10 Useful Defensive Driving Tips You Should Know

Defensive Driving Course in South Africa: 10 Tips to Avoid Accidents & Crime

We’ve broken down some of the 10 best defensive driving tips that will help you avoid becoming a victim to an accident and crime-related incidents:

1. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
   A defensive driver always scans the road ahead, behind, and beside them. Avoid distractions like phone use or music that’s too loud - you want to instantly notice erratic behaviour from other drivers, pedestrians, or potential threats. If you’d like to dig deeper, check out our guide on how to handle road accidents. 
    
2. Maintain a Safe Following Distance
   Tailgating is risky in any scenario, but especially on South African roads where sudden braking and hazards are common. Use the three-second rule and increase that to five seconds under wet or poor lighting conditions. 
    
3. Choose Safe Parking Spots
   To avoid break-ins or thefts, part in well-lit, monitored areas. If possible, opt for secure car parks rather than street parking. For more advice, our post on what to do if your car gets stolen in SA and what it would mean for your insurance is worth a read.
    
4. Adjust Speed to Conditions
   Speed limits aren’t just guidelines, they’re law. Fog, heavy rain, potholes, or night driving call for slower speeds. Smart drivers adapt.
    
5. Be predictable and Signal Early 
   Signal clearly and in good time – whether it’s a lane change, merge, or turn. Predictability makes you easier to read, which reduces accidents. Avoid sudden stops or last-second decisions. 
    
6. Use Extra Caution at Intersections
   Intersections are high-risk zones. Even if you have the right of way, and especially on a green light, scan all angles before proceeding. It’s one of the core skills emphasized in a quality defensive driving course. To better understand SA’s criminals, here’s what vehicles they typically target. 
    
7. Know Your Escape Routes
   Whether you’re stuck in traffic or facing a threatening situation, always have an exit strategy. Check your mirrors frequently and avoid getting boxed in. It’s a key mindset every defensive driver develops through repetition and awareness.
    
8. Control Your Emotions
   Road rage can lead to reckless or aggressive behaviour. If another driver is tailgating or waving you off, stay calm. Keep your window up, lock the doors, and if necessary, pull into a public area until things settle.
    
9. Stay Visible and Use Lights Appropriately 
   Ensure your lights, indicators, and brake lights are working at all times. In low visibility situations, use driving or fog lights as appropriate. Visibility isn’t just about seeing, it's about being seen – crucial for avoiding both accidents and opportunistic crime. 
    
10. Invest in Ongoing Learning
    Even experienced drivers benefit from refresher defensive driving courses. These courses offer practical tips on situational awareness, emergency handling, and even anti-hijacking strategies. Learn more in our in-depth review of reasons why you should take an defensive driving course.

Defensive Driving Course & Hijacking Hotspots

Knowing to be vigilant is pretty straightforward, but it always helps knowing where one should be extra cautious. According to Arrive Alive reports, these are just some of the hotspots for car hijackings across South Africa’s most populated cities:

Johannesburg Hotspots

Being prepared for the worst ultimately starts with a defensive driving course in Johannesburg, here are the spots that you should memorise for safer driving: 

1. Kelvin Street & CR Swart: High-risk intersection in the CBD area.
2. Pretoria Road & CR Swart: Frequently targeted crossroad.
3. Elgin Road & Pretoria Road: Near industrial zones, common for hijacking attempts.
4. Linksfield Road (off-ramp off N3): Highway exit vulnerable to ambushes.
5. Booysens Road (off-ramp off M1): Pedestrian-rich exit often targeted.
6. Kyalami Drive: Traffic lights on Kyalami Drive are known to be a hot zone. 

Pretoria Hotspots

Pretoria also poses some serious hotspots when it comes to hijacking.Taking a defensive driving course near you or in Pretoria is a smart move. Here are the top spots that keep criminals coming back: 

1. Byers Naudé Drive & Paul Kruger Street: Intersection that’s known for its high incident rate.
2. R55 (Erasmia area): Busy commuter route is often exploited.
3. Garsfontein Road/Delfi Avenue: Traffic lights zone is frequently targeted. 
4. Stormvoel Road traffic lights: Known hotspot for hijacking attempts. 
5. Nelson Mandela Drive: Heavy commuter traffic often leads to opportunistic crime. 
6. Lynwood Road, Hans Strijdom: The intersection of Lynwood Road and Hans Strijdom Drive in Pretoria is a well-known hijacking hotspot. Criminals often target drivers during peak traffic hours.

Cape Town Hotspots

You can keep the bad guys at bay for now if you take a defensive driving course in Cape Town. Check out the top hotspots in the mother city where criminals are most likely to strike: 

1. Voortrekker Road (between Bellville & Parow): Located via a wide arterial road with limited surveillance. 
2. Military Road & Prince George Drive: The intersection coaches major traffic flows, making it easy to target.
3. St. Stephens Road: Isolated sections make it a common target.
4. Alice Street & Voortrekker Road: Most notable activity occurs in the hidden corners near taxi ranks.
5. Station Road: Known for smash-and-grab attempts and vehicle break-ins. 
6. Klipfontein Road: Stay vigilant when travelling along this road, particularly near intersections and quieter stretches. 

Durban Hotspots 

A defensive driving course in Durban is not an unrealistic goal when it comes to your road safety. If paired with the knowledge of the top hotspots, you’ll be feeling safer already: 

1. Alpine Road: Major arterial road in Durban North is known to be a frequent hijacking zone.
2. West Street Crossings: Busy central location vulnerable to crime.
3. Warwick Avenue & Smith Street intersection: Moderate foot traffic but high-risk junction. 
4. Chatsworth/Justice Street area: Recurring incidents happen.
5. Umlazi Zone V and Isipingo area: Township routes often used for criminal activity.

Why Defensive Driving Classes Matter

Defensive driving matters because it: 

• Protects you and your loved ones: Safe driving isn’t just personal, it helps everyone on the road.
• Reduces insurance claims: Fewer accidents and incidents mean fewer claims and potentially lower premiums.
• Helps prevent opportunistic crime: Opportunists often target inattentive or distracted drivers. A defensive driver projects confidence and awareness, making theft less likely.

Key Takeaway: Is Defensive Driving Worth it?

Yes, it is.

Driving defensively means being aware, prepared, and calm. It can dramatically reduce your risk of both accidents and becoming a victim of crime. By following our 10 tips, you’ll not only protect yourself and others but also gain greater confidence on our roads.

So, what are the next steps?

• Enroll in a defensive driving course for extra hands-on experience.
• Read our related posts on traffic and road safety.
• Be sure to book your next car service and check on the essentials so that you avoid breaking down in shady hotspots.