5 Defensive Driving Strategies To Be A Safer, Smarter Driver 

Hi Rick! Salute from RSA. I would buy you a full tank of gas/fuel because this video and the tips about always being aware and managing space helped me through 1000 km worth of driving within a month of getting my first car... Your advice is invaluable even a person is not from the USA. I would like to say a big thank you for your teachings because they didn't teach me this stuff in my driving school. Well done and keep up the great work Mr August 🌟👍👑🙏🏆✌️🙂

The most dangerous thing about driving is other people. I’m always looking around and thinking what’s the dumbest most dangerous thing that other driver could possibly do and then trying to plan ahead for that outcome. Doesn’t always work, there’s always situations you absolutely cannot avoid but trying to anticipate other drivers’ stupidity is one of the best defensive driving techniques.

A big defensive driving tip, something I learned when taking a motorcycle course but very applicable to people driving cars, on multilane roads/highways/whatever, DO NOT stay in someone's blind spot. This goes double if that someone is a big rig. Even if people shoulder check, peripheral vision is not always 100%. Make sure the cars in other lanes know you are there or can see you. This means, getting up to their front side windows or pulling back so that you can see their rear view mirror through their back window. If you are anywhere in between, there is a big risk of not being seen and they drive into you.

And by sheer coincidence I'm studying for my driving test right now. Thank you Pelo, very cool!

What you said is absolutely true. I see a lot of drivers who are either drunk, distracted by mobile phones, feeling entitled and mostly having ego problems. Although a majority of us drive safe and are always alert, it's the other half that we should be worrying about everytime. And yes, having to backout and yield in certain situations is always a good idea to avoid getting in more trouble. This doesn't make you weak. It just means you are smarter than the other guy :)

1) space management 2) situational awareness 3) MIT--mapping, intersections, and tracking 4) parking lots, drive defensively 5) A defensive driving attitude

I'd like to add a couple tips. Green means go when the ways is clear, just because you get the green light, doesn't mean you can slam the gas and go. Always pause to check for red light runners and emergency vehicles. No one has the right of way. Certain vehicles must yield the right of way in each situation. Use caution when you are in a right if way situation, when in doubt, wait it out.

I have been driving for 13 years, and can relate to these tips. They work. When I drive, I stay away from other vehicles a good distance, I stay away from every cars blind spot, never rush. Because with more and more fools every day on the road, your primary priority should be safety of you and your passengers, not getting to your destination as fast as possible. I had many clowns sit on my tail and tried to push me of the road multiple times because they feel ‘entitled’ to do so, because you’re going the speed limit. I've been to New Hampshire and everyone is following the rules of the road. Came back to MA, total chaos. Drivers running red lights, not yielding, parking where they are not supposed to, no blinkers when changing lanes - you don’t know what they gonna do! I had a truck just jump into my lane out of nowhere almost clipping the front of my car, no signals, nothing! I had an illegal wreck my car with a truck and that dude didn’t had a license, no English either. I will give you some tips: 1. Never try to pass a vehicle when approaching a turn, you don’t know if other vehicles are coming. If you’re forced to pass a standing vehicle, give yourself a good viewpoint so you can see approaching vehicles, and do it when it’s safe to do so. 2. Do not pass someone when going through train tracks, you will be blocking their view of their surroundings. I had a moron do this to me and didn’t see the pedestrians around me and almost injured them and crashed into a pole. 3. Never block an intersection. If you see a square with an X in it, dont drive and stand on it, it’s there for a reason. I see drivers do this every stinking day making piles of traffic. No one can turn or go through. 4. Be aware of “lane catchers’. People will turn into your lane without letting you know. 5. Watch out for drivers trying to make the yellow light. Had a crazy almost T-Bone my car and injure my entire family. Blew past me by few inches of my car. 6. Watch out for semi trucks blowing red lights. When in motion hauling heavy cargo, they cannot stop immediately. 7. Always have snow tires on in the winter, don’t trust all season and summer tires. Snow tires provide better traction for all cars in the winter: FWD,AWD, RWD. And finally, expect the unexpected. Expect shit to happen every day and be ready to find alternative routes. Life happens and we have to navigate it. Stay safe out there everyone.

I would also add a very important point, to be a predictable and visible driver, such as: -When merging or changing lane, check your blind spot before using the turn signal, and change lane slowly in case you missed a car in your vision (I see too many people changing lane too fast, almost hitting someone they missed). -Don't change two lanes in one shot using one turn signal (unless the bad road design forces you to do so), use your turn signal twice with a very short pause in the middle and check your blind spot again. -When about to turn, use your turn signal before braking (give cars behind extra time to either change lane or slow down). -When about to stop for an emergency, turn on your hazard light before slowing down (again give cars behind time to react), and turn it off once you re-engage (clearly letting people know that you are back on the road). -Try to avoid passing cars on the right lane. -Accelerate gradually and brake gradually. -Don't rely on your automatic light to turn on when it's raining or snowing heavily. -Don't close the gap with cars in front of your, if there is a 200 yard gap with the car in front of you and don't want to pass him, just keep that 200 yard gap as is and stay on the right lane, this is a typical north American thing where you see herd of cars because they all close the gap on each other by instinct, creating a needless hazardous condition. -Don't stay on the left lane if you're not passing, at some point you gonna block faster cars behind you and contribute to that herd effect, you might get stuck in the middle of it because of that. -Stay away from car herds, if you can't pass it, stay low key far behind on the right lane until you see an opening to go throught quickly.

I feel like confidence plays a big role when your driving as well. I think with time, the more you drive the better you get at learning these tips and tricks.

got my license a couple weeks ago, and realized today after driving a couple weeks that i'm a pretty reckless driver...these tips helped a lot, i'll be using all of them :) thank you so much for this!

My grandfather told me one thing that stuck with me, and I passed it on to both my children when they learnt to drive. "No matter how good you are at driving a car remember one thing - EVERY other driver on the road will try to kill you. Maybe not now, maybe not tomorrow, but as long as you watch them when they are near you then they may not get that chance as you can try to avoid them"

Thank you Mokey and Pelo for teaching me how to be a future good driver

My Road test was today and I have passed.

Welcome Smart Drivers from Sr Pelo's "Mokey's Show - Missed Christmas." That person has a tremendous sense of humor, and an even greater talent to tell such engaging stories. Happy New Year everyone. All the very best, Cheers Rick

Thank you, Sr Pelo, for keeping us safe by feeding us this content. ;)

I used to be a maniac driver until I was forced to take a defensive driving class at 17 after getting a 64 in a 35 🙃, 25 now and still say it was the best 3 days the courts ever gave me

i've told my family "stay back from the car in front of you"... it's so simple.. not only does it reduce the risk of you running into the back of the car in front of you, it also reduces the risk of the car behind you running into you cause w/ no car close to the front of your car, you have little chance of ever having to slam on your brakes... which is usually why people run into the back of others.

Defensive Driving, the most important, life saving skill.... myself have been driving in U.S for 48 years & never had an accident in my fault, because in 1978, when I applied a driver job in Louisiana coca cola bottling company & took the training course & very first I learned was defensive driving.....

Who came here just because of Sr.Pelo’s subtitles in the video

I would like to add 3) no jerky, sudden, abrupt maneuvers, except possibly in emergencies. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Smooth is safe. Be predictable. Have your maneuvers be at lesser angles and only the speed required. Sudden accelerations, decelerations, or sudden turns are going to get you into an accident

Passed my road test in Surrey, thanks to you sir

My 3 main defensive driving habits are: Leave plenty of room between me and the other idiots on the road. Drive the speed limit and if someone is tailgating me I slow down and allow them to pass--I’d rather have them in front of me than behind me. Leave early enough that I can take my time and arrive on time or ahead of time.

Great video. I take it a step back with what I call the "3 P's". 1) PAY ATTENTION. 2) PACE, it's not a race. 3) PLAN AHEAD, know where you're going and take the safest path avoiding unnecessary risks or impediments. There are more, but these are the foundations of defensive driving.

The only thing I would add is that, when possible, you should avoid making left turns. Particularly left turns that are not controlled by a light. That's what my driving teacher taught me and I always adhere to that rule. And if you look it up, left turns are statistically more dangerous. Apparently you are 55x more likely to get in an accident making a left turn. So this rule is not without any basis in fact.

You don't see much on YT that isn't overhyped, but I completely, 100% agree with everything said, and underlying reasoning. Especially #1: leaving enough space in front. I have personally put this as 'whatever feels like the right distance, add one car length'. I would like to contribute an idea I apply: When driving on motorways and faster multi lane roads, I constantly scope the traffic 10+ cars ahead, particularly looking for brake lights. If I see any brake lights on ahead of me in that sort of range, I take my foot of the accelerator. When brakes are required, my rule of thumb is that if am not actually on the brake *before* the car in front of me, then I'm not looking far enough ahead.

Sr.Pelo was helping us learn how to drive safely. This video saved my life. Thank you Sr. Pelo and Smart Drive Test youtube channel

I took my test today and I passed. Your videos are so good and educative. Continue with the good work to make driving safe for all. Thanks so much.

I’ve felt anxious about driving in the new city I live in and hardly driven at all but I had a job interview a few miles away today and didn’t have another way to get there. These videos helped me feel confident enough to drive there! I just got back! Thanks!

My first accident happened this December. I am a new driver, but I have never gotten in trouble, thank god. However, while making a right turn, a lady turned with me (from the middle lane) at the same time, and she side swiped me. It’s unbelievable how many people have licenses without knowing how to drive properly!

In the NL Armed Forces it was mandatory to park cars with the front to the way out. If we didn't the sergeants or officers told us to park like we should. Makes sense, because end of the day everybody wanted to leave the premises at the same moment. I still do it like that, most of the time. Another trick is to park not in front of the mall or shop or what ever, but park further away. Reduces the risk of finding your car with damage and no one around who damaged it.

I've been a safe truck driver for more than 20 years and I can tell you, the Smith system works, it's still used to train new drivers, at least in the company I work for, this video is great refreshing material. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE, PEOPLE!!!

Just wanted to say I watched your videos like crazy for the past 3 days, learned as much as possible, and got my N license today thanks to your tips. Thank you Rick!

Hi Rick I just wanted to say I've been watching your videos for the last few years, you've helped me with getting my L, my N, and today I finally got my Class 5 so thank you for making these videos and helping myself and others out :)

Oh man, thank you. May your tips be heard by all out there on the roads. I often say to myself: Two seconds of patience, and much less stress an danger for everyone.

Thanks Pelo, Now I won't end up like Groovy!

Great 5 defensive driving strategy tips for making me and everyone else a successful smarter drivers on the road, highways and freeways

Now that I have my license, these videos will be very helpful for me. Thanks Rick. You are doing a great job in teaching us to be safe on the road.🙏

Whoever does the subtitles in the Sr pelo video is amazing

I've been driving for a couple of months now and everytime I drive I remember this video. Actually helped me avoid a couple of close calls. Great video!

So glad to see him looking backward while he was moving backward. I can't tell you how many people I see back up while facing forward. It's too easy to miss something if you rely completely on your mirrors - they just don't cover the entire scene.

Hello, everyone from Sr. Pelo's new video. I see you are a cultured caption reader, as well.

Mokey took me here.

As a Nurse's Aid who has seen crazy sh*t at the hospital, I tell you : Thank You, Sir. Really

I have great respect for people watching this video. As well as the content creator for this. People who value knowledge are the world’s best leaders in my opinion.

am so thankful for Rick,spent hours with his channel,and did my driving test once, God bless you Rick.

I'm here bc of sr pelo, thank you for this link, this is truly life-changing advice.

Bro I came here from Sr. Pelo expecting lore or some krimah funni, but instead I get genuine driving tips that actually helped me. *the perfect krimah gift* :D

Great refresher. Driver's handbook is also a good source. Like, tips on changing lanes -- turn on signal, look over shoulder, rear and side mirrors, merge after 3s to allow the driver behind to notice, etc.

I passed road test July 2021 I'm an older driver and I still watch your videos weekly and have been watching since 2018. Due to covid my road test was cancelled several times in Nova Scotia. Thanks for your videos

Other than the small number of scenarios where it's not allowed, or where you can driver through into the opposite space like on the video, I believe you should always reverse into a parking space to make your exit later safer. Reversing into a spot is much safer than reversing out.

Missed Christmas recently, this helped. Thank you!

Too many people ONLY looks at a back camera. I don't understand why. Both of my vehicles has back up cameras. But I only glance at them. I primarily use my mirrors and look out the windows. Those back up cameras doesn't get the big picture. They really only shows directly behind the vehicle. It only benefit, in my opinion, is that it can show something, or someone, small that is directly behind the vehicle that cannot be seen from looking out the window.

Thank you Rick to all your videos! It really Helped me passed my road test here in Manitoba! Keep safe!

Great tips👍 I would add two more: „Always think for others” People may not think while driving but you have to try, to predict their actions. „Control the space behind you” by adequate usage of stop lights. Time when and how you press your breake pedal is crucial for your savety. Breaking early enough when seeing someone behind you might save your back bumber😉 Pulsating breaking might catch attention of distracted driver behind you( especialy when you see them approaching too fast in the mirror) better then constant stop light. Same when You get on the slippery surface.😉 Good luck

Thanks! I did pass in my first test. Yours videos are amazing!

You're here trying to make the world a better place and out of nowhere a bunch of peeps start flooding the comments about some sir named "pelo" and "krima" I can't say if that's a good thing or a bad thing

Great content as always thank you and happy new years 👍🏼

7 years ago I got my G2 license for the help of this instructor. Today I'm a heavy commercial driver who operates Truck for transport goods Canada/US. Still learning and spending time to gain knowledge. Thanks instructor for your tireless effort to help your students.

Thank you for your help. All your videos make me feel safe and secure at the time of my test . I passed and finally got my license. God bless you 🙏🏻

One added suggestion: When stopped in a line of traffic (say in a turn lane waiting for the green arrow), offset your vehicle just slightly so the guy behind you sees TWO sets of brake/tail lights. This helps trigger their attention to the STOPPED traffic, rather than seeing just one car in front of them as they've probably been lulled into after routine driving.

Thanks a lot I passed my road test today

I learned the Smith System of driving many years ago. It has never let me down. I drove for a utility company for 30 years and no accidents.

Really enjoyed your video, so thank you. It is a good reminder of why defensive driving and situational awareness is so important.

Rick's method of driving is what I call a "Zen Mode". I bet nothing ever escapes his sight. Great self-awareness and immense patience. Rick, your last name "August" suits you perfectly. Glad to know ya!

Excellent video. Always great to brush up and refresh. Thank you. My father n law drove ups 33 years using these practices and was submitted to the circle of drivers a the highest honor awarded for safe driving.

The room between your car and the car in front of you is your “living room”. And, loved the “shoulder-check” reminder! 👏👏👏

I thought this was the car crash video from that sr pelo animation.

Thanks for the driving tip. Your videos have always been helpful👌.

Great vlog. Be watching it on a regular basis. Ty.

Thank you so much dear for sharing this. I have been driving for more than 20 years, but I found this really helpful and make to be a confident driver. Thank you so much again Micheale

Watched this before my test and passed! Thank you !

ITS IS... KRIMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAA HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYPEOPLE

Whats up man?.I enjoy your videos and appreciate your time and effort in making these videos

Thank you for the helpful driving tips to protect myself and those around me as a motorist here in England. ❤❤

Great videos. Helped me to pass the test and become a better driver:)

All of those are good, I've had that "see the tire" trick since I started driving (50 years). Keep an eye out for possible problems, ie: traffic gap in left lane. Patience; it's better to let a vehicle finish their lane change, versus pushing a situation and having a collision.

Rick you are the man I love all of your videos, really happy you take the time to post content like this

Great video and all good advice! I'm from the UK but 'usually' find most drivers in Canada and the States are quite steady and polite in their road manners. Your point about failing to yield is so true - I'm currently in Portugal, where many drivers have little understanding of the concept......strange how these generally relaxed, tolerant people totally change once behind the wheel of a car. I always like the suspect ones to be in front rather than behind!

ty sr pelo really needed it

Thank you Pelo. I now know how to drive better.

Respected sir, your quality and purity is your subscription. Be ever bright and knight.

learning to drive and this is sooo helpful thanks.

I love learning how to drive safely and totally not here bc I was curious while looking at subtles about KRIMAS

Thank you for your articles Rick. I have been learning from them since 2017, driving in Kenya, where motorists, motorbikes and pedestrians share the same spaces (roads), your articles have kept me sane and courteous on the road

Thanks for your great driving tips that make me be aware of my own good and bad driving habit.

I like the sequence, order and seriation of your presentation. I makes it clear to know and follow as far as safe driving is concerned. I.e. Defensive driving is about about maintaining space around you and for the safety of others. Thank you for encouraging good traffic ethics Sir. Appreciated…

so thats where that link got me to...

Thanks for the advice! It helped me I passed my test yesterday ☺️☺️☺️

You always make very well-informative videos. Being a truck driver and 4 wheeler, you always have to be a defensive driver out there. Ego has no place in the driver seat. When I have to drive and I feel like my mindset is not particularly pleasant, I imagine a loved one in the passenger seat and that helps me not put my bad mood on others. Then you care more about the people around you too. And importantly: Drive like no one will come save you.

Super helpful! Thank you! I passed my test. Your videos contributed a lot. Keep up the great work!

Your a great teacher, thank you again.

“Red lights and stop signs don’t stop cars.” -Dad’s intersection advice

Great clip and great advice. Sounds simple but so important tips. Many thanks.

I have been driving exactly like this for 17 years and I have never caused an accident. Self awareness has helped me get out of trouble without a scratch when inattentive driver swerves into me or oncoming driver gets into my lane. It pays to stay vigilant

Best driving RU-vid channel ever

Thanks mokey

Thanks! Great video. The "see the bottom of the tire" rule is new to me. We need to change from "I'm a good driver" to "I will be a better driver."

As a now retired, commercial driver, Smith System certified defensive driving instructor I give your video a big thumbs up! If I had to give only one piece of advice it would be to see the strong value of using a "systematic" approach to your defensive driving. Smith System has the "Five Keys" for example. Using a simple system that you ingrain into your daily driving habits is what makes it effective long term.🚛

Thank you señior pelo for this advice