6 Reasons You Should Pay for a Defensive Driving Course

Defensive driving courses are often perceived as something that your Mum and teachers tell you to do... something that is largely unnecessary if you are simply careful on the road. Actually, a defensive driving course could mean the difference between life and death, even if you always wear your seatbelt, never speed, and never drive drunk. They can help you avoid unnecessary car insurance claims, and perhaps even reduce your premiums. Today we look at the top 6 reasons you should invest in one!

Because it takes two drivers to create a crash

You can have a crash even if you do absolutely nothing wrong... and people frequently do. There are so many cars on the roads that a mistake by one almost always affects another, usually innocent, car. Even if you are a careful driver, it helps to know how to recognise and stay away from dangerous situations - which a defensive driving course will teach you. Don't put your own life in someone else's hands - keep control of it in your own.

Because road rules are sometimes updated

It is every citizen's responsibility to make sure they are aware of the current road rules. Yet for most of us, the last time we formally reviewed them was probably when going for our Learner's permit or license. Taking a defensive driving course has the added bonus of updating your knowledge of the road rules, giving you the opportunity to clarify them with the instructor as well as simply reading them.

Because "it can happen to you"

Worldwide, over 1 million people are killed on the roads every year. In Australia, the RACV reports that around 1,400 people were killed on the roads in 2008, with the highest ever figure in 1979, when around 3,700 people were killed. It can happen to you - taking a defensive driving course reduces the chances of it happening, though.

Because you don't need to have a bad attitude to have a crash

Often people assume that because speed and alcohol feature so prominently in road safety campaigns, it is only irresponsible drivers that have crashes. In fact, 90% of people killed or seriously injured have never been in a reportable crash before... which would indicate that they are generally responsible.

Because 90% of people who are killed in a car crash have never had a serious accident before

As mentioned in the 'It CAN happen to you' section - 90% of those killed or seriously injured on the roads have never had a serious crash before. They are generally good, safe drivers who met an exceptional set of circumstances. They are drivers much like most of us consider ourselves! Defensive driving courses teach you to handle extreme situations and the unexpected while driving, so that even if you are generally safe, you can be 'exceptionally' safe also.

Because every crash raises your car insurance premiums

Even if a crash is not fatal, causes no serious injury and is not your fault, you'll feel the impact of it... in losing your no-claim bonus on your car insurance. A defensive driving course can often pay itself back, simply in reduced car insurance premiums.

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