Oregon Drivers Prep: Defensive Driving & Communicating With Other Drivers | Neurodiverse Inclusive Solutions
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Defensive Driving & Communicating With Other Drivers

Safe driving means staying alert to your surroundings, wearing your safety belt, and making sure other drivers know what you're about to do.

Defensive Driving

The key to being a safe and responsible driver is to be aware of your surroundings at all times and alert for potentially dangerous situations. Know how to adjust your driving for problems with your vehicle, the road surface, poor weather, heavy traffic, poor lighting, and your own physical, mental, and emotional condition.

You must be able to see what is to the front, sides, and rear of your vehicle. Do not load or equip your vehicle in any way that blocks your view, including placing stickers or other objects on your windows.

You will constantly make decisions every mile you drive. A defensive driver is always aware of their surroundings and possible escape routes.

Safety Belts

Safety belt use is mandatory in Oregon for all drivers and passengers in all available seating positions. A properly worn safety belt reduces the chance of injury in a collision. Do not leave slack in the lap or shoulder portion of the belt. Never put the shoulder strap under your arm or behind your back.

Child passengers must be restrained in approved child safety seats until they are 8 years of age or at least 4 feet 9 inches tall and the adult lap and shoulder belt fits them correctly. Infants must ride rear-facing until they reach two years of age.

Communicating With Other Drivers

Collisions often occur when one driver does not see another vehicle, or a driver does something unexpected. You can let other drivers know what you plan to do, or where you are, by:

  • Signaling before changing direction or lanes.
  • Using your brake lights to indicate you are slowing or stopping.
  • Turning on your headlights.
  • Using your horn as a reasonable warning.
  • Using your hazard lights when needed.
Check Your Understanding

Defensive Driving & Communicating With Other Drivers: Knowledge Check

5 questions. Answer them all, then check your answers. You can change your answers and try again as many times as you want.

1. A defensive driver is always:

2. A child must be restrained in an approved child safety seat until they are:

3. Infants must ride rear-facing until they reach:

4. Which of these is a way to communicate your intentions to other drivers?

5. Blocking your view with stickers or objects on your vehicle's windows is:

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