Theory

B. Defensive driving

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Defensive driving is an essential approach to improving road safety. It is based on anticipating risks, being more vigilant and respecting the rules, in order to reduce accidents caused by inattention, non-compliance with traffic regulations or reckless behavior.

B. Defensive driving

Causes of accidents and the benefits of defensive driving

Most road accidents are caused by poor knowledge of the rules of the road, poor control of the vehicle, inattention (due to use of the telephone, GPS or radio) and uncivil behavior on the part of some drivers. Adopting a defensive driving style can seriously reduce the risk of an accident.

Most road accidents are caused by poor knowledge of the rules of the road, poor control of the vehicle, inattention (due to use of the telephone, GPS or radio) and uncivil behavior on the part of some drivers. Adopting a defensive driving style can seriously reduce the risk of an accident.

Definition of defensive driving

This means anticipating and assessing situations, and reacting to them as appropriately as possible. Defensive driving improves road safety, reduces stress on the road and makes traffic flow more smoothly. It can help avoid an accident.

This means anticipating and assessing situations, and reacting to them as appropriately as possible. Defensive driving improves road safety, reduces stress on the road and makes traffic flow more smoothly. It can help avoid an accident.

Keeping a clear view of the road ahead

It’s important to maintain a good overview of what’s happening on the road at all times. You should always look as far ahead as possible, widen your field of vision by regularly glancing in your rear-view mirrors, not focus on the vehicle in front of you but look at the one in front, and respect safety distances.

It's important to maintain a good overview of what's happening on the road at all times. You should always look as far ahead as possible, widen your field of vision by regularly glancing in your rear-view mirrors, not focus on the vehicle in front of you but look at the one in front, and respect safety distances.

360° view and blind spot monitoring

You need to be able to see 360° with both direct and indirect vision (mirrors), as well as front and rear blind spots.

You need to be able to see 360° with both direct and indirect vision (mirrors), as well as front and rear blind spots.

Special care in the presence of vulnerable persons

Take extra care, slow down if necessary, stop in the presence of pedestrians, children, visually impaired people, disabled people or cyclists.

Take extra care, slow down if necessary, stop in the presence of pedestrians, children, visually impaired people, disabled people or cyclists.

Vehicle maintenance

Maintain your vehicle: keep tires well inflated, lights, indicators and windshield clean. Make sure your vehicle passes its technical inspection.

Maintain your vehicle: keep tires well inflated, lights, indicators and windshield clean. Make sure your vehicle passes its technical inspection.

Respecting traffic regulations and speed limits

Respect the highway code and speed limits, because the faster you drive, the more tunnel vision you get, and the landscape goes by too quickly.

Respect the highway code and speed limits, because the faster you drive, the more tunnel vision you get, and the landscape goes by too quickly.

Caution when approaching a hidden crosswalk

Use extra caution when approaching a hidden crosswalk.

Use extra caution when approaching a hidden crosswalk.

Defensive driving not only protects all road users, but also makes traffic flow more smoothly and with less stress. By always keeping an overview, being alert to risky situations and properly maintaining your vehicle, every driver makes an active contribution to road safety.