Defensive Driving: What It Is and Why It Matters

A Guide from Today’s Driving School for Minnesota Drivers

Whether you are a brand-new driver or have years of experience behind the wheel, practicing defensive driving is one of the best ways to stay safe on the road. It is more than just obeying traffic laws—it is about being proactive, alert, and prepared for the unexpected. In this post, we will break down exactly what defensive driving is, why it is important, how it relates to Minnesota law, and how you can incorporate defensive habits into every drive.

What Is Defensive Driving?
Defensive driving is the practice of using safe driving strategies that go beyond basic traffic rules. The goal is to anticipate potential hazards and make well-informed decisions to avoid collisions—even when other drivers are unpredictable or reckless.

In short: Defensive drivers assume other people will make mistakes—and prepare for it.
Key Defensive Driving Concepts:

• Stay alert and focused: Avoid distractions like texting, eating, or adjusting music.

• Expect the unexpected: Assume other drivers might run a red light, stop suddenly, or swerve.

• Keep a safe following distance: You need time and space to react.

• Be aware of your surroundings: Check mirrors frequently and scan the road ahead.

• Adapt to conditions: Weather, traffic, and road work all require adjustments in speed and attention.

Why Defensive Driving Matters — Especially in Minnesota
Minnesota roads can present unique challenges—from icy winter highways to deer darting across rural roads. Defensive driving is not just good practice—it is a potential life-saver.

Real Risks on MN Roads:
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety:

• Over 30,000 vehicle crashes occur annually due to distracted driving.

• In 2023, there were 455 traffic fatalities in Minnesota.

• Winter conditions account for a significant percentage of spinouts, rear-end crashes, and off-road collisions.

Minnesota Law & Defensive Driving:
The Minnesota Driver’s Manual emphasizes defensive driving throughout. In fact, failing to demonstrate defensive habits—such as checking mirrors, reacting safely to hazards, or maintaining control—could result in failure on your road test.

The Building Blocks of Defensive Driving
Let us dig deeper into the behaviors that make someone a defensive driver:

1. Control Your Speed
Speed limits exist for a reason. The faster you drive, the more likely it is that you will be involved in a collision, and the more likely it is that death will be the result of the collision. The right speed to drive also depends on other factors.
In Minnesota:

•  Minnesota’s basic speed law says you must drive at a speed that is reasonable for the current conditions, including weather, traffic and road conditions.

• You can get ticketed for speeding even if you are driving under the posted speed limit if road conditions (like fog or snow) make it unsafe.

2. Maintain a Safe Following Distance
The 3-second rule is a common standard—but increase this to 4-5 seconds in poor weather.

Why it matters:
Rear-end collisions are among the most common crashes, and tailgating leaves no time to react.

Pro Tip:
Pick a fixed object ahead (like a sign). When the vehicle in front of you passes it, count “one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand.” If you pass the object before you finish, you are too close.

3. Yield Right of Way—Even When You Legally Do Not Have To
Just because you have the right of way does not mean others will yield. A defensive driver values safety over pride.
For example, at a four-way stop, even if it is your turn to go, yield to anyone who is moving into the intersection.

4. Check Mirrors and Blind Spots—Often
Every 5–8 seconds, glance at your mirrors. Shoulder checks are a must when changing lanes or merging.

5. Stay Out of Other Drivers’ Blind Spots
If you are driving next to a vehicle, especially a large truck, for an extended period of time, back off or safely pass.
If you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirror, they probably cannot see you.

Situational Defensive Driving: Examples & Strategies
Let us break down defensive driving by scenario:
In City Traffic:

• Watch for pedestrians walking along the side of the road or attempting to cross the street.

• Expect cars parked on the side of the road to pull out into traffic or have passengers open doors to exit the vehicle

• Check side streets for cars rolling through stop signs.

• Watch yards for signs of children, like toys in the yard, or a bicycle in the driveway. And of course, watch for the infamous ball rolling across the street. 

On the Highway:

• Scan entrance ramps on interstates for merging vehicles.

• Watch for brake lights ahead—traffic can suddenly slow.

• Do not engage with aggressive drivers (tailgaters, speeders). The situation could quickly escalate into an incident of road rage endangering yourself and other roadway users. 

In Rural Areas:

• Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.

• Drive cautiously on gravel or uneven surfaces.

• Be prepared for slow-moving farm equipment.

In Winter Conditions:

• Double or triple your following distance.

• Avoid sudden braking—slow down gradually.

• Turn on your headlights at sunset and keep them on until sunrise. Use them during rain, snow, hail, sleet, fog, or any time you cannot see the road ahead for at least 500 feet.

Defensive Driving vs. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the biggest dangers on the road—and the opposite of defensive driving.
In Minnesota:
Texting and driving is illegal. If you are over 18 years old, you can use voice commands and hands-free mode only. However, teenagers that are new to the driving environment are not allowed to use cell phones in any capacity, unless it is to call 911 in the event of an emergency or to report a crash/crime.

 
Defensive alternatives:

• Set your GPS before driving.

• Use Do Not Disturb mode on your phone.

• Keep both hands on the wheel unless absolutely necessary.

• Have a passenger handle the navigation, radio, and other distracting tasks in the vehicle. 

Benefits of Defensive Driving
Practicing defensive driving does not just keep you safe—it pays off in other ways too.

1. Lower Insurance Premiums
Your insurance company may offer discounts if you use their app to monitor your driving for errors like speeding, hard braking, and other bad driving habits. The better your score, the greater discount you may earn. 

2. Fewer Tickets and Points
A clean driving record means fewer license suspensions and lower long-term costs.

3. Better Test Outcomes
Driving examiners look for defensive driving behavior during road tests. Driving defensively can make the difference between possibly passing or failing your road test.

4. Peace of Mind
Knowing you are doing everything you can to protect yourself and others reduces stress and road rage.

Defensive Driving for Teens and New Drivers
At Today’s Driving School, we prioritize defensive driving techniques from day one. We emphasize:

• Awareness of surroundings

• Practicing good judgment

• Proper vehicle control

• Risk anticipation

We want our students to pass their test—but more importantly, we want them to stay safe for life.

Final Thoughts
Defensive driving is not a buzzword—it is a vital life skill. By staying alert, focused, and prepared for anything, you drastically reduce your risk of collisions and protect everyone on the road, including yourself.

At Today’s Driving School, we are committed to helping you become not just a legal driver, but a safe and confident one. Our instructors teach more than road rules—we teach smart habits that last a lifetime.

Whether you are just starting your journey or want to sharpen your skills, we are here for you. Give us a call at (844) 374-8315, or visit us online at todaysdrivingschool.com

Jacob Ahner
Driving Instructor with Today’s Driving School