You've probably seen it before — that heart-stopping moment when a car swerves at the last second to avoid a collision. Your pulse races just watching it.

The truth is, many crashes can be prevented if drivers think ahead. Defensive driving isn't about being fearful — it's about being prepared.

<h3>Stay Focused on the Road</h3>

Your phone, the snack you grabbed on the way out, the song you want to skip — they can all wait. Most accidents happen because someone was distracted for just a few seconds. Keep your eyes moving, check mirrors often, and scan at least 15 seconds ahead to spot trouble early. This gives you more time to react if traffic suddenly slows down or a car changes lanes without signaling.

<h3>Keep a Safe Following Distance</h3>

Tailgating is tempting when you're in a rush, but it leaves you with almost no time to stop if the car in front brakes suddenly. The "three-second rule" is a good baseline: pick a landmark and count to three after the car ahead passes it. If you pass it too soon, back off. In bad weather, double that distance. It's a small habit that could prevent a rear-end collision.

<h3>Watch Other Drivers, Not Just the Road</h3>

Defensive driving means predicting what others might do. Notice the car that keeps drifting toward the lane line, or the driver tapping brakes repeatedly. These clues tell you to give them extra space. The more aware you are of others' behavior, the less likely you are to get caught in their mistakes.

<h3>Control Your Speed</h3>

Going faster doesn't just mean risking a ticket — it also shrinks your reaction window. At 60 mph, you travel the length of a basketball court in one second. That's not much time to avoid a hazard. Match your speed to traffic flow, slow down in rain or fog, and avoid sudden bursts of acceleration that make your car harder to control.

<h3>Have an Escape Plan</h3>

Always think, "Where can I go if something goes wrong?" If a car suddenly stops ahead, can you safely steer into another lane? If someone swerves into your lane, is there room to move over? By constantly scanning your surroundings and leaving yourself a "way out," you won't feel trapped in a dangerous situation.

<h3>Stay Calm Behind the Wheel</h3>

Road rage can turn a normal drive into a dangerous one. When someone cuts you off, resist the urge to honk or tailgate. Aggressive reactions escalate risks for everyone. Take a breath, ease off the gas, and let the other driver go. Keeping calm helps you stay in control and make better decisions.

<h3>Keep Your Car Ready</h3>

A safe driver still needs a safe car. Check tire pressure monthly, make sure brakes feel responsive, and replace wiper blades if they streak. A well-maintained car reacts faster and gives you a better chance to avoid trouble.

<h3>Practice in Low-Risk Situations</h3>

Defensive driving skills get sharper with practice. Try practicing quick but controlled stops in an empty parking lot. Get used to checking mirrors frequently until it becomes second nature. These habits build confidence so you'll react smoothly when real danger shows up.

Driving defensively doesn't mean crawling along the road or being overly cautious. It's about staying alert, thinking ahead, and giving yourself options. The next time you get behind the wheel, try just one of these habits. Soon enough, they'll become part of the way you drive — and that could be the difference between a close call and a crash you never see coming.