Saturday, 13 August 2011

Defensive Driving - 7 Facts You Didn't Know


Most daily activities are spent travelling from point A to B, and during this time, we are exposed to different kinds of drivers, making us aware that not all people behind the wheel can drive acceptably. We can even sometimes count ourselves in this majority. If you are an experienced driver trying to level up on your driving skills or a young individual new to the thrills of driving on your own, a defensive driving course can be more than just a new discovery and things to learn. Basically, the course is on driver enhancement and driving skill. It delves more into attitude and behavior. To some people, defensive driving can be a bitter pill you are forced to swallow, or a skill that can be turned into a new adventure. Bottom line is this knowledge can save your life and the lives of others too.

So what is it that makes this something to take a real interest in? Here are some facts about and related to defensive driving that will get your attention.

1. Defensive driving has origins that can be traced back as early as 1969, when people started to explore the causes of car crashes. This started with J.J. Leeming, a British engineer who started to evaluate the causes of car crashes. This brought forth the start of 55 miles per hour speed limits and laws against drunk-driving.

2. Statistics show that in 2008 alone, Australia reported to have 1,342 fatal crashes of which 1,464 people were killed. Despite the decline of road fatalities as compared to the previous years, these fatal crashes were caused by the same driving errors such as DUI, speeding errors and driving distractions. Driving errors avoidable through the aid of a defensive driving course.

3. Road Rage is close to being considered a "norm" in daily driving. A significant increase from 797 to 1404 road rage cases between 1991 and 2000 has been reported in Western Australia alone. Road rage is considered a result of weak attitude and wrong driving perspective that constitutes to the wrong behavior which mainly involves threat and violence. As defensive driving courses delve in the proper driving attitude and behavior, it is much expected that the road rage cases will continue to decrease until totally eradicated from the streets of Australia.

4. These courses are so effective in minimizing car crashes and road casualties that some places require a 5 hour Pre-License Lesson.

5. Negative safety implications have been brought about by the increasing number of driving distractions. There is no offense such as 'distraction'; however there are some places such as WA that would demerit three points plus against your record as well as a fine if you are using a hand-held phone while driving. Drivers focus is one of the important elements that are enhanced in a driving course.

6. $ 18 Billion. This is the economic cost that road crashes bring to Australia every year.

7. An average 4 to 5 people are killed daily on Australia's roads due to car crashes. Most of which are avoidable given the proper learning and awareness, which a defensive driving course can accommodate.




Dominic Lyons is an experienced writer that is also a massive fan of defensive driving. He has seen the benefit of learning extra driving tips from the moment he learned to drive. Dominic Lyons thinks everyone can participate in defensive driving and hopes that more people participate in a course that may one day safe your life. If you are interested in defensive driving you should find out more today and before you know it you'll be enjoying your very own defensive driving course.





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