What are the guidelines for defensive driving?

The guidelines for defensive driving are;

• Drivers are required to maintain a safe following distance at all times. Drivers should keep a two-second interval between their vehicle and the vehicle immediately ahead. During slippery road conditions, the following distance should be increased to at least four seconds.

• Drivers must yield the right of way at all traffic control signals and signs requiring them to do so. Pedestrians and bicycles in the roadway always have the right of way.

• Drivers must honor posted speed limits. In adverse driving conditions, reduce speed to a safe operating speed that is consistent with the conditions of the road, weather, lighting, and volume of traffic.

• Radar detectors are strictly prohibited in company vehicles. Drivers are to drive at the speed of traffic but never to exceed the posted speed limit.

• Turn signals must be used to show where you are heading; while going into traffic and before every turn or lane change.

• When passing or changing lanes, view the entire vehicle in your rear view mirror before pulling back into that lane.

• Be alert of other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists when approaching intersections. Never speed through an intersection on a caution light. When the traffic light turns green, look both ways for oncoming traffic before proceeding.

• When waiting to make left turns, keep your wheels facing straight ahead. If rear ended, you will not be pushed into the lane of oncoming traffic.

• When stopping behind another vehicle, leave enough space so you can see the rear wheels of the car in front. This allows room to go around the vehicle if necessary and may prevent you from being pushed into the car in front of you if you are rear-ended.

• Avoid backing where possible, but when necessary, keep the distance traveled to a minimum and be particularly careful. Check behind your vehicle before backing. Back to the driver’s side. Do not back around a corner or into an area of no visibility.