Defensive Driving Hacks: How to Lower Your Risk of a Non-Fault Accident
No matter how careful you are on the road, you can’t control other drivers. A non-fault accident happens when you’re involved in a collision that isn’t your fault—maybe another driver runs a red light, tailgates you, or changes lanes without looking. While you can’t eliminate the risk entirely, you can take steps to protect yourself.
That’s where defensive driving comes in. It’s all about being proactive, staying alert, and using smart driving strategies to lower your chances of being caught up in an accident. Let’s go through some practical defensive driving hacks that will help keep you safe on the road.
1. Keep a Safe Following Distance
One of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of a rear-end collision is to leave enough space between you and the car in front. The three-second rule is a good guideline:
Pick a fixed object (like a road sign or lamppost).
When the car in front passes it, start counting.
If you reach the object in less than three seconds, you’re too close—back off.
In bad weather or heavy traffic, increase this to five or six seconds to allow extra stopping time. If you do find yourself in a situation that wasn’t your fault, seek professional advice. Contact RTA Claims to learn options for non-fault accident victims.
2. Watch for ‘Red Flags’ in Other Drivers
Not everyone follows the rules of the road, so staying alert to erratic or dangerous driving can help you react before an accident happens. Watch out for:
Drivers constantly braking or swerving (they might be distracted).
Speeding or tailgating cars (give them space and let them pass).
People on their phones or looking down (assume they don’t see you).
Hesitant drivers at junctions (they may pull out without warning).
If you spot a risky driver, stay back, change lanes, or slow down to avoid being caught up in their mistakes.
3. Use Your Mirrors—Constantly
Your mirrors are your best friend when it comes to situational awareness. Check them every 5-10 seconds, especially when:
Changing lanes
Approaching junctions
Slowing down or stopping in traffic
Overtaking another vehicle
This habit helps you spot potential hazards early and react in time.
4. Avoid Blind Spots (Yours and Theirs)
Every car has blind spots, and if you’re sitting in one, another driver might not see you. The best way to avoid this is to:
Stay out of the blind spots of lorries and buses (if you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you).
Move quickly through other drivers’ blind spots when overtaking.
Adjust your side mirrors slightly outward to reduce your own blind spots.
Being mindful of these areas can prevent accidental side-swipes.
5. Control Your Speed—Even When Others Don’t
Speeding isn’t just dangerous—it also reduces your reaction time if another driver makes a mistake. Stick to the speed limit, even if others don’t, and adjust your speed in the following situations:
In wet or icy conditions – stopping distances are much longer.
At night or in low visibility – reaction times are slower.
In heavy traffic – more cars mean a higher risk of sudden stops.
By keeping your speed under control, you give yourself more time to react to unpredictable situations.
Do Car Insurance Companies Increase Their Premiums If You Are in an Accident?
Understandably, people are worried about how much their car insurance is going to cost after being in an accident. The cost of everything is rising and you don’t want to give your provider an excuse to give you a higher quote. Well, whether an accident will increase your premium depends on various factors. Let’s take a look at what you need to know.
Who Was at Fault?
First, what type of accident were you in? Was the crash caused by your actions or the other driver? If the accident happened because you made wrong decisions behind the wheel, this is often going to increase your policy. The provider will class you as a bigger risk and you could have another incident in the future. How much this will go up will depend on the insurance company and what they deem appropriate. However, if you were in a non-fault accident, it’s possible that your premiums won’t increase. This is particularly true if you go through the other driver’s insurance company to make a claim.
The Damage Matters
Insurance companies will look at what type of accident you were in. For instance, if you caused a minor incident, such as a small bump with another car, this may only mean a small increase. However, if you’ve been in an accident that’s written off your vehicle, you can expect a large price increase. For example, this could be as much as 50 per cent.
Ways to Lower Your Premiums
If you find out that your car insurance premiums are going to increase, there are tactics you can use to lower the cost. For example, you can choose to get a higher excess. While you’ll pay more for a future claim, in the meantime, you can pay less. You can also choose to pay annually for car insurance. Some providers will give you a discount for paying the bill all at once. Don’t forget to shop around for your next policy. Sticking with the same provider doesn’t always pay off.
Conclusion
You can’t control other drivers, but you can control how you react to them. By using defensive driving techniques, staying alert, and anticipating risks, you reduce your chances of being involved in a non-fault accident.
The key takeaways?
Keep a safe distance and always have an escape plan.
Stay alert for reckless drivers and avoid blind spots.
Control your speed and be extra cautious at junctions.
Expect mistakes from others and be ready to react.
Driving defensively doesn’t just protect you—it also makes the roads safer for everyone. Stay smart, stay safe, and keep these hacks in mind next time you hit the road.