After handling thousands of Houston car accident cases it has recently occurred to me that a singular course in defensive driving - above and beyond the initial driver's training course- might do all of us some good. Let's consider the types of techniques a person may acquire with this additional schooling.
Defensive driver courses are designed to teach motorists how to identify and react to hazardous situations predictably and in as safe a manner as possible. The course is based on research that supports the premise that a driver who is able to anticipate a difficult or dangerous driving situation is more likely to react in a way that reduces the risks to themselves and their passengers as well as to the other drivers around them on the road.
Practicing defensive driving moves allows the driver to 'incorporate these techniques into their driving repertoire'. That means they are more likely to react calmly in a dangerous driving situation.
The following is a list of some of the types of driving situations a student will be trained to react to:
*ceding the right of way
*maneuvering around environmental hazards
*reaction times and stopping distances (particularly in inclement weather)
*maintaining control of the vehicle in inclement weather and sudden problems
*adapting to fluid road circumstances
*emergency and first aid training
These are just a few examples of the types of experiences a student can expect to undergo in a safe driving course.
Certainly drivers are exposed to this type of training in their initial driver's training but there is a difference...and that is that a new driver cannot be expected to develop an expertise in all areas of 'roadway conduct' right 'off the mark'.
A second round of training in defensive driving would be very helpful to teens - and adults as well!
I had a very nice note the other day from a father who had lost a child telling me about getting "that knock on the door" and his note reaffirmed my commitment to advocate safety to young and old drivers alike.
Frankly, one can never be 'over-prepared' to address challenging and sometimes deadly traffic situations none of us want to get that knock on the door.
