A 3-minute lesson from the New York course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Even the best drivers make mistakes. Equipment fails, weather turns bad, and some drivers ignore the law. Defensive driving means expecting other people's errors and staying alert enough to avoid a crash that isn't your fault.
To drive defensively:
Be prepared and look ahead
Maintain the correct speed
Signal before you turn or change lanes
Allow space
Wear your seat belt
Don't drive if you're very weary, on medication or have been drinking alcohol
Sit in a comfortable but upright position with both hands on the wheel. Slouching or driving with one hand makes the vehicle harder, even dangerous, to control.
Always scan the road ahead; don't make the road or the vehicle ahead your only focus. Keep your eyes moving, notice the sides of the road, and check your mirrors every few seconds.
Anticipate errors by other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. Don't assume a driver approaching a STOP or YIELD sign on a side road will stop or yield; it's better to assume they won't.
Anything that takes your attention away from driving. Taking your eyes off the road or hands off the wheel is risky, and mental distractions are just as dangerous.
You must pay attention to the driving task; you are responsible for operating your vehicle safely. Distracted driving causes crashes that bring injury, death or property damage.
A car on a side street is rolling toward the STOP sign where it meets your road. Take your foot off the gas and be ready to brake. Don't assume the driver will stop.
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.
What is a distraction while driving?
Only using a hand-held phone
Only eating or drinking
Only talking to passengers
Anything taking your focus
Answer: Anything taking your focus
A distraction is anything that takes your attention away from driving, including mental distractions.