Defensive Driving

Defensive driving means “always expect the unexpected.” The first step in driving defensively is to wear the safety belt. See Safety Belts on page 3‑15.

• Assume that other road users (pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be careless and make mistakes.

Anticipate what they might do and be ready.

• Allow enough following distance between you and the driver in front of you.

• Focus on the task of driving.

    See also:

    Hill and Mountain Roads
    Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in these conditions include: • Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape. • C ...

    Fuses
    The wiring circuits in the vehicle are protected from short circuits by fuses. This greatly reduces the chance of damage caused by electrical problems. Look at the silver-colored band inside the fu ...

    Voltmeter Gauge
    When the engine is not running, but the ignition is turned on, this gauge shows the battery's state of charge in DC volts. When the engine is running, this gauge shows the condition of the charging ...