Defensive driving refers to the techniques drivers use to reduce the risk of accidents. It’s an active set of driving practices that includes maintaining a safe following distance, scanning your surroundings and remaining calm, among others.
Most states offer courses where motorists can learn the basics of defensive driving and in some cases, earn a discount on their car insurance. These courses have proven effective — the National Safety Council (NSC) found that drivers who complete a defensive driving course see a 74% decrease in serious violations like at-fault collisions and serious traffic infractions. The NSC, as well as your state’s insurance website, can help you find courses and resources on defensive driving.
How to drive defensively
Even without a defensive driving course, there are small steps you can take that will have an outsized impact on your road safety. Here are some helpful tips for defensive driving.
1. Get prepared and take your time
Safe driving behaviors can start before you ever get in your car. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, and keep an eye on the weather and traffic conditions in your area so you know if you need to leave early.
Once you’re in your car, take a few moments to adjust your seat and mirrors, buckle your seatbelt, and make sure your passengers are buckled in safely. This is also a great time to choose a playlist or podcast for the drive so you don’t have to adjust your radio once you’re moving. Then, safely stow your phone or set it up for hands-free use.
2. Avoid distractions behind the wheel
Staying focused behind the wheel is one of the most important ways you can keep yourself and others safe. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Distracted driving was a factor in 12% of all crash-related injuries in 2022.
When you stay present and attentive while you’re driving, it’s easier to spot potential hazards and respond calmly. To help keep your attention on the road, make sure you:
- Use the hands-free setting on your cell phone or navigation device.
- Avoid eating or drinking while driving.
- Keep conversations with passengers minimal and calm.
- Avoid adjusting your stereo or infotainment system.
Never drink and drive: It’s impossible to remain aware and alert if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and the consequences can be life-changing. DUI-related accidents were responsible for 32% of all traffic fatalities in 2021, according to the NHTSA.
3. Stay in control while you’re driving
One of the most important ways to be a safer driver is to maintain a steady, reasonable speed at all times. The NHTSA reports that in 2022, speeding was a factor in 28% of all fatal crashes. When you’re driving too fast, you have less time to react if something unexpected happens, like if a car suddenly slams on brakes or an animal runs into the road.
And don’t just rely on the speed limit — if road conditions or visibility are poor, you can actually be ticketed for driving too fast, even if you’re following the speed limit.
Here are more tips to help you maintain control behind the wheel:
- Follow the three-second rule: Keep a safe following distance and avoid tailgating by staying at least two to three seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you.
- Use cruise control: This can help you maintain a safe speed over long distances, but stay attentive in case you need to slow down.
- Understand your blind spots: Once you know where they are, monitor them carefully so you can merge or turn safely.
- Make minor adjustments: Avoid jerking the wheel or slamming on your brakes.
- Control your own emotions: Failure to remain calm while you’re driving can turn a minor irritation into a bout of road rage.
4. Scan the road for hazards so you can react quickly
Continuously scan about 10 seconds ahead of you as you drive to stay aware of oncoming dangers on the road. Also, periodically check your side and rearview mirrors to be sure you know what’s going on around you.
By scanning the road ahead, you’ll be able to react quickly if you encounter things like:
- Cars or pedestrians on the side of the road.
- Emergency vehicles.
- Potholes.
- Animals.
- Road debris.
- Objects falling off of cargo trucks.
- Changes in the speed limit.
Don’t count on other motorists to make safe decisions. No matter how safe you are, you can’t control the actions of others. Pay close attention to other vehicles near you so you’ll be better prepared if they suddenly stop, swerve, or change lanes without signaling.
5. Be a considerate driver
A big part of defensive driving involves being courteous to other drivers. Lack of consideration can lead to frustration and even road rage in other drivers, but these simple driving habits can help you avoid aggressive drivers and create a safer environment on the road:
- Use your turn signals.
- Respect the right of way.
- Give way to pedestrians.
- Don’t block intersections.
- Allow fast drivers to pass you.
- Merge early when approaching a closed lane.
- Make way for emergency vehicles.
Benefits of defensive driving courses
One of the best ways to learn how to be a defensive driver is to take a defensive driver course. These classes typically last from one to 12 hours; you can find a defensive driving course online or in person.
Unlike the basics taught in a driver’s education course, defensive driving courses are designed to teach advanced driver safety techniques, including how to:
- Properly use the safety equipment in your car, like your seatbelt, child safety seats, and airbags.
- Drive in various weather conditions, including heavy rain, high winds, and ice.
- Prevent crashes by scanning the road, maintaining a safe following distance, and reacting appropriately to hazards.
- Deal with physiological and psychological stressors like bad weather, fatigue and stress.
- Remain calm if you encounter unexpected hazards, road rage or impaired drivers.
Did you know? The first defensive driving course was created in 1964 after Congress chartered the National Safety Council. Since then, over 80 million people have taken the NSC’s course.
After a traffic violation, courts sometimes give drivers the option to complete a defensive driving course to reduce fines or remove license points. But even if you haven’t received any violations, you can take a defensive driving class to get more confident behind the wheel.
Your course completion may also make you eligible for car insurance discounts, you’ll improve your driving skills, potentially reduce accidents, and gain more confidence as a driver.
In addition to helping you stay safe behind the wheel, here’s how defensive driving could help you save on your auto insurance:
- Defensive driving can help you avoid rate hikes by helping you avoid accidents and traffic violations, like speeding tickets.
- If approved by the court, taking a defensive driving course could help you get points off your driving record that might otherwise drive up your insurance premiums.
- In some cases, taking a defensive driving course can earn you discounts on insurance premiums.
How to get a defensive driving course insurance discount
Not all insurers offer the same defensive driving discounts to all types of drivers, so call your agent to be sure you’re eligible for a discount before taking any course.
For instance, many carriers restrict defensive driving discounts to senior drivers or those just learning to drive — both groups that cause more accidents than others, on average. And you may not be able to get a discount if the course was court-ordered or is part of an agreement to have points or fines reduced.
Read more: The Best Car Insurance Companies
How much does defensive driving lower insurance?
Some drivers can save as much as 15% on their insurance premiums for taking a defensive driver course. Usually, once you qualify for this discount, it will remain in effect for three to five years. Once that period expires, you may still qualify for a discount if you retake a defensive driving course.
Check with your insurance agent to learn about your specific requirements, including which driving schools are approved, how long the discount will last and whether it’s renewable.
Even if you’re not eligible for a defensive driving discount, taking a course might still help you save on your insurance, albeit more indirectly. The valuable skills you’ll learn behind the wheel can help you avoid tickets and accidents that might otherwise drive up your premiums.
Which companies offer defensive driving discounts?
Beyond state limits, your auto insurance company may have its own restrictions around defensive driving discounts. Here are some major companies offering discounts in selected states where they sell policies.
- AAA.
- Geico.
- State Farm.
- Progressive.
- Travelers.
- USAA.
Megan Lee is an editor, writer, and SEO expert who specializes in insurance, personal finance, travel, and healthcare. She has been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for several websites, including NerdWallet. When she`s not crafting her next piece of content, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to drink cortados, attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.
Lacie Glover is a Lead Writer and Editor with sixteen years’ experience in the insurance category. Prior to Jerry, she spent more than a decade on NerdWallet’s content team writing, editing and then overseeing the auto insurance category, as well as dabbling in other insurance and automotive topics. Prior to her career in the online personal finance content space, Lacie spent time in the hard sciences, in clinical research and chemistry labs. She has a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University.
