Defensive driving

Many of the actions and behaviours that vehicle drivers take on the roads are enough to ensure that their driving is safe, enabling them to reach their destinations safely. On the other hand, there are behaviours followed by some vehicle drivers that can lead to undesirable consequences. Hence, the driver’s role is to become familiar with the concept of defensive driving, which is a broad and comprehensive concept, and requires most care.

Protective driving is taking the necessary safety measures and preventive measures to stay away from traffic accidents regardless of their causes. This means the driver’s responsibility to take caution in all his actions while driving and to carefully monitor and pay attention to everything going on around in order to avoid accidents.

Most drivers consider themselves skilled while driving, especially after a period of time during which they gain skill and confidence. Although the most skilled drivers commit mistakes that lead to serious traffic accidents, the driver must avoid reckless driving and must use it in the correct and proper manner.

The goals of defensive driving include avoiding accidents, preserving lives and property, preserving the traffic environment and following preventive driving behaviours.

Driving is considered one of the most dangerous activities that a person can ever perform. The vehicle driver must avoid traffic violations, such as excessive speed, which is the primary cause of any accident, as well as incorrect overtaking, driving in the opposite direction, and not paying attention to the safety of the vehicle in terms of the quality of the tires or any of the vehicle’s components.

Concentration and not being distracted from the road are among the most important tools, in addition to using warning signals when changing directions or lanes, giving right-of-way, driving carefully during harsh weather conditions, and always using a seat belt and warning lights.

The vehicle driver is always primarily responsible for the safety of the vehicle and those in it through paying attention to the road, not being distracted by a mobile phone or eating while driving, and also avoiding reckless driving.

With defensive driving, the driver can improve his driving skills and reduce driving risks by anticipating situations and making safe and clear decisions.

One of the most prominent benefits of defensive driving is improving safe driving conditions and protecting the driver, other cars, and even pedestrians from traffic accidents at a high rate.

Defensive driving increases the driver’s level of attention and concentration, and is the driver’s first line of psychological and mental defence.

According to the Royal Oman Police, defensive driving would reduce driving errors to the extent that they may reach a rate of 0 per cent, as it helps the driver monitor any errors made by others, thus anticipating them in order to avoid getting into accidents.