All drivers should strive to be safe. They should always follow the rules of the road and do everything in their power to avoid being involved in a car accident.
However, being a defensive driver goes beyond simply following traffic laws. Defensive drivers anticipate the mistakes of others on the road. They remain alert and cautious, and they take proactive steps to avoid potentially dangerous situations. Being a defensive driver means that your odds of being involved in a car accident are lower than they would otherwise be.
What does this look like in practice?
To see how this works, consider the following example. You are driving on a two-lane road, traveling in the right lane, while another vehicle is in the left lane.
As you approach from behind, you notice that the other driver is periodically swerving partially into your lane and driving erratically. They may be distracted or impaired.
Technically, if you are only following the rules of the road, you could continue driving and even pass the vehicle while remaining in your lane. If that driver swerved and hit your car, the accident would likely be their fault.
However, a defensive driver would take a different approach. You would give that vehicle extra space, recognizing that the driver is more likely to cause a crash. You would avoid passing them and maintain an extended following distance in case they make a sudden or unpredictable move.
Seeking financial compensation
This type of proactive approach can help you avoid many car accidents, but there is never a guarantee that you will not be injured in an accident caused by another driver. If that happens, take the time to understand your options for seeking financial compensation.