The Art Of Defensive Driving
So recently in the Twitter-verse, a video of a motorcycle and car accident went viral. After the collision, the motorcyclist was seen yelling at the top of his lungs at the driver who was clearly apologetic and scared. The video has since had netizens debating who was truly at fault.
This is of course not an isolated case as irresponsible handling of vehicle is something that has been around since probably when cars were made. But social media has definitely shed some light on the increased cases of dangerous driving, drunk driving to be specific.
Viral videos of intoxicated drivers taking the lives of innocent people have been making rounds on social media in recent years. These cases have gotten so out of hand that netizens are even proposing that these offenders should be given the death penalty, and eye for an eye; with others saying that they should have their license revoked for life.
At some levels we do agree that drastic action is needed to overcome this appalling offence, but more importantly we need to understand that getting from point A to B on the road SAFELY is a role that all of us must commit ourselves to.
And this is where we would like to introduce everyone to the concept of defensive driving. It sounds like it’s supposed to be some sort of martial art doesn’t it? But no, it’s not okay don’t go embarrass yourself okay LOL.
Defensive Driving is defined as “driving to save lives, time, and money”, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others.” It is a form of training for motor vehicle drivers that goes beyond mastering the rules of the road and the basic mechanics of driving.
These strategies are aimed to reduce the risk of collision by anticipating dangerous situations, despite adverse conditions or the mistakes of others. It’s basically a guide to gauge the unknown logically and sensibly.
Among the emphasis in defensive driving includes being extra aware of your surroundings. It’s common for us to only focus on the gears and steering. In reality, you have to look at jaywalkers and the vehicles around you. Try to analyze the drivers’ behavior so that you can counteract any ‘last minute’ actions. It is a known fact that the IDK-what-signal-is breeds are everywhere.
Also, you must always ALWAYS think ahead. Of course no one is a fortune teller but you must always think about what you would do if the car suddenly stops. This mindset will prompt you to drive further away. After all, you were supposed to use the 3 seconds rule method you learnt in driving school. Don’t remember ah? Basically when a car in front of you passes a street light you have to start counting to 3 seconds. If your car reaches the street light before the 3 second then you are TOO close.
And if you see a construction site ahead, that should give you an idea of the condition of the road you are about to drive into. So don’t be “smart” and drive fast and ‘acah-acah’ like you’re Vin Diesel in the Fast and Furious franchise. Slow down, anticipate that there might be potholes and lorries going in and out of the area.
Plus, keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road all the time. Don’t be stupid and drive when you’re feeling sleepy or drunk too at that. Statistics between 2010 and 2018 showed that there were 2,364 accidents related to drink driving, with 1,196 people killed and it was reported that the World Health Organisation even marked Malaysia as one of 35 nations with a “high” rate of drink driving accidents.
DON’T DO IT. Crazy ah? If it’s only your life on the line then okay lah up to you lah. But if you have your whole family in the car then please don’t risk it. Don’t even think about doing it please. We’re literally begging you. Plus, (and we know most of you are guilty for this) don’t be so syok singing and dancing in the car that you get distracted with what’s going on on the road. Be alert at all times!
Last but not least, (and this should go without saying anyways but because some of you can’t behave we will lecture you like your mother) ALWAYS put on your seat belt. Oh you’re going to the local convenience store just around the corner? PUT ON YOUR SEATBELT. Oh it's a quick trip to your neighbor’s house at the other taman? PUT ON YOUR SEATBELT.
The key to defensive driving is you anticipating the unanticipated. So yes, a quick trip sounds harmless right. You would never anticipate anything to happen right? WRONG. You can never know what might just pop up along the way. So again, better be safe than sorry.
So many uppercases in this one article we got to admit we sound like a makcik asking their kid to slow down while driving the car. LOL. But if sounding like a makcik is what it takes to bring awareness, we will embrace our makcik side with pride!
We are not victim blaming you when we say that there will be morons on the road cari penyakit, so it’s up to you. But your safety must be your priority so always have a teeny tiny tad bit of paranoia in you so that you won’t be too complacent on the road.
Apart from safety precautions, drivers must also know what’s the best fuel companion for your car too. Think of the bigger picture. In this episode of Now You Know Lah - Different Types of Fuel, you will get acquainted with the difference between RON 95 and RON 97 petrol among others.
