Most states in the US have made it mandatory for drivers with a specific number of points on their driving record to complete a defensive driving course. However, given that more than 41,000 deaths and over three million injuries are associated with motor vehicle collisions each year (National Traffic Safety Administration), a defensive driving course can useful for all drivers.

The biggest advantage of completing a this course is that you learn to anticipate potential dangers on the road. This helps you save precious seconds in an emergency because you already have a proactive strategy ready rather than merely reacting to the circumstances.

A basic defensive driving course includes training on the following:

1. Traffic accidents – in terms of the emotional impact, monetary costs and causes of accidents.
2. Psychological factors – such as excessive stress, fatigue, road rage and emotional distress affect driving skill and reaction to potential dangers.
3. Role of alcohol and drugs and other human factors – Courses not only focus on the state laws regarding driving under the influence but also the impact of alcohol and drugs on judgment, motor skills and inhibitions.
4. Dynamics of an accident – The events that lead up to a crash are not limited to just one vehicle colliding with another. The speed of the vehicle, location of impact, size of the object hit, whether seatbelts were worn, how the other passengers collided with parts of the vehicle, etc., all make of the dynamics of an accident.
5. Use of safety equipment – such as seat belts, air bags, safety seats for children and head rests are the safety equipment that can go a long way in reducing the risk for the driver and passengers.
6. Ways to prevent accidents – Being able to recognize potential hazards and knowing how to avoid them is part of the crash prevention strategies taught.
7. Traffic Laws – State-specific traffic rules and laws are part of all defensive driving courses.

In the United States, there are several specialty defensive driving courses to choose from, both classroom-based and online. The classroom-based courses are six hours long. Online courses range from 4-8 hours in length depending on the jurisdiction. For example, Florida Traffic School is only 4 hours, while California Traffic School can last as long as 8. In New York, the course is 320 minutes. The advantage of an online course is, of course, that one can complete it at one’s leisure from the comfort of one’s own home. You can log in and out at any time…

While choosing a defensive driving course, it is important to ensure that it applies to the state that you reside and drive in. Also ensure that the course has been approved by the DMV of the state. Most completion certificates ensure a reduction in the points on one’s driving record, a discount on insurance rates or even dismissal of traffic tickets. Therefore, you need to check for these added benefits while choosing a course.