Defensive driving is a skill that most drivers assume they have an understanding of, one that most would boast to have, but only a handful can claim to be defensive drivers.
Although people associate it with combat-like driving, defensive driving is less complex than it sounds. Even in its simplicity, not many car owners are certified defensive drivers.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Miller Kioko, a motor vehicle expert, describes defensive driving as that which saves lives, time and money. Kioko, who went through the training, agrees that it as one of the most essential skills that every road user should have.
"It is not the rowdy driving where we see people driving over pavements and other forms of road nuisance" he stated.
He further stated that it involves ensuring the safety of the driver, safety of the vehicle, safety of other road users, awareness of the road and being aware of any legal implications associated with being behind the wheel.
The safety of a driver spans across the psychological and physiological state of the driver before they get behind the wheel.
Physical well-being includes the right sitting posture to reduce straining. In addition, drivers are also cautioned not to drive when they are sleepy or pressed.
On the other hand, Kioko stated that emotional wellbeing is meant to ensure that drivers who are stressed, anxious, extremely happy or sad should not be allowed on the road. He further disclosed that extreme emotions cloud one's judgement and are number one cause of road rage.
Miller also emphasized on the importance of one to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before they hit the road. This involves being able to read and interpret the warning signs of the dashboards.
"Those are very important and the most modern cars come with them. Every driver needs to know how to interpret them because they are the first kind of diagnosis," Kioko explained.
Miller advised drivers to always assume one thing—that they are the only sane people on the road. He added that as much as a driver can ensure that he or she is fit to be on the road, no one can guarantee that other drivers did a self-assessment on themselves.
"You cannot tell what other people are going through, and that gives one reason to be even more careful," he stated.
In this regard, he urged drivers to always expect anything on the road and be able to react calmly. He added that panic is the greatest enemy in emergency situations and many people lose lives because of panicking.
Moreover, defensive driving involves being aware of the road. Although only a small percentage of accidents are attributed to the nature of roads, majority of such accidents are caused by ignoring obvious signs.
Road signs are meant to guide users on the state of the road. Miller stated that bumps and potholes can cause fatal accidents with both of them causing extensive damage to vehicles.
"Should you see a bump, and you are at high speed, gently apply the breaks, then immediately release the breaks as you climb the bump. Do not let go off the staring," he advised.
Road users are also advised to have knowledge of the law to avoid being extorted by rogue police officers. Knowledge of the law includes knowing and understanding of insurance policies and how they work.
Defensive driving is offered in select driving schools as well as in the military and the National Youth Service (NYS).
