Not that we recommend trying it, but you can’t drive very far with your eyes closed without running off the road or hitting something! Many other physical impairments can be overcome in order to drive safely, but impaired vision may be a real handicap in adopting defensive driving techniques. If you drive, the health of your eyes, or sight, should be considered paramount. Have regular eye tests and adopt appropriate remedies for any condition which might effect your driving, both during the day, and at night.
Quickly Scan Your Vehicle
Even before getting into the driver’s seat, a quick scan of your vehicle may reveal problems such as a deflated tyre, or external mirrors knocked out of alignment. Such issues may compromise your ability to implement defensive driving techniques once you’re underway. From inside your vehicle you can again check your external mirrors and adjust them if necessary. If someone else has driven the vehicle before you, you may also have to re-adjust the rear view mirror to suit you. Be aware of any blind spots not covered by your direct vision, or your mirrors. The external and internal cleanliness of the windscreen, side and rear windows is also something to attend to. When you turn on the ignition, note what any warning lights such as petrol, oil, temperature, etc. may indicate. It can be very distracting having to drive some distance worrying about having enough petrol to make it and constantly looking at the gauge to check.
Pay Attention
When driving, pay attention to the traffic conditions and the environment around you so you can apply your defensive driving techniques if you identify a likely hazard. Keep you eyes up and look ahead, not just at the road or vehicle immediately in front of you, but further down the road so you can anticipate. You should be looking about 15-20 seconds ahead of your vehicle, farther if you can. This gives you the time to recognize and avoid most potential hazards before they become a problem.
Actively Scan
defensive driving techniques require more than just staring passively through your windscreen at the road ahead. You must actively scan traffic and environmental conditions at all times. Don’t concentrate on any one thing in your field of view for more than a second, keep your focused vision moving in a scanning “pattern” so that you clearly see everything that may affect your progress. If you allow your eyes to remain fixed on any one thing, your peripheral vision immediately begins to narrow down into “tunnel” vision