Defensive driving means being alert while driving to avoid endangering yourself or other road users. It also means you must give other road users advance warning of your intentions so that they too can use the road safely.

As a driver, you will constantly face hazards. A hazard is any object or situation that could be dangerous and include:

1. Intersections
2. Curves or bends in the road
3. Pedestrian crossings
4. The position or movement of other road users, e.g. other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists
5. Changes in weather and road conditions.

To deal with hazards safely, you should get into the habit of using the defensive driving action plan. Defensive driving has the following action steps:

1. Search&Identify: Search in all directions for any possible hazards using mirrors as is appropriate and identify any potential hazards, e.g. children playing or other moving vehicles.

2. Predict: Predict how the hazard might develop, e.g. could the children suddenly jump out in the road, requiring you to stop?

3. Decide & act: Decide what action to take to negotiate the hazard and act according to the risks involved, e.g. slow down and steer to the side to make sure no children get hurt.

This system is a safe and simple method of driving that will help you deal with hazards safely. Use this system when you approach any type of hazard.