4 Defensive Driving Tips for Baltimore, MD Drivers

Stay Alert

Arguably the number one rule of driving defensively, alertness means paying close attention not only to your own driving but to the actions of drivers around you. You should also stay apprised of your environment for factors like adverse road conditions or bad weather. Driving defensively is primarily about anticipating a potentially dangerous situation and avoiding it.

You can increase your alertness by staying free of distractions such as phones. You should keep your eyes primarily focused ahead and scan well up the road on which you are driving.

Follow Road Rules

While you should not assume other drivers will do the same, your own driving will greatly improve if you remain consistent in obeying the rules of the road. This means adhering to all traffic signs and signals and keeping your speed within the posted limit. In addition, when you are merging onto a road, wait until a safe gap in traffic exists.

Another important road rule involves following distance. Keep at least three seconds between you and the vehicle ahead of you. This simple step is an effective anticipatory move that acknowledges you do not know if or when the front driver will suddenly stop. Toyota’s Dynamic Radar Cruise Control—available on models from the Avalon to the RAV4—adapts your ride to maintain a safe following distance with the touch of a button. If you’re a student driver, click here to learn more about the specific rules you should follow.

It’s All About Respect

Staying respectful and courteous to other drivers and to the driving process itself will keep you out of many precarious situations. Even if another driver is not giving you the same courtesy, remain even-tempered and level-headed. Although it may be difficult in the moment, the best way to deal with an aggressive or disrespectful driver is to yield to them.

De-escalation is key in these cases. Understand that the other driver is actually, at that moment, in control of a very powerful and deadly weapon: their vehicle. If they aren’t also in control of themselves, a lot of people could get hurt if you don’t de-escalate.

Knowledge Is Power

As the adage goes, the best offense is a good defense. Traffic schools were made for this concept, and any driver can benefit from a course in driving defensively. Despite popular assumption, these classes are a benefit, not a punishment. They will teach you the fundamentals of driving defensively and provide invaluable aid. Maryland courses include information on road rules, accident prevention, and cooperation techniques.

We hope these tips from our blog at DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore help keep you safe on the roads. Whether you’re looking for more driving & car tips or want to learn about new Toyota models, we have you covered!

Tags: Driving Tips, Living in Baltimore
Posted in Living in Maryland, Tips & Tricks | No Comments »