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 3‑12.

○ 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:

    Engine Cooling System Messages
    ENGINE HOT A/C (Air Conditioning) OFF This message displays when the engine coolant becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge on page 5‑14. To ...

    Lap-Shoulder Belt
    If the vehicle is a regular cab, then all seating positions in the vehicle have a lap-shoulder belt. If the vehicle is a crew or extended cab, then all seating positions in the vehicle have a lap-shou ...

    Off-Road Recovery
    The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while driving. Follow these tips: 1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the ...