Defensive Driver Training Justified: Five Good Reasons

You're probably like the majority of people driving motor vehicles on our roads - careful, responsible and courteous to other drivers. So you might ask yourself, why take a defensive driver course? Well, there are a few very good reasons, as you are about to find out.

Reason #1 (by far) - You Could Save Your Life

Taking a defensive driver course could save your life! It doesn't matter how careful or responsible you are when driving, accidents can still happen. Many accidents are caused by other drivers you encounter on the roads who act irresponsibly and drive dangerously. This means that in addition to being careful, responsible and courteous yourself, you must also drive defensively to avoid others who drive dangerously.

Reason #2 - Avoid Emotional, Physical and Financial Hardship

Large numbers of people are seriously injured in car accidents each year. Being involved in a car accident results in traumatic emotional, physical and financial hardship, and is often caused through no fault of your own. Accidents like this can affect you and your loved ones for many years to come. Taking advantage of a good defensive driver course can help learn techniques for combating the irresponsible and dangerous driving of others.

Reason #3 - Save Money On Insurance Premiums

Many motor vehicle insurance companies offer discounts and rebates to drivers who have undertaken a certified defensive driver course. Drivers who invest in defensive driving education and present a certificate of completion to their insurance company can often benefit from reduced car insurance costs.

Reason #4 - Traffic Violation Dismissal

In some municipalities, completing a defensive driver course is one of the consequences of being booked for a traffic violation. Completion of the defensive driver course, and presentation of the appropriate documentation can sometimes entitle you to a dismissal of the ticket. Undergoing driver education can also help you to drive in a much safer manner and avoid traffic violations in the first place.

Reason #5 - Learn Many and Varied Strategies For Safety

A good defensive driver course will use many tools to teach safety strategies. Quality courses use videos to show clearly the different defensive driving techniques that are important to remaining safe on the road. A good defensive driver course will often use animations to highlight common mistakes made by drivers. Animations are also used to demonstrate important techniques, such as how drivers should enter and exit from a busy freeway. Escape techniques for avoiding dangerous and aggressive drivers are also valuable tools taught by any good defensive driver course.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to take a good defensive driver course. Saving your life and avoiding physical, financial and emotional hardship alone would be more than enough reason to invest your money in some quality driver education. Don't delay, do it now!

About The Author: Jean Littman is co-owner of DefensiveDriverSense.com which provides quality resources on defensive driving techniques, advanced driving and traffic safety programs.