Defensive driving is a term that we have all heard, in reference to drivers’ ed classes and maybe if we’ve gotten pulled over a time too many. But did you know that it’s actually important to practice defensive driving in the day-to-day? Yeah, it is! When you drive defensively, you not only drive more safely, but you make sure that other drivers on the road are also safe! All because of your driving. Do you feel good about this? I definitely feel good about this. Anyway, here are some tips on how to drive defensively and be the HERO that the road NEEDS (maybe not the one it deserves, though).

Make sure that you’re paying attention at all times. To the road, specifically. Not to your music, not to your passengers, not to Siri yelling at you to TURN LEFT!!! Pay attention to the road and the other drivers on the road. They are your most important priorities when you are actively behind the wheel!!! Other drivers behave super erratically on a good day, so you need to be on your toes always to make sure you can account for the bad driving of other people. This means not tailgating, not cutting people off, merging correctly, and not getting mad when other people do all that to you and more.

Make sure that you have a plan B, always always always. If your first plan for how you’re going to get to your destination doesn’t work, you should have another idea of what to do. This can really help you avoid being super frustrated with traffic. On that same vein, though, remember that speeding is always a no-no. Focus on the journey, not the destination! I know, it’s B.S., but seriously. Plan well and you won’t have to speed to get where you’re going on time. And if you’re going to be late, accept it. Everyone would rather you arrive alive than never make it at all.