Are you sure you know the basic rules of defensive driving?

Asian Trucker sent Fajar, our writer for a defensive driving training course. Instead of just encouraging the truckers and public to follow the rules and regulations in driving, we want our team apply these practices it in their daily driving routine as well. Fajar, aged 23, has never been to any driving courses after she got her driving license. Before the course started we were wondering if she still remembers the do and don’ts of safe driving. The training was conducted by Mr Sean Khoo, a principal consultant at his training company.

“I did not expect to learn so much during the training. When Sean asked me what do I usually do before I start my car’s engine, I answered, that I would apply the basic rules. What are the basic rules? He continued. Buckle up? I was quite confident that I know and I do apply the basic rules in my daily driving routine, but I was wrong,” said Fajar.

A typical introductory course in defensive driving administered by Sean would take about half a day and teaches participants the fundamentals of defensive driving.

Theory
In the theory session, according to Fajar, Mr Khoo explained more about facts that related to accidents on the road. Here he is using videos to discuss the possibilities of how to avoid getting involved in an accident or become a third party in an accident. “He asked me about the meaning of few common sighboards on the road and i could not answer it confidently. This shows that I don’t give attention towards the signs which I should in the future,” she smiled. During this segment, one also learns that "defensive" also means to know the route, the sourrounding and that landmarks can help protect the driver and others. For example, when being followed, one can approach the next police station.  

“People tend to take things easily and they give less attention to certain things on the road simply because driving is part of our routine. We are numb to it. Rules are made for a reason not a burden,” explained Mr. Khoo. When it comes to the business of transporting goods, the term defensive also implies to defend the cargo. This would include securing the load to ensure it won't fall off a truck or is easily accessible for theft.

Practice
Before you start your engine, first thing first, you should make already be alert on your way to your vehicle (in the parking lot). This way you are aware of your surrounding to ensure that no uninvited guest is following you to your vehicle, especially when you are alone. Once you are in your truck, bus or car, straight away lock your doors. Make sure you check the necessary points of your vehicle before you start your journey.
“While driving, I have to give 100% focus not just for the cars in front of me but also to the signboards, cars behind, my left and right, the pedestrians and motorcycles. Now I would have to think of "What if?" scenarios as to what could happen that may cause a dangerous situation” said Fajar.

“Always maintain a proper distance between vehicles so that you can prepare to act in case of anything happening. Be alert of the car behind you, you would not want to head home if the same car has been following you for more than 20minutes,” Khoo stresses.  

The purpose of the practical excercise is get the driver to think about ways how s/he could end up in a dangerous situation and how to then get out of them. It is these simple things like seeing a bridge that would trigger the thought that it could be darker under it and that there is someone parked inside the shadows under that bridge. If one is constantly alert and keeps thinking about the situations that could arise, one moves in a very defensive way, one that does not only protect the driver, but also passengers, load and other particiapants on the road.