Defensive driving techniques are not restricted to technical driving skills
and tactics. One of the simplest and most effective defensive driving
techniques to protect yourself as a driver or a passenger is to always
wear a seat belt. It is well proven that seat belts save lives, and drivers
should learn all they can about seat belt safety facts.
If an oncoming car loses control, and swerves across the median, the
chances are that he will hit a vehicle in the left lane before hitting one in the
right lane. So the right lane is the safest place to be. Always play the odds
in your favor.
Driving during the holidays can be stressful. Make sure you reach your
destination safely and enjoyably by preparing your vehicle, your crew and
yourself for these high-traffic, higher-risk conditions.
Winter driving can be hazardous and stressful. Wind, snow, ice and
blizzard conditions increase the normal dangers of driving. There is a lot
you can do before the winter driving season and during a storm to protect
yourself and your family.
Always maintain a full gas tank. This will help prevent gas lines from
freezing. Remember, if you are unfortunate enough to be stranded this
winter, your engine is your only source of heat.
Make sure your vehicle is winter ready.
Plan each trip. Check weather
and travel conditions before you hit the road. Don’t take chances. Give
yourself extra time for travel or wait until conditions improve.
Wear
comfortable clothing so you are not restricted at the wheel. Pack warm
clothing in case you need to get out of your car. Include mittens or gloves,
boots, heavy socks and a hat.
Tips for Practice.
1. For on-road cars, find an empty parking lot, bring some cones or markers and set up a road coarse. For off-road, go to a local baseball diamond, they are great for basic practice. Make some jump ramps as shown on this site. Practice your driving and try to make it difficult.
2. Practice braking into your turns by using a chalk mark that shows you where you should start braking, usually about 5 to 10 ft before a sharp turn.
3. Set up a straightaway and practice going down it without getting off
course.
5. Practice your cornering techniques, slow down and drive the tightest turn possible.
6. If you have a local RC track to practice at, that is the best place to go. Practice driving a racer's line. The object is to make the track as straight as possible by driving as close to inside corners as you can.
7. During practice, try to go as many laps as you can without crashing, even if this means driving slower that you think you should. A slower lap without a crash is usually faster than a fast lap with a crash.
