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:

    Why Safety Belts Work
    Why Safety Belts Work When riding in a vehicle, you travel as fast as the vehicle does. If the vehicle stops suddenly, you keep going until something stops you. It could be the windshield, the ins ...

    Filling the Tank
    If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the Duramax diesel supplement for more information. WARNING Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel fire can cause bad injuries. To help avoid injuries to you ...

    Hazard Warning Flashers
    (Hazard Warning Flasher): Press this button, on the center of the instrument panel, to make the front and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off. This warns others that you are having trouble. ...