Oregon Defensive Driving

Drivers who practice defensive driving are consistently aware of their surroundings and the behaviors of other drivers.

If you’re able to anticipate intentions of another driver and you’re ready to take immediate evasive action – you are a defensive driver.

If you have yet to master Oregon defensive driving, learn to practice the techniques listed below. These will help you improve your driving skills and avoid potential accidents. Always assume other drivers will make bad driving decisions.

• Keep a good amount of space between you and the vehicles in front, behind, or beside you. Keep track of traffic on all four sides and be prepared to make a quick defensive move.
• Use your rear view mirrors and side mirrors often.
• Upon arriving at an intersection, check in all directions before proceeding regardless of who has the right-of-way.
• Any time you have a limited vision such as rounding a sharp corner or approaching the top of a hill, exercise caution and slow down in anticipation of an oncoming vehicle.
• Be aware of passengers getting on or off school buses and public transportation vehicles.
• Watch for delivery trucks that frequently stop and go. Vehicles like mail trucks, package delivery trucks, flower delivery vans, and others pose unexpected hazards.
• Emergency scenes draw attention and distract other drivers and pedestrians. It's important to pay extra attention to your own driving.
• Be extra careful when passing through construction areas. Speed limits are usually reduced, police or flaggers are in the road and heavy equipment is in use.
• Take notice of erratic or reckless drivers and slow down or avoid them altogether. Poor drivers increase the chances of causing an accident.
• Go slowly and be ready to brake in an instant where large numbers of people are active such as shopping centers, intersections, restaurant parking lots, churches, etc.
• Be overly cautious near places where children gather such as school yards, ball courts and playgrounds.
• Proceed slowly around parked cars since they prevent you from seeing potential hazards. Be aware that a person may walk out from the front of a vehicle at any time.
• Be aware that drivers backing vehicles into the road may not see you even if when see them.
• Stay far behind trucks carrying freight or dangerous cargo. Watch for debris that may fall out of the truck and for pieces of loose tire rubber strewn on the highway.
• Stay as visible as you can. Use headlights in bad weather or on treacherous roads.

Oregon Defensive Driving in Bad Weather

• Watch for slippery conditions. Posted speeds usually reflect safe speeds for clear, dry roads. When you must drive in bad weather of any type -- rain, snow, ice or fog, reduce your speed and be extra-watchful of other drivers.
• Be ready to turn your windshield wipers on. Snow, rain, and slush can spray on your windshield at any time and block your vision.
• Stay far behind cars and trucks that have snow on the roof. Sliding snow can land on your windshield, block your vision or cause a white-out, or land on the road in front of your vehicle creating a slippery surface.
• Drivers with out-of-state license plates or those who are driving rental cars may be visitors unfamiliar with the area and Oregon driving conditions. Be aware that these drivers are distracted while checking a map or GPS directions.

Rule of thumb: Be cautious and always beware of other drivers.