Offensive Driving May be the New Recommendation
Author: Auger Law | February 13th, 2017
Think back to your driver’s education training. If you are like most adult drivers, you were taught that defensive driving was your best option if you wanted to avoid a car accident. The tide may be turning on that bit of advice. Today’s drivers are being told that offensive driving may be the right idea.
The word “offensive” brings to mind someone speeding in and out of traffic, cutting people off and generally driving recklessly. In this case, however, that is not at all what people are discussion. Offensive driving is a manner of driving that is proactive rather than reactive. Think about it.
When you are defending yourself, you are acting in response to someone’s actions. For example, you may see someone speeding up behind you on the highway and move to the next lane to give them room. A person may try to veer into your own lane because you were in their blind spot, and you either slow or swerve to avoid them. These are examples of reactive, or defensive, driving.
Driving with an offensive mindset, however, means that you behave in such a way that you stay out of situations that could cause an accident. For example, you are going to pass a big rig and drive as close as possible to the shoulder to leave plenty of room between you and the truck. You travel the speed limit and adjust that speed for current road conditions. You use your turn signal when you are changing lanes or turning corners to alert other drivers to your intended direction of travel. These are all examples of being proactive rather than reactive.
Now that you know the difference between defensive and offensive driving, which do you think would protect you most? Perhaps the best type of driving involves a combination of offense and defense. After all, you have heard the old adage: The best offense is a good defense. By following the rules of the road, driving in such a way that you are keeping other drivers safe, and understanding how to react when you encounter someone who’s driving skills could use a bit of sprucing up, you are putting yourself in a position to avoid accidents that can be avoided.
No person is 100 percent safe when they get behind the wheel, no matter how they choose to drive. If it’s been a few years, or more, since you last took driver’s ed, a defensive or tactical driving class could provide a refresher or even a few new skills — not to mention a discount on your auto insurance.
If you are involved in a car accident in Charlotte that is determined to have been the fault of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Do not assume that an insurance company has your best interests in mind. Reach out to our experienced team of car accident attorneys to discover how we can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve. Call today for your free consultation.
