What Is Defensive Driving and Why Is It Important?

Defensive driving is a skill that comes with time and experience. In an emergency, this driving style allows drivers to steer in a way that increases their level of safety while avoiding accidents. This is done by exhibiting driving strategies and techniques that protect you and the passengers from traffic hazards and road accidents.

While you might think that if it’s not your fault that caused the accident, you have nothing to worry about since the other party will bear the costs. Remember that accidents can cause greater damage than financial issues, such as life-long injuries and even deaths. More than 42,000 people died from vehicle accidents in 2021 in the United States alone.

If you’re alarmed by the number of deaths caused by accidents, here’s why you need to start practicing defensive driving.

It Helps Save Lives

Regardless of who’s at fault, you must aim to save the maximum lives possible when driving. Defensive driving can not only save the lives of your passengers but also of those around your vehicle. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you can’t prevent the accident from happening, but at least you can determine how good or bad the outcome can be.

Lowered Insurance Rates

If you get into an accident due to another party’s fault, their insurance company will compensate you easily. But things don’t end there. Since you did become a part of the accident, your coverage amount and insurance rate could increase substantially based on the insurance carrier. But when you practice defensive driving, it lowers your insurance base rates for up to 10%.

An Accident Comes with Various Traumas

If someone you love or care about gets hurt when you’re in control of the steering wheel, there’s a lot of guilt you have to deal with – and in case of death, you might struggle with survivor’s guilt, emotional issues, and a fear of driving. The overall incident can also disrupt your way of life.

What To Do If You Get Into an Accident Regardless of Defensive Driving?

If you tried your best but still got into an accident, the first thing to do is contact an experienced and reliable lawyer. For the finest traffic lawyers in New York, contact DWI and Traffic Lawyers. Based on the reason for the accident, we can provide you with some of the most knowledgeable and experienced lawyers in the state, such as DUI lawyers, criminal defense lawyers, and DWI defense attorneys.