• Obeying all posted traffic signs is only part of defensive driving.illuminated stop sign image by leemarusa from Fotolia.com
  
  Defensive driving tips for the driver can be found all over the Internet for free from organizations like the Department of Motor Vehicles to private insurance organizations. They all have a vested interest in keeping all drivers informed, alert and safe. Special introductory safety courses have even been devised for the new teenage driver and the elderly to help assist them with special circumstances that only they might encounter. Everyone can benefit from a refresher course in free defensive driving tips no matter what their age, gender or relative driving experience.
  
  

The "Both Ways" Rule

• Some intersections require the driver to look in both directions.stop image by Patrick Moyer from Fotolia.com
  
  When arriving at a blind intersection or a stop sign, the driver should always look both ways to check cross traffic before proceeding, regardless if they have the right of way or not.
  
  

Look Ahead

• Always be 10 to 12 seconds ahead of your car. Check your horizon; see what is beyond the vehicles in front of you and what may be happening further up the road. An accident may be in progress or has just happened, which would place you in the vicinity within seconds, prompting you to react almost immediately. Think ahead.
  
  

Signaling

• Make your intentions clear by signaling well in advance when turning, stopping and lane changing. If you have experienced a flat tire or engine failure while on the highway, indicating so by turning on the emergency flashers lets others know of your predicament. Hand signaling in conjunction with turn signals gives added warning to other drivers of your intentions.
  
  

Rear View

• Always adjust the rear view and side mirrors for optimum viewing of rear traffic. Keep them clean and the mounts tight and secure. The "blind" spot must be checked briefly from over your left and right shoulder when changing maneuvers, such as merging with traffic and changing lanes. Vehicles can remain hidden in blind spots; you must spot them before changing your vehicle's position.
  
  

Buckle Up

• Seat belt restraints should be worn at all times, as required by law, which means the shoulder harness variety must be fully installed over the center part of the body. Children must be contained in approved child restraint seats, properly positioned and secured in the vehicle.
  
  

Speed and Timing

• Obey all speed limits in town or on expressways. Do not tailgate other vehicles. Leave yourself ample room to maneuver in case of a sudden accidents ahead. Proper spacing between vehicles gives the driver adequate reaction time to avoid collisions and dangerous maneuvers.
  
  

Destination Sobrietry

• Plan trips or excursions by using proper maps or GPS, if the vehicle has such capability. Know ahead of time what routes you will take and the turnoffs you will use. Most accidents result from vehicles that slow down because their drivers have been consumed by a state of indecision or panic, or they have become lost and disoriented. Distractions take the driver's attention away from the scene, compounding other factors into the equation which could lead to an accident.
  
  

Driver Courtesy

• When in doubt about right of way, give the other driver the benefit of the doubt and surrender right of way. Sacrificing a few seconds of your time can make things go much more smoothly and organized if you don't rush your driving practices. Don't demand special privileges just because they exist. If something seems unsafe, take the safe and slow road.