Defensive Driving: What Is It? The Habits Alberta Wants You to Keep

Defensive driving in Alberta means driving so that another person's mistake does not become your collision. You look far ahead, keep space around your car, match your speed to the road and signal what you plan to do. The Alberta Driver's Guide calls the same idea proactive driving.

What is defensive driving?

The Driver's Guide defines proactive driving as anticipating possible hazards and acting to reduce or avoid danger before it occurs. Its first rule is short: never assume other drivers will drive carefully or respond correctly.

Fixed hazards such as curves, hills and hidden driveways stay put. Variable hazards such as pedestrians, left-turning vehicles and icy patches change through the day. Expect the unexpected, the guide says, and always plan an escape route.

In plain words: watch, leave room, decide early. It takes habits, not quick reflexes. Here are four.

Four defensive habits from the Alberta Driver's Guide

Scan far ahead and all around

In a city, look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead, about one to one and a half blocks. On rural roads, look 20 to 25 seconds ahead.

Check your rear view mirrors every 8 to 12 seconds, and again before you slow or stop. Check your blind spots too.

Keep a space cushion

Leave enough space ahead, behind and to either side to stop safely or steer around a hazard. If someone tails you, and it is safe, slow a little so they can pass.

Stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead in normal conditions. To check it:

1. Watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed object, such as a road marking or a shadow.
2. Count one-thousand-and-one, one-thousand-and-two.
3. If your front bumper reaches the object first, you are too close. Slow down and count again.

The two second rule works at any speed. When the road or weather is poor, open the gap further.

Match your speed to the conditions

Speed is a defensive choice, not only a legal one. Adjust to the weather, the road and the traffic. Never exceed the posted limit. Drive with the flow of traffic, because driving too slowly is also a hazard.

Signal early and plan your lane

You must signal when you leave the curb, turn left or right, or change lanes. Do not signal too early or too late, and cancel the signal if it stays on.

Be in the proper lane well before your exit or turn. If you miss it, carry on to the next one and never reverse on the roadway. One thing underpins all four habits: the guide says to put the phone away, hands-free included.

Which demerit points do these habits prevent?

Demerit points go on your record when you are convicted, and paying the ticket counts as a conviction. Some rows from the Driver's Guide table:

From 4 points down, the table reads like the habits above. Following too closely is the space cushion. The speeding lines are the third habit. Stop signs, red lights and crosswalks are scanning. The regulation behind the table adds 2 points for failing to signal a turn, lane change or stop. The guide names 3 demerits for holding a phone.

Points stay on your record for two years from the conviction date. A fully licensed driver gets a letter at 8 to 14 points and an automatic suspension at 15. A GDL driver, which means a Class 7 learner or a Class 5-GDL probationary driver, gets the letter at 4 to 7 points. The suspension comes at 8, so two tickets at 4 points each are enough.

How does an approved course remove demerit points?

What is a defensive driving course, then? Alberta.ca says it suits all classes of Alberta driver's licence and covers the rules for stopping, turning and safe driving, plus driver attitudes. The point reduction rules, from alberta.ca:

• Finish an approved course and up to 3 demerit points come off your record, once every two years.
• Take your Notice of Driver Education Course Completion form to any Alberta registry agent. It is valid for two years.
• Finish it before you reach 15 points, or 8 on a GDL licence. It must also be done before the conviction date of the offence that would cause a suspension. Take it early.

If you search for a defensive driving course online, check that the Government of Alberta approves it before you pay. Only an approved course earns the credit.

What City Driving School offers

City Driving School is an Alberta Transportation approved school in Edmonton, teaching since 2009. Our instructors, men and women, are certified by Alberta Transportation. The course comes two ways:

• Defensive Driving Course, $150. Taught in class, not in a car. It suits drivers with points who want up to 3 removed, and new drivers who want the habits taught properly.
• The On Demand version, $200. The same course, run on demand at a time you ask for. It suits a driver who does not want to wait.

Both prices are plus 5% GST, and you can book either one on our booking page. To practise the habits with an instructor beside you, a two hour Brush-Up starts at $120. Ask your insurer whether a completed course changes your premium.