Are you really a safe driver? Did you know that the majority of people think they’re above-average drivers as well? This can’t be true, so how do you really know where you stand?

Safe driving isn’t as easy as keeping both hands on the wheel and not texting while driving. It’s important to practice safe driving strategies. You need to be a defensive driver if you want to reduce risks.

It might be time to look into defensive driving classes. Keep reading to learn all about the benefits of taking classes to improve your driving skills.

First: What Is Defensive Driving vs Aggressive Driving?

Let’s talk about what defensive driving is in the first place and how it compares to its counterpart: aggressive driving. Many people don’t even know that they’re displaying aggressive driving habits! Here are a few differences so you can determine where you stand.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving doesn’t just mean that the driver gets road rage or intentionally tries to harm other drivers. While this is one aspect of aggressive driving, and the most obvious one, many people display “normal” aggressive driving techniques every day even if they’re otherwise great drivers.

Have you ever gone over the speed limit? Have you ever run a light that you knew was going to turn red as soon as you were underneath it? Do you ever change lanes without your turn signal?

These are all types of aggressive driving. Yes, they’re not “aggressive” as in “intentionally harmful,” but they also aren’t safe driving habits.

Aggressive drivers are sometimes careless, but this isn’t the only reason that they’d display bad driving techniques. They may be emotional, they may be late for a commitment, they may also struggle with patience.

Take a look at your own behavior on the road.

If you find yourself getting frustrated with other drivers, racing to cut in front of people, or refusing to yield to other drivers, you might be an aggressive driver. If that’s the case, it’s time to take a defensive driving class.

Defensive driving

So if aggressive driving covers so many “normal” driving behaviors, what’s defensive driving? What makes it so much safer?

Defensive driving means that you’re paying close attention to everything and everyone else that’s going on around you while you’re driving. Even though your hands are on the wheel and your eyes are on the road, you have a good grasp of your surroundings.

When you’re a defensive driver, you always use your turn signal, slow down when you approach yellow lights, and yield to other drivers when necessary. You avoid talking on the phone while driving and you never assume that other drivers are going to do what you expect them to do.

Defensive drivers know when to pull over and let aggressive drivers pass them. They don’t let their emotions take the wheel.

Passive Driving

Many people haven’t heard of passive driving. Most drivers are passive drivers, at least some of the time.

Passive drivers get into their cars, stay in their lanes, and mind their own business. They may meet the speed limit or they may go under it. While this seems like it would be a good thing, it comes with problems.

Passive drivers are often on autopilot. They aren’t paying enough attention to the world around them. They’re putting themselves at risk of accidents.

A passive driver may not notice an aggressive driver weaving between lanes up ahead. They also won’t notice when the car ahead of them slams on the brakes as a response to the aggressive driver.

This can cause them to brake too late, either hitting the car ahead of them or causing the car behind them to hit them.

Passive driving is safer than aggressive driving, but it’s not as safe or effective as defensive driving. Do your best to be a defensive driver. If you’re struggling, take a defensive driving class.

You’ll Protect Yourself

When you take a defensive driving class to become a better driver, you’re protecting yourself on the road. You’re your own first priority (alongside your passengers), so ensuring your own safety is key.

Being a defensive driver is a great way to prevent accidents from happening to you, even if you aren’t the person who would have caused them. Defensive driving classes can also teach you the best way to respond to accidents or turn them into less serious accidents.

Passive drivers can fall victim to accidents through no fault of their own. While this is also true for defensive drivers, defensive drivers have an extra layer of protection: their safe driving strategies.

Don’t put yourself and your passengers at risk. Protect them by taking defensive driving classes when you’re not sure about whether or not your driving skills are up to par.

You’ll Protect Other Drivers and Pedestrians

You’ll also be able to protect everyone around you. Preventing accidents is everyone’s responsibility, not just the responsibility of aggressive drivers. While you might not be the direct cause of an accident, you can play a role in preventing it from happening in the first place.

Other drivers who are practicing bad behavior likely aren’t doing it out of malice. You should still do your best to keep them safe. By reacting poorly to their driving, you’re putting other innocent drivers at risk as well.

You also need to consider pedestrians. Defensive driving means that your eyes are on everything on and around the road. If there are pedestrians at a crosswalk (or even jaywalking), you’ll be able to spot them as long as you’re being observant.

It’s a big responsibility to protect everyone else on the road, but it’s a responsibility that you’re more than capable of handling if you practice good defensive driving techniques.

To learn these techniques, take a defensive driving class.

You’ll Learn (or Re-Learn) Proper Driving Safety Habits

How long has it been since you took your initial driving class before you got your driver’s license? While many teens and young adults take defensive driving classes only a few years after their initial lessons, the classes are also great for older adults who are long-removed from the day of their driving test.

It’s normal to forget proper driving skills and safety laws. If you’ve changed states, or if laws have changed since you got your license, you may not even know what you’re supposed to be following anymore.

There’s no shame in taking a defensive driving course as an adult. It means that you’re committing to educating yourself and promoting safety on the road.

When was the last time that you brushed up on local driving laws? Are you sure that you know what to do at a four-way intersection with no yield signs or stop signs? Where are pedestrians allowed (or not allowed) to cross?

You can always look these things up on the web, but taking a class will be far better for your information retention.

Through a defensive driving course, you may even get to learn why the rules exist in the first place. Knowing the rules isn’t often enough to dissuade someone from driving poorly. Knowing why the rules are in place can help make them more “real.”

You’ll Save Money

You might be wondering whether or not defensive driving courses are worth their price tag. In the long run, the answer is probably “yes.” You can save money after taking a defensive driving class.

Some of your savings will come from your insurance. Bad drivers, especially drivers who have a history of tickets, may pay more for their insurance. Taking a defensive driving class may reduce your monthly insurance cost.

Car insurance for young drivers is often far more expensive than car insurance for older adults. While it won’t be cheap after taking a driving class, the cost may go down.

You’ll also save money on future maintenance. Aggressive driving won’t only cause accidents. It can also cause excessive wear and tear on your car.

By learning defensive driving habits, you’ll change your tires less often, protect your brakes, and more.

It’s Time to Take Defensive Driving Classes

If it’s been a while since you’ve brushed up on your driving skills and safe driving strategies, it might be time to look into defensive driving classes.

Through defensive driving classes, you’ll learn all about how to be a safer and more responsible driver. You’ll protect yourself, your passengers, other drivers, and even pedestrians.

Bonus: You might even save a bit of money while you’re at it.

Look into local defensive driving courses today to start your journey toward being a safer driver.