Eliminate risks when driving by managing them. How to do that? Defensive driving is the key. And many defensive drivers will tell you that it all starts with planning and keeping ahead of the pack. This translates to determining your routes and observing the risks that they present. Does your usual route present risks of intersection collisions? Do most of the motorists change lanes suddenly? Would these risks be avoided if you change your route?

Try out different routes and observe how most of the motorists behave. Take note of the various intersections, turns, and lane changes you need to cross or use. Observe traffic situations and the length of time it takes for you to get to your destination. Consider all of these factors until you formulate the best route to take. The key here is to plan ahead, which is an integral part of defensive driving.

There’s also the obvious benefit of having to go through the quickest and least congested areas too. With the pump prices nearly $5 a gallon, you definitely need a gas break. So fire up your GPS system (or your trusty map) and draw up the best routes to get from Point A to Point B.