AUTOMOBILE: DEFENSIVE DRIVING
The average adult spends about 3 hours a day behind the wheel traveling to work, school, family activities, etc. That amounts to 1095 hours of drive time each year. The chances that you may find yourself in the middle of an emergency while behind the wheel is fairly high. That is where defensive driving training comes in handy. Traditionaly Defensive Driving Courses were tailored to the bus driver, taxi drivers, police, emergency personnel, security, however a growing number of preppers are taking it upon themselves to learn any and all skills they can, this includes defensive driving.
Preppers understand that proper training and drills are the key to effectively carrying out a contingency plan. One such contingency often trained for is the Bug Out. Defensive Driving training is the route most preppers take to acquire the skills needed to get their families and themselves out of danger as quickly as it happens. Also keep in mind that on average there are 30,000 fatalities on roads each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
There are many techniques and skills in Defensive Driving, we encourage you to locate these courses in your state and take them. Keep in mind that although there are many principals of Defensive Driving that are similaralily taught in every class of all states, some states have DOT laws and regulations that may differ from others.
BASIC CONCEPT OF DEFENSIVE DRIVING
The basic concept of defensive driving can be summed up into a single word; Vigilance! Before we get into the individual tips and techniques keep in mind that the entire mindset revolves around a person being vigilant; "watchful and alert, especially to others around them. Guard against hazards, difficulties, or errors". You can see how even the definition of vigilance screams "prepper".
TIPS, TECHNIQUES, & TACTICS
12 Second Rule
The 12 second rule of driving is by far the most important technique any driver can employ while behind the wheel, it is also the most neglected of highway regulations, making it even more important for you to be vigilant because most others are not.
The 12 second rule of driving is by far the most important technique any driver can employ while behind the wheel, it is also the most neglected of highway regulations, making it even more important for you to be vigilant because most others are not.
How to Employ!
First, locate a stationary object along the roadside, such as, a building, bridge, or large sign.
Second, Watch a vehicle in front of you pass this object and begin counting.
Third, If you have count to twelve then you are a safe enough distance from the vehicle in front of you and are effectively employing "12 second rule". However if you reach the object before you count to twelve then you are traveling at an unsafe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Note: The "12 Second Rule" is about putting plenty of distance between you and the automobile in front of you. Of course you do not want to become a road hazard yourself so twelve seconds should be plenty.
First, locate a stationary object along the roadside, such as, a building, bridge, or large sign.
Second, Watch a vehicle in front of you pass this object and begin counting.
Third, If you have count to twelve then you are a safe enough distance from the vehicle in front of you and are effectively employing "12 second rule". However if you reach the object before you count to twelve then you are traveling at an unsafe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Note: The "12 Second Rule" is about putting plenty of distance between you and the automobile in front of you. Of course you do not want to become a road hazard yourself so twelve seconds should be plenty.
Alertness
Being vigilant means staying alert of your surroundings especially in fast or congested traffic, unknown neighborhoods or roads, or during emergencies. Many vehicles are carjacked each year in the United States throughout normal everyday life, but also keep in mind that desperation is even higher during major disasters.
Being vigilant means staying alert of your surroundings especially in fast or congested traffic, unknown neighborhoods or roads, or during emergencies. Many vehicles are carjacked each year in the United States throughout normal everyday life, but also keep in mind that desperation is even higher during major disasters.
Avoid the Following Habits!
I. Avoid stepping on the gas and quickly accelerating through an intersection when the light turns green. You may be in a hurry, but many accidents occur in those first few seconds as other drivers may decide to run the red light, or walkers in the crosswalk may suddenly dart out in front of you.
I. Avoid stepping on the gas and quickly accelerating through an intersection when the light turns green. You may be in a hurry, but many accidents occur in those first few seconds as other drivers may decide to run the red light, or walkers in the crosswalk may suddenly dart out in front of you.
II. Avoid using blinkers at the last second. Most people are not very good drivers and few take into consideration the vehicles behind or in front of them. Not you though, you are on your way to becoming a Defensive Driver and hopefully a Prepper. Give the idiot behind you plenty of warning that you will be turning, with a blinker. Blinkers are made to capture peoples attention. Most distracted drivers are drawn to the blinking light, which says, "hey, something important is about to happen".
III. Avoid slamming on your breaks! If your correctly following the "12 Second Rule" and remaining vigilant than you should have no need of slamming on your breaks. If you need to apply quick breaking ease into it, to keep you from losing control of the vehicle.
IV. Avoid the concept that others on the road are as vigilant and alert as you! People are not alert because they are easily distracted and fairly incompetent when it comes to driving. It takes initiative to be vigilant and most people do not have it, however your move to prep may mean you have this unique quality to be prepared.
V. Avoid being a statistic because of your overconfidence! It is important to be a confident and alert driver and I am sure you can pull it off. However do not forget that you must pay as much attention to the laws and regulations of the highway as you do to the actions or inactions of others.