What habits have you adopted to cope with distracted drivers?

[Mark_M]

I took a defensive driving course years ago, and they taught a lot of good defensive driving techniques. Lately, though, with so many people on their phones, I feel like the old rules about following distance and scanning ahead aren't enough. What specific habits have you adopted to deal with the new normal of distracted drivers?

[LukeUR]

Great topic to rethink I moved from plain following distance to a quick pre scan habit every few seconds I glance 2 3 cars ahead then check mirrors then look for cues of driver distraction like someone looking down or swerving I buffer with extra space change lanes earlier and plan an escape route in case someone drifts into my path

[Oliver13]

Ive added a simple what could go wrong drill at every stoplight I ask myself what a distracted driver might do in the next few seconds and how I would respond It helps me stay present instead of cruising on autopilot

[VioletG]

Phone stays in the glovebox or docked and silenced Do Not Disturb helps and if a call is urgent I pull over safely It isnt about shaming others it is about removing one big distraction for me

[RichardA]

I extend the standard 3 second rule to 4 6 seconds in city driving near schools etc When speeds are higher I give extra space near trucks and at merges it buys you time if someone isnt paying attention

[Jerry16]

Position helps a lot too Avoid hugging the curb where drivers might pull out and give others room to reappear I also avoid staying in blind spots next to large vehicles

[KevinSJ]

I practice read the road drills on quiet streets watch brake lights signals and people stopping suddenly The aim is to reduce late braking and last second moves which get you when others are distracted

[ZoeyC]

Want a small printable pre drive checklist focused on distracted driver hazards I can draft a one page sheet you can keep in the car