Defensive Driving Lessons
The first advanced driving course many people take is a defensive driving class. For many drivers, this is the only class they will need. But even if you hope to one day work as a movie stuntman, you can still start with a basic defensive driving course and then move on to more advanced driving lessons.
Classroom versus On the Road
Many defensive driving courses have a classroom component. In fact, some courses might be heavy on instruction, especially if they are offered to drivers who need to finish traffic school to get points taken off their license. The classroom component can cover a variety of topics, including:
- Traffic crash statistics
- Why it is dangerous to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Risks of driving when fatigued or angry
- A discussion of safety equipment, such as air bags and child safety seats
We envision that many of our readers are not interested in defensive driving lessons so that they can be told that driving while intoxicated is dangerous. They are already well aware of that.
Instead, many drivers will truly benefit from crash prevention techniques. For example, defensive driving courses help drivers maintain control of their vehicle in dangerous road conditions such as snow, sleet, or ice. You can learn how to brake and steer at the same time, as well as how to get out of a skid.
Real World Conditions
You should spend time out on a course practicing these skills so that they feel comfortable to you. Each defensive driving course uses different exercises for practice.
For example, the instructors might create different lanes using cones. You then need to move into the lane that has a green light and stop the vehicle as soon as possible. This type of exercise helps you learn how to maneuver the vehicle quickly and also stop on a dime, thus preventing accidents. Many motorists might use this maneuver when passing a vehicle and unexpectedly coming upon a traffic light.
Defensive Driving for Seniors
As we age, driving can become more difficult because our senses are not as sharp as they once were. For many people, age-related accidents are the biggest problem they will face and the primary reason they are trying to improve their driving skills.
Fortunately, there are defensive driving courses designed especially for seniors. For example, AAA offers an online course called Roadwise. It helps seniors understand how age will affect their driving, such as their vision or the ease with which they feel fatigued. Seniors can take the online program anywhere there is an internet connection.
Because there is no roadwork component, many people might want to supplement the AAA online course. They should consider taking car control driving lessons and working with an instructor, which we will continue to discuss in the future.