Often times, our schedules can get backed up and we can find ourselves feeling stressed and irritable. We have to scramble to fit many tasks into a small window of time. Driving, especially in urban areas, can get to be frustrating. The task of getting from point A to point B can seem almost like a competition. You might feel forced to drive aggressively. It just seems like the right move, given the circumstances. Relax Rusty Wallace! The two minutes and thirty seconds that you’re going to save just is most definitely NOT worth the risk. Put the cell phone away, pay attention, grip the wheel with both hands, and go to your happy place. Here are four of the most important components of defensive driving that will allow us to better protect your own safety, that of our passengers, and the safety of those whom we share the road with.

1. Scan the roadway up to 10 seconds ahead of you. Look to identify potential hazards, paying extra attention when approaching cross streets, areas where traffic may be merging, and anywhere where pedestrians may be a factor.

2. Leave yourself an out on the roadway. Don’t let yourself get boxed in by traffic. Always know what your options are, in the event that you have to make a quick or evasive maneuver.

3. Check you rear and side-view mirrors periodically. Some sources say to do this every 10 seconds or so. That seems a bit excessive. The point here is that threats can materialize quickly. You do not want to be caught off guard.

4. Maintain a safe driving distance from the vehicle ahead of you. Often, you hear about the three second rule, or some other measure for safe driving distance. Ultimately, it comes down to situational awareness and to common sense. Yes, cars will jump in front of you. Most likely they’re only going to be there for a short period of time before moving on and allowing you regain the distance that you sacrificed.

Check out a new car, truck, or SUV that compliments your driving skills. Stop by your local Toyota Dealer to take one out for a test drive in one of our new or certified Toyota pre owned vehicles.