Defensive driving

Defensive driving means that you always expect the unexpected and drive with a safe margin. You take responsibility not only for your own driving but also compensate for others’ mistakes. This is a central part of driver training and a recurring topic on the Class B theory test.

Basic Principles

Anticipate others’ mistakes

A defensive driver assumes that:

• Pedestrians may cross the road without looking, especially at crosswalks
• Children may suddenly appear between parked cars
• Other drivers may break right-of-way rules or make unexpected maneuvers
• Cyclists may turn without signaling

Speed control is key

Defensive driving is largely about speed. The lower the speed, the more time you have to react, and the shorter the stopping distance . A defensive driver:

• Reduces speed in unclear situations
• Keeps extra distance on slippery roads and in bad weather
• Never exceeds the speed limit, even if surrounding traffic does
• Is always prepared for an emergency brake

Defensive driving in practice

• Look far ahead and build a picture of the traffic situation
• Check mirrors regularly to have awareness behind and to the sides
• Avoid blind spots of large vehicles, read about blind spots and dead angles
• Don’t let yourself be pressured by impatient drivers behind you
• Communicate clearly with turn signals, braking, and positioning

The connection with risk awareness

Defensive driving is the practical application of good risk awareness . You acknowledge that human errors will always occur and drive accordingly.

Further reading

• Risk awareness in traffic
• Three-second rule
• Adjusted speed and hidden hazards
• Emergency braking and evasive maneuvers
• Blind spots and dead angles