Summary & Quick Facts
- Defensive Driving refers to both a style of driving and a type of safety course NYC drivers can take to improve their driving.
- Defensive driving uses safe driving strategies to navigate the various road hazards in a predictable manner.
- Defensive driving aims to reduce the risk of driving to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike.
- Taking defensive driving courses can mean a point reduction on your driving record and lower insurance rates.
- Ultimately, defensive driving can help drivers avoid accidents, tickets and reduce their insurance premiums.
Can You Handle The Mean Streets Of NYC Behind The Wheel?
New Yorkers know how aggressive these city streets can be. Amidst all the honking, bustling traffic and crazy drivers, it’s easy to get find yourself lost and confused in the chaos. Moreover, many drivers choose to put their desire to get to where they are going as fast as possible over the safety of both pedestrians and other drivers. The willful or unintended disregard for the safety of others on the road leads to dangerous encounters. This is why defensive driving can be such a valuable tool for drivers. Defensive driving can help drivers avoid the dangerous situations that unfold on streets across the city and beyond. They can also have benefits that go beyond the road. Learn about Defensive driving here.
What Is Defensive Driving?
Defensive driving essentially means two things: it is both a style of driving and a type of safety course NYC drivers can take to improve their driving. When it comes to driver behavior, defensive driving calls on drivers to use safe driving strategies to navigate the various road hazards in a predictable manner. These strategies go well beyond instruction on basic traffic laws and procedures and include other things such as proper driver psychology and driving techniques. Nonetheless, defensive driving aims to reduce the risk of driving to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike. Here, driving defensively helps drivers instinctively anticipate dangerous situations and avoid risks during both normal as well as adverse driving conditions.
Benefits Of Driving Defensively
Defensive driving has some very important benefits for drivers behind the wheel. Firstly, Drivers can simply expect better safety outcomes when faced with dangerous road encounters. Using defensive driving strategies like keeping a car length space between yourself and the next driver can give you more time to react should the car in front of you make a sudden move. Here, you have a chance to hit the brakes and avoid getting in an accident.
When you practice defensive driving, you are also less likely to get a ticket. Defensive drivers are more likely to follow the rules of the road. These drivers avoid dangerous driving habits that are aggressively ticketed like speeding.
Last and certainly not least, defensive driving can help you save money in the long run. By avoiding aggressive driving habits like slamming on the breaks after speeding, you can avoid the wear and tear that such strain can put on your car. You can also avoid the costly price tag that comes with getting into a car accident. Moreover, defensive driving can help you save on your auto insurance rates. Showing your car insurance company that you have good driving habits and avoid accidents, proves you are a low-risk driver. This, in turn, helps you get better insurance rates. Lower insurance premiums mean more money in your pocket each month. That’s a great way to start saving money.
Defensive Driving Courses In NYC
Defensive driving classes have been set up in cities and states across the country to make the roads safer. We all know that speeding and reckless driving can kill. Nonetheless, it is important to teach driver discipline and safety rules.
Defensive driving courses across New York City teaches safe driving techniques to drivers. At these classes, motorists learn about basic mistakes to avoid in their driving techniques. This helps drivers learn to improve their driving skills, make informed decisions behind the wheel and anticipate dangerous situations while driving.
You can take a course in a classroom, online or through other delivery methods such as DVD or digital cable. If you would like to do it in person, find an approved classroom provider. Alternatively, you can find an approved online or another platform provider (I-PIRP/ADM)
If you are a driver in the city, you should seriously consider taking these courses. Completing a New York DMV-approved course/ Point and Insurance Reduction Program (also known as PIRP) can provide up to a 10% reduction, for 3 years of the driver’s liability, no-fault and collision insurance premiums. If you have a traffic ticket, the benefits are even greater: taking these courses can mean a 4-point reduction on your driving record.
Has defensive driving helped you on the city streets? Have you ever taken a defensive driving course? Let us know in the comments below!