If you’re a lifehacker faced with taking a defensive driving course, you might be looking for a way to get it done faster. You might even think you can skip the videos and still pass. But here’s why that’s a bad idea.
Defensive driving courses aim to improve drivers’ skills and make the roads safer for everyone. These courses typically include a mix of reading materials, videos, and quizzes. The videos are crucial to the course, helping to explain concepts and demonstrate safe driving techniques.
Why Are There So Many Videos in an Online Defensive Driving Course?
Back in the day, defensive driving courses were only available in classrooms. You had to spend six hours with strangers to get your certificate. These classes ensured students received all required material under an instructor’s supervision.
Defensive driving isn’t new; I taught it 20 years ago and took it myself 20 years before that. Finding a course was tricky, often involving a phone book search.
Then Texas approved ADMs (Alternative Delivery Method courses), freeing students from the classroom. You could rent a video from Blockbuster (Google it if you’re under 30) and use your VCR to learn about safe driving.
Online versions also became available, letting you interact with your computer instead of a TV. But defensive driving videos are what we’re here to talk about…
Skipping Course Videos: Not as Helpful as You Might Think
The state knew some students might want to cut corners. They realized that classroom students might block out an instructor’s voice and that online students might skip reading, so they added videos.
But how can the state be sure students watch the videos? Here’s their cunning plan: After every video that is a minute or longer, students must answer a question.
You might think you can skip the video and still answer the multiple-choice question. After all, you have a 1-in-4 chance, right? But if you get it wrong, you must watch the video again. So, skipping videos often ends up wasting more time.
Educational Benefits of Watching Defensive Driving Videos
Watching the videos in a defensive driving course can greatly enhance your understanding of road safety concepts. Videos make learning more engaging and help you remember important information. Here are some key benefits:
- Visual Learning: Seeing real-life examples and demonstrations can make complex ideas easier to understand.
- Retention: Studies show that people remember information better when it’s presented in a visual format. For instance, the Social Science Research Network reports that 65% of people are visual learners.
- Engagement: Videos can be more interesting than reading text, making it easier to stay focused.
Real-life Impact and Testimonials
Many people who watch all the videos in their defensive driving course report improved driving habits and greater awareness of road safety. Most of all, everyone loves our video course!
“This was great, easy-to-watch videos and funny, it kept me glued to the screen, and the time just was flying by.”
“Guy in the videos’ good sense of humor kept me entertained.”
“Hey, the videos are really helpful, and some are even funny.”
“With the videos, it made it entertaining, so that helped to be paying attention. It was like a movie.”
“It was defensive driving, but did not mind paying extra to watch a video for every portion. Great course overall.”
Long-term Financial Benefits
Completing all parts of your defensive driving course, including the videos, can have long-term financial benefits. By improving your driving skills, you’re less likely to get tickets or be involved in accidents, which can save you money on fines, repairs, and insurance premiums.
Avoiding Increased Insurance Rates
A ticket on your record can increase your insurance rates for years. But if you take a defensive driving course and keep the ticket off your record, you can avoid these higher premiums. Some insurance companies even offer discounts of 5-20% to drivers who complete a defensive driving course.
Psychological and Cognitive Benefits
Watching videos in your defensive driving course also has psychological and cognitive benefits. Videos help reinforce learning through repetition and visualization. This makes it easier to remember what you’ve learned and apply it in real-life situations.
Overcoming Common Barriers to Watching Videos
If you find it hard to watch the videos, here are some tips:
- Stay Engaged: Find something interesting in each video, like a new fact or a funny moment.
- Manage Your Time: Break the videos into shorter segments and watch them over several days.
- Create a Conducive Environment: Find a quiet, comfortable place to watch the videos without distractions.
Skipping Videos in Defensive Driving FAQs
What are Defensive Driving Videos?
Defensive driving videos are educational resources, often found in courses, designed to teach drivers safe driving techniques and strategies for anticipating and reacting to potential hazards on the road.
Why Shouldn’t I Skip Defensive Driving Videos?
Defensive driving videos provide essential knowledge about road safety, hazard recognition, and accident prevention.
Watching these videos can improve your driving skills, increase your awareness, and potentially save lives.
Are Defensive Driving Videos Effective in Reducing Accidents?
Yes, studies have shown that defensive driving courses, which include these videos, are effective in reducing the number of accidents by teaching drivers how to anticipate and respond to various road hazards.
The National Safety Council states that defensive driving courses can reduce the likelihood of being involved in a fatal crash and future violations.
Can Defensive Driving Videos Help New Drivers?
Absolutely! New drivers can greatly benefit from defensive driving videos as they provide foundational knowledge and practical tips that are essential for safe driving practices.
How do Defensive Driving Videos Benefit Experienced Drivers?
Even experienced drivers can benefit from defensive driving videos as they provide up-to-date information on new driving laws, advanced driving techniques, and refreshers on safety practices that can help maintain and enhance their driving skills.
Can Watching Defensive Driving Videos Help With Insurance Discounts?
Yes, many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete defensive driving courses, often including watching these videos.
This can lead to significant savings on your insurance premiums.
What Topics are Typically Covered in Defensive Driving Videos?
Defensive driving videos cover topics such as safe following distances, handling adverse weather conditions, avoiding distractions, understanding traffic signs and signals, and techniques for emergency situations.
Do I Have to Take a Test After Watching Defensive Driving Videos?
It’s not a test, but after watching the videos, you must answer a question to ensure you have understood and retained the information presented.
Successfully answering the video question is required to receive a certificate of completion.
What Should I do if I Find the Defensive Driving Videos Boring or Repetitive?
If you find the videos boring or repetitive, try to stay focused on the key points being presented. Remember that the information is crucial for your safety and can help prevent accidents.
Taking notes and actively engaging with the content can also help maintain your interest.
While it might be tempting to skip the videos in your defensive driving course, it’s really not worth it. Watching the videos will actually help you pass and get your certificate faster. Plus, you’ll actually learn valuable information that can make you a safer driver. So, buckle down, watch the videos, and get the most out of your defensive driving course.
