BY SOLO INSURANCE®   (Sep 2021; Updated 2-19-26)

Being a safe and responsible driver also means being a defensive driver. While being on the “defensive” might sound unappealing, it’s good in driving. Defensive driving techniques put you in a state of heightened awareness. Being a good defensive driver means you watch for surprises that might pop up on the road in front of you. In other words, you actively work to prevent accidents on your own, despite the actions of others around you.

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The Quick Refresher

If you’ve had a close call recently or if you’re a new driver, use this quick refresher to refine your skills.  Good drivers already drive defensively, it’s second nature, but it’s worth reviewing. Avoid accidents by practicing defensive driving. Follow a three-step process of seeing hazards, understanding potential defenses and acting in time.

     See the Hazard

First, think about what may happen as far ahead of you as possible. Never assume that hazards will resolve themselves before you reach them. Did the car 3 cars ahead of you swerve? Is there someone behind you swerving in an out of traffic to get ahead? Be alert for illegal actions, driving errors made by others, or erratic driving. Stay away from the crazy or unsafe drivers. If you’re not paying attention to see what’s going on around you, you’re not ready. Be watchful and ready to make timely adjustments to your own driving to avoid an accident.

     Understand the Defense

Next, quickly review a potentially hazardous situation in your mind after you see it. This way, you can act quickly and in plenty of time if it does happen. This allows you to formulate a defense to prevent an accident. Are there cars on your left or right? Don’t cause an accident by swerving into them! Even though you might quickly approach potential hazards, often there’s a few moments to analyze your options of what to do and then react. Thinking things through when not under pressure can help a lot too. Prepare to be prepared.

     Act in Time

You see and understand, now act. Once you see a hazard and decide upon a defense, act upon it rather than being surprised and reacting. The sooner you act, the more time you will have to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Don’t wait until it is too late. You’ve been paying attention so you know the direction to go to avoid other drivers also. If you can, take a moment to look around you to make sure you aren’t swerving into the path of other drivers. It can make a difference in your driving record (and car insurance rates). Insurance companies don’t consider hitting a deer an at-fault accident. However, swerving into another driver or guardrail to avoid the deer is. Avoid hazards whenever possible.

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Why Defensive Driving Matters to Car Insurance Companies

The shorter your driving record is, the lower your car insurance rates can be because you are a less risky driver. By using these techniques, you stay safer and drive safer. That’s good for everyone. In the eyes of an insurer, defensive drivers have clean driving records. Clean records mean better risks because they’re less likely overall to speed, drive recklessly and have accidents. Therefore, good drivers also file less claims against their auto insurance policies.

Get rewarded? Some car insurance may offer various discounts for good drivers, or those who want to become better defensive drivers. In some cases, typically age-related, there are discounts to policyholders who complete approved defensive driving courses. These hands-on classes re-familiarize drivers with defensive driving techniques and refresh skills needed to be safer behind the wheel.

Summary
Defensive driving techniques are about staying alert, anticipating hazards, and acting early to avoid danger. Regardless of what other drivers do, you drive alertly. By consistently seeing potential risks, understanding your options, and responding in time, you reduce accidents and protect yourself. As an added bonus, you also protect others on the road while maintaining a clean driving record. Practicing these techniques every day helps make safer driving second nature and can even lead to long‑term benefits, such as lower insurance costs and greater confidence behind the wheel. That’s worth a minute or two for a quick refresher.

At Solo Insurance® we help all driver-types. Sometimes accidents do happen. Whether you’ve had car insurance forever or are just getting back to getting legal, Solo can help. Perhaps you need an SR22? Also, not a problem. We’ve been trusted, licensed car insurance agents for over 30 years.   800-207-7656

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