in front
  2. Only your speedometer
  3. Conditions 20 to 30 seconds ahead of you
  4. Only your side mirrors

Answer: Conditions 20 to 30 seconds ahead of you

Check mirrors frequently and scan conditions 20 to 30 seconds ahead of you.

Handbook p. 47 ↗
What should you do if another driver's aggressive driving is making you worried for your safety?
  1. Match their speed to keep up
  2. Pull directly behind them closely
  3. Flash your lights to confront them
  4. Get off the roadway, such as at the next exit

Answer: Get off the roadway, such as at the next exit

If a driver is dangerous, try to get off the roadway by turning right or taking the next exit if safe.

Handbook p. 47 ↗
Defensive driving means assuming other drivers will always stop at red lights and stop signs.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: False

The manual advises assuming drivers WILL run red lights or stop signs and being prepared to react.

Handbook p. 47 ↗
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