Using the roadways to commute to work and school or just to run errands, puts ourselves and others at risk daily. And while some things are beyond our control, road construction, weather conditions, and other drivers, there is one way that we can reduce the risks of driving as well as avoid getting traffic tickets; by practicing defensive driving.
Continue reading to learn more about what defensive driving is, the benefits of defensive driving, the best practices, and tips to make you a better defensive driver, and where you can take a defensive driving course in Missouri.
What is Defensive Driving?
According to Safemotorists.com, defensive driving can be classified as driving in a manner that utilizes safe driving strategies that enable motorists to identify hazards in a predictable manner.
Essentially, defensive driving is a skill that will help you to anticipate potential risks while you are driving from weather conditions, other roadway users, road constructions, etc. These skills are not something that are really taught in your first driver’s education class, where basic driving skills and laws are the main lessons of the program.
Defensive driving skills can come naturally by way of driving experience or you can take specific defensive driving courses in Missouri to help you become more aware of the common signs that will help you to anticipate potential issues that can arise while driving.
What Are The Benefits of Taking a Defensive Driving Class?
As previously mentioned, some defensive driving practices can be learned first hand and through experience, however, if you have received a traffic ticket in Missouri, taking a defensive driving course can help to reduce points on your license and depending on the nature of the infraction, a DWI for example, may even help to reduce your charges.
Additionally, in some cases, people have seen a reduction in insurance premiums after completing a defensive driving class. Talk with your Springfield traffic attorney to learn more and to see if a defensive driving course will help your case.
Defensive Driving Best Practices
Even if you decide not to take a defensive driving course, there are some defensive driving best practices that you can start using today to keep yourself and others safe. These include, but are not limited to:
- Follow traffic laws. Even if you’re running late, speed limits, stop signs and other traffic laws are put there for a reason. Follow them! By following these basic traffic laws you’ll be less likely to end up with a ticket or worse, causing an accident.
- The three-second rule. The three-second rule is the idea that you should be following a vehicle no closer than three seconds after you pass a non-moving object that the vehicle in front of you passed. And yes, you can get a ticket for following too closely, so err on the side of caution when driving behind other vehicles.
- Avoid distractions. Put your cell phone in the backseat of your vehicle. Don’t eat and drive. Don’t do your makeup or get ready while driving. Make sure that when you are driving you are free from distractions and are only paying attention to the road and traffic conditions while you are driving.
- Stay away from aggressive drivers. We all know an aggressive driver when we see one. Defensive driving says to stay away from these types of drivers as much as possible and if able, allow the aggressive driver to pass you so that you aren’t driving anywhere near them. Aggressive drivers cause accidents, you don’t want to be caught in the middle of that.
Where in Missouri Can I Take Defensive Driving Classes?
If you’d like to improve your defensive driving skills or are interested in reducing points from your license, or traffic ticket charges, you should consider taking a defensive driving course. Talk with your attorney about the best place to take a defensive driving course in Missouri to see which one is best for you and your situation.
Here are a couple of Missouri defensive driving courses to browse in the meantime:
Contact Springfield Traffic Tickets to learn more about defensive driving courses and for a free consultation and legal advice about how to fight your traffic tickets.