Defensive driving

By the end of this topic you can

• You can keep a safe space in front, behind and to the sides of your car.
• You can choose a speed that suits the road, traffic and weather.
• You can predict what other road users might do wrong and plan for it.
• You can plan an escape route if something goes wrong ahead.
• You can stay calm and avoid reacting to aggressive drivers.

What you need to know and understand

• Keep at least a two-second gap in the dry and four seconds in the wet.
• You must drive at a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see to be clear.
• Never assume another driver has seen you, even if they seem to look at you.
• Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists need extra space.
• Driving without reasonable consideration for others is a penalty point offence.
• Tiredness, stress and anger reduce your judgement and slow your reactions.

Space is your safety cushion

The more space you have, the more time you have. Keep a good gap ahead, avoid sitting in another driver's blind spot, and leave room to the side for doors opening and cyclists wobbling. When you stop in traffic, stop where you can still see the rear tyres of the car in front touching the road, so you have room to steer round it if it breaks down.

If someone tailgates you, increase the gap in front so you can brake gently.

Always know your way out

An escape route is a space you could steer into if something suddenly blocks your path. Keep asking yourself where you would go. Typical escape routes are:

• A clear lane beside you on a multi-lane road.
• The verge or a wide gateway on a rural road, if it is safe and clear of people.
• Extra distance in front, so that braking alone is enough.
• If you have no escape route, slow down until braking alone would be enough.

Patience and attitude

Many crashes start with impatience: a rushed overtake, a gamble at a junction, a burst of speed after a hold-up. Leave earlier so you are not in a hurry. Let aggressive drivers go, do not make eye contact or gestures, and never try to teach someone a lesson. Over-use of the horn and flashing lights in anger are signs of aggressive driving, not defensive driving.

Expect mistakes from others: a car pulling out without looking, a pedestrian stepping off the kerb, a cyclist swerving round a pothole. If you have already slowed and left space, their mistake costs nobody anything.

Common mistakes

• Assuming right of way protects you. Be ready to give way even when you have priority.
• Following too closely in traffic. Keep your gap, even in queues.
• Overtaking when you are not sure it is safe. If in doubt, do not go.
• Reacting to an aggressive driver. Stay calm and let them pass.
• Driving while tired or upset. Take a break or wait until you are fit to drive.

Test yourself: Defensive driving

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.