When you think of driving, it often elicits a sense of freedom. Getting out of the house, having your own car, being able to go out with your friends on the weekends. However, many new drivers don't consider the dangers and major responsibility that comes along with having a driver's license. As a new Texas driver, a defensive driving course is a great way to help you prepare for the rigors of driving. In addition to helping you spot the danger signs on the road and fend them off, the course will also help you spot dangers and learn how to avoid them so you can help prevent on-road accidents.
Anticipate Danger; Know Your Defensive Driving Tips
When taking a state-approved defensive driving course in Texas, you'll learn how to spot a distracted driver. Signs might include a driver having their phone on their lap, looking down into their palms, or possibly arguing with someone sitting in the car next to them. In 2017, a total of 449 people were killed as a result of distracted driving. Although this is a 2% decrease from the previous year, it is still an on-road danger a driver must be aware of.
A state-approved distracted driver's education course will walk drivers through an eight-step process to help them spot the signs of a distracted driver. These include:
Learning the ABCs of safe driving
Planning
Putting down your phone
Avoiding eating behind the wheel... and other tactics to help drivers stay safe on the road.
No matter what driving rules you need help with, or what aspects of on-road safety you need a refresher in, a defensive driving course is a great place for you to receive it.
Stay Alert and Aware
Other defensive driving tips you can learn in a course is how to spot the signs of a drunk driver. This can help prevent accidents, and ultimately, prevent deaths on the roadways. DUI deaths for 2017 in the state of Texas reached a total of 944 lives. Nearly 30% of those drivers were below the age of 30. As a young driver, a distracted driving course can help prepare you for the dangers that come along with DUI/drugged driving cases. You'll learn how to veer away from swerving vehicles, call the police if you feel a driver is a danger, or otherwise act accordingly, to help prevent on-road accidents.
Save Money, Too
Sure, you want to avoid accidents on the road. You want to be a safe driver, know how to avoid distracted drivers, and promote safety in your state. But, taking a defensive driving course has other benefits, too! Its drive safe tips can help you reduce your insurance rates. As a safer driver, insurers will work with you because you are doing your part in creating safer roads for everyone else. You'll also learn the latest laws in the state of Texas, and it can serve as a preventive measure if you're on the cusp of losing your driver's license. If required by law, this course can help you keep your license, and even avoid the points that come along with certain traffic infractions.
Become a Defensive Texas Driver
It sounds simple enough, and that's because it is. A defensive driver is a safer driver. You're alert, you know how to spot the signs of danger, and you know when and how to stay away from on-road dangers. Furthermore, defensive driving courses teach Texas drivers how to contact authorities, and help prevent on-road accidents, without putting themselves in danger.
If you're a new driver, or simply need a refresher course to help prepare you for dangers on the road, defensive driver's education is a simple solution. Or, if you're among the lucky select few that got a ticket for a traffic infraction and are required to take a course, why not do it on your terms?
This is where over 80,000 safe drivers go each month to become safer, more aware Texas drivers. Join them and make the roads a little safer wherever you live!
