Defensive Driving Techniques

Delaware might be a small state, but these roads can be just as dangerous as the roads in California, Texas, or any other state. Defensive driving is extremely important, as it could prevent accidents and help you get to your destination safely and more quickly. Driving defensively doesn’t mean that you’re aggressive; instead, this type of driving is aimed to actually help you avoid dangerous, aggressive driving situations.

Delaware Driving Conditions

In Delaware, speed limits change depending on the area. However, beyond that, your speed should change according to the weather conditions. Delaware has a temperate climate, with cold, snowy winters and hot summers. They also get moderate amounts of rain and, especially near the coast, fog and wind. Keep in mind that the posted speed limit is the absolute highest speed you can go – you should drive more slowly if the situation demands it. Delaware driving safety laws require you to slow down, but you can even get a ticket if you are going under the limit but too fast for the road conditions.

Delaware doesn’t have huge cities that rank with the likes of Los Angeles or Philadelphia, but around this state’s more congested areas, you’ll also have to deal with traffic jams and aggressive drivers. Unfortunately, your biggest problem in these areas will be road rage.

Road Rage

Delaware is known for its more laid-back residents, but road rage is still alive and well in this state, unfortunately. Road rage is a kind of dangerous, aggressive driving that causes thousands of accidents every year. Some signs of aggressive driving include the following:

• Rude gestures

• Yelled threats or honking to show anger

• Weaving in and out of traffic

• Tailgating

• Cutting off other drivers

• Using high beams

If you’re facing road rage, your best option is to pull to the side of the road, move to the right-hand lane, and, if it is safe to do so, call the Delaware state police to report the incident. Above all, avoid getting involved. Road rage breeds more road rage, which increases the danger for everyone on the highway.

Road Signs and Signals

Delaware defensive driving includes following all road signs and signals. New drivers may have problems understanding what certain signals mean, and even experienced drivers have problems because they get into bad habits. Keep the following in mind when driving in this state:

• Come to a complete three-second stop at stop signs – never roll through them or stop very quickly because you’re in a hurry. Driving safety starts with accident prevention, and this is one of the easiest ways to do that.

• Follow all yield signs, and when there’s a question, wave the other people ahead of you, rather than getting into an aggressive driving situation or fender bender.

• Watch out for school zones. These posted areas usually have special speed limits between certain hours or when there are lights flashing, and breaking the law here could mean huge fines and points on your license.

• Avoid driving if you are tired, sick, or otherwise distracted. These conditions can make it really easy for you to miss road signs and signals.

• Consider taking a refresher Delaware defensive driving course to review Delaware signs, signals, and other laws. These classes will help you reduce the number of points on your license and lower your insurance premium.

Driving and Driving in Delaware

Part of Delaware driving safety is to avoid getting behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking alcohol. Alcohol slows your reaction time, making for an overall dangerous driving situation. Keep in mind that you can get a DUI, even if you don’t feel as though you are drunk. Delaware DUI tickets are given to those with a BAC of over 0.08%. Everyone metabolizes alcohol in a different way, so if you’ve had anything to drink at all, it is a good idea to simply call a cab or stay where you are for at least a few hours without drinking.

You can get a Delaware DUI ticket for driving after doing drugs as well. Illegal drugs come attached with even harsher penalties, but you can get a ticket even with prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs. If your driving is affected, you shouldn’t be on the road at all.

Delaware Defensive Driving Classes

If you have a number of points on your license or want to reduce your insurance rates, consider signing up for a Delaware defensive driving course. This six-hour class will help you refresh all of your driving skills, and you don’t even have to be inconvenienced to take this course – you can do so from the comfort of your own home by taking a state-approved class through DrivingUniversity.com. Contact them today to learn more about defensive driving in your state.