Principles of Defensive Driving
- 1/30To operate a vehicle safely, a primary characteristic you require is
Driving a vehicle safely demands your full attention. Even a small distraction can lead to serious consequences on the road.
If you commit road traffic offenses in Canada, the types of penalties are
Committing traffic offenses in Canada can result in strict penalties. These can range from fines and demerit points to licence suspension and even imprisonment, depending on the severity.
If you encounter an aggressive driver
It is safer to let aggressive drivers go ahead. This avoids engaging with or escalating the situation, protecting your safety.
The two components that make up total stopping distance are
Total stopping distance comprises two parts. It includes the distance your car travels before you begin braking, plus the distance it takes to stop once the brakes are applied.
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by
When you double your speed, your braking distance increases by four times. This is due to the significant increase in momentum.
The maximum legal speed limit under ideal driving conditions on a Trans-Canada Highway if there is no visibly posted sign
If no speed limit is visibly posted, the default on paved sections of the Trans-Canada Highway is 100 kilometers per hour. This applies under ideal driving conditions.
If you are traveling above the posted speed limit in a school zone
These digital signs actively remind you of your speed in school zones. They show your real-time speed and urge you to slow down if you are exceeding the limit.
Factors that require you to reduce your speed
Even if you are within the legal speed limit, certain conditions demand a slower pace for safety. These include snow, rain, icy pavement, heavy traffic, or areas with many pedestrians.
Effect of drugs including prescription and over-the-counter medications on driving ability
Many drugs, even those considered harmless, can interfere with your ability to drive safely. This significantly increases your chance of being involved in a crash.
If you are taking a new medication
It is always best to avoid driving when starting a new medication. Wait and observe how your body reacts before attempting to operate a vehicle.
A common cause of driver fatigue is
Missing out on quality sleep is one of the main reasons drivers experience fatigue. This drowsiness significantly impairs your ability to drive safely.
If you feel tired while driving, you should
The safest option if you feel tired is to find a secure place to stop. Take a short power nap. Do not attempt to push through drowsiness.
The recommended amount of uninterrupted sleep you should get before starting a trip
To be well-prepared and avoid fatigue during a drive, you should aim for seven to eight solid hours of sleep. Get this sleep the night before your trip.
It is recommended to take breaks during a long trip for
To stay alert on long journeys, plan frequent stops. You should aim to stop for about 15 minutes at least every two hours to get out, stretch, and get some fresh air.
If you can no longer drive safely due to a medical condition
If your health condition compromises your driving safety, stepping away from the driver’s seat is the responsible choice. This decision prioritizes safety for yourself and others.
Driving when your licence has been suspended
If any official authority has prohibited you from driving, getting behind the wheel is a criminal offense. Driving with a suspended licence is illegal and carries severe penalties.
If you illegally leave the scene of a collision
Leaving the scene of a collision is taken very seriously. It is not only unethical but can also lead to significant fines, imprisonment, and a driving prohibition for several years.
The primary aim of proactive driving is
Proactive driving involves actively looking ahead to foresee potential hazards. It means taking preventive measures to avoid them, rather than merely reacting to unexpected events.
In an urban area, how far ahead of your vehicle should you generally be looking and scanning for hazards
When driving in urban areas, it is recommended to scan at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle. This distance is approximately equivalent to one to one and a half blocks.
When stopping behind another vehicle in traffic
Leaving sufficient space when stopped behind another vehicle is crucial. This allows you to maneuver into another lane without backing up and provides a buffer if you are hit from behind.
Under normal conditions, the minimum recommended following distance is
A minimum two-second following distance is recommended under normal road and weather conditions. This duration ensures you have adequate time to stop safely if the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes.
The two-second rule
The two-second rule involves counting one-thousand-and-one, one-thousand-and-two. If you reach the fixed point before finishing the count after the vehicle ahead, you are following too closely.
Using a hands-free cellular telephone while you are driving
Even hands-free cellular telephones can be a significant distraction. They can divert your mental attention from the demanding task of driving, even if your hands are on the wheel.
Handling your vehicle ignition before fuelling
Turning your vehicle ignition off before fuelling is a critical safety measure. This action helps to prevent any potential ignition sources from causing a fire.
Allowing a person to ride in a trailer when it is being towed
It is illegal to permit a person to ride inside a trailer while it is being towed. This is a significant safety violation due to the inherent dangers involved.
If the view from your inside rearview mirror is blocked
If your inside rearview mirror view is obstructed, the law requires you to compensate. You must attach an outside rearview mirror on both sides of your vehicle for proper visibility.
Operating your vehicle using two lanes on a highway
Operating a vehicle across two lanes on a highway is generally illegal. The only exception is when specific conditions make single-lane use impractical and unsafe.
You must use indicators when
Indicators are specifically used to communicate your intention to other road users. They signal your plan to turn or change lanes, improving overall road safety.
If you fail to use indicators well before a maneuver
Signaling well in advance allows other drivers to process your intentions and react accordingly. Failing to do so can lead to confusion or unexpected movements on the road.
You are approaching a green light, but a car waiting to turn left is creeping forward.
Prepare for the unexpected. Even with the right of way, a cautious driver anticipates that others may misjudge timing or ignore signals. Slowing down and covering the brake gives you time to react safely.