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ind yourself an empty parking lot or deserted, infrequently traveled road and get to know how your vehicle responds to the following tactics. Make sure to practice both in normal and slippery conditions. With a little practice, you’ll have an emergency plan and the skills to execute it.

Precautions

• Practicing defensive maneuvers should be kept to a minimum in order to avoid excessive wear on the vehicle – just enough to be comfortable with how you and your vehicle respond
• Stay alert to both obstacles and other vehicles while practicing
• Make sure that you and any passengers have securely fastened the safety belts at all times
• Check and double check your mirrors and blind spots, signal early and obey the laws of the road
• Do not practice quick stops more than once without letting the brakes cool off

Practicing defensive maneuvers
Quick stops. With your vehicle traveling at 25-30 mph, try to make as quick a stop as possible. Press firmly on the brake pedal to get a sense of just how effective your anti-lock brake system can be in an emergency.

Swerving. In your practice environment, steer your vehicle quickly one lane over and back again to simulate maneuvering around an obstacle.

Swerving while stopping. Next, try turning your vehicle quickly one lane over while pressing firmly on the brake pedal. This maneuver is best used to avoid a collision with an object or vehicle in front of you while giving a vehicle behind you enough room to stop as well.