A European Road Safety Charter signatory since April 2006, Interactive Driving Systems, is presenting a “way of driving which can help you to keep away from problems on the road”. “Defensive Driving” is based on detailed journey planning before travelling, concentration, observation and anticipation whilst on the road. “A defensive driver does not just concentrate on his or her own actions, but also on the likely actions of other road users”, considers Interactive Driving Systems.

Once on the road, defensive drivers apply the following rules, based loosely on the US ‘Smith System’:

1.     Aiming high in steering - looking ahead to anticipate risks. Look 15 seconds ahead, not just at the vehicle in front of you. Aiming further down the road allows you to make fewer and smaller steering corrections and to better predict events to which you may need to react.

2.     Getting the big picture - by scanning or keeping your eyes moving to combine what you see ahead and around you and more effectively identify hazards.

3.     Leaving yourself an out - though monitoring the ‘safety space’ around you and effective positioning in traffic to give yourself time and options.

4.     Making sure other road users see you - though early, clear and effective use of signals.

 

More details are available at www.virtualriskmanager.net.