Although car technology is constantly improving to keep us as safe as possible, the cars are still operated by humans, who are likely to make mistakes. It’s every driver’s responsibility to use their defensive driving skills at all times to minimise any risk on the road.
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What is defensive driving?
Defensive driving is a practice used to anticipate and avoid dangerous situations in traffic. It’s generally a set of driving principles that enhances road safety recommended for every driver, particularly for PCO drivers or delivery apps drivers.
What are some examples of defensive driving?
Defensive driving shouldn’t be about making an above and beyond effort, but rather small changes to your driving behaviour. In the end, it comes down to following the traffic rules and regulations and paying attention to every detail:
- Maintain an adequate speed
- Keep a safe distance from other traffic participants
- Properly signal your intentions
- Adapt your driving to the weather conditions
- Avoid any distraction; keep your eyes and ears on the road.
What are the advantages of defensive driving?
Unfortunately, other drivers’ actions are not in your control. But using your defensive driving skills to help you stay out of trouble is. Defensive driving comes with a share of advantages you might overlook at first glance. Here are a few:
You stay safe and sound
Being on the road as a PCO driver can be stressful at times — heavy traffic, bad weather, cyclists and pedestrians everywhere. Your main responsibility — offering passengers a safe and smooth ride can add to the pressure. Defensive driving can be your most reliable ally on the road. When riding within the legal limits, it’s easier to spot any potential risk and be able to avoid it.
Your passengers have a 5-star experience
Each ride should be looked at as a mutual exchange — the passengers offer you their trust and expect an enjoyable experience in return. If you’re a chaotic driver, it might make your passengers car sick or simply uncomfortable during a trip. That could make them give you a bad rating, which can ultimately lead to your rideshare account getting suspended.
To avoid this, putting thought into every detail will help you get closer to becoming a 5-star Uber driver. Your passengers should feel safe with you as their driver, besides any other aspect.
It helps you avoid accidents and penalties
No matter how serious they are, car accidents create stress for all parties involved. But for you, as a PCO driver who relies on driving to earn an income, the fall out is more significant. No matter who’s at fault, accidents have a direct impact on your earnings, because you lose money while you wait for your car to be fixed.
If you are on a car subscription plan, such as our Flexi or Flexi own plan, PHV insurance is included, so you don’t have to worry for its cost. However, as a driver, you’re still the one who needs to cover the insurance excess.
The same story goes for traffic penalties. If your driving style is more on the aggressive side, getting a PCN fine is a matter of time. This doesn’t just imply unnecessary expenses, but also accumulating penalty points and being at risk of losing your driving licence. As they say, prevention is better than the cure.
Your car needs less maintenance
An aggressive driving style translates into slamming on the breaks a little harder. That leads to wearing the brake pads and tires more quickly. Even if you drive a subscription car, you’re responsible for covering all the damage outside the fair wear and tear. Considering that, driving calmly and following traffic rules is a pretty smart move.
It reduces fuel consumption
With the significant fuel costs growth recently, any tip of reducing fuel consumption can make a difference on your final income. Adopting a defensive driving style is the key to saving some cash.
- Use your acceleration and braking pedals gently
- Drive in the correct gear
- Ride at slow speed.
When you put everything in balance, the few extra minutes saved by drifting fast and furious through traffic outweighs the risks you put yourself at.
About Splend
We enable people to make money by driving. Our vision is a future where every on-demand driver can be successful.
We’re PCO car specialists. Don’t take our word for it—drivers rate us excellent on Trustpilot. We can set you up with a brand-new or new-model car on our Flexi own plan, plus we provide the training and support you need to become an Uber driver that’s more profitable, safer, and fulfilled.
Make an appointment at our London Hub at 393 Edgware Road Cricklewood, London, email us, or say hello on 0333 016 4331
