by 
The Curious Bag
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For a person to protect herself on the road, she needs to practice safe driving habits called "defensive driving." Hundreds of schools teach this skill, and most classes take only a few hours.
Identification
Defensive driving means a person not only actively pays attention to the his own driving habits but also to neighboring drivers on the road and other road hazards, such as detours.
Features
Removing distractions, like cellphones and food, helps a person focus on her environment, such as the car's speed and traffic signs. Also, a person needs to stay alert to drive defensively; sleepiness and intoxicating substances induce poor judgment and slower reaction times.
Misconceptions
Defensive driving applies to young drivers just as much as experienced ones. After years of practice, some drivers become too confident in their ability to handle a car and start ignoring safe driving habits.
Benefits
Defensive driving saves the lives of those who practice it and others on the road. In addition, most insurance companies offer discounts for those who take a defensive driving class.
Where to Find a Class
State motor vehicle departments do not offer defensive driving classes; they are taught by private-sector driving schools. DMV.org keeps an online database of approved DD courses by state.
Source:
KidsHealth.org: The Keys to Defensive Driving
Texas Education Agency: Driver Training and Education
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