Defensive Driving Topic Guide

Defensive Driving

Defensive driving entails altering driver behavior to prevent accidents caused by hazards on the road or in the vehicle. These resources include training that will help drivers deal with situations before they arise.


Airways Transit Winter Defensive Driving Video, 2024


Automotive Fleet Magazine's Avoiding Accidents with Defensive Driving, 2020, How to Avoid Wrong-Way Drivers and How to Deal with High-Risk Drivers, 2019


CASTA's Defensive Driving for Transit Operators Certification Program


CTAA's PASS Training


Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)'s Defensive Driving Tips, 2015 and Tips for Truck and Bus Drivers, 2025


The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Transit Advisory Committee for Safety (TRACS) Reducing Bus Collisions Report lists courses drivers can take in defensive driving, 2024


National RTAP's Defensive Driving 2 The Point Cards, 2018 and Safety Training and Rural Transit (START), 2018


National Safety Council's The Best Offense is a Solid Defense, 2020 and The Most Dangerous Time to Drive, 2024


Oklahoma Safety Council's Defensive Driving: Employer Refresher Tips, 2019


United Motorcoach Association's (UMA) Safety Tips Can Help Bus Drivers Handle Winter Driving Dangers, 2022


DISCLAIMER: The resources provided in each topic guide are not an exhaustive survey of every available resource on each topic. If you would like to add a resource to a Topic Guide, please email info@nationalrtap.org.  This document was prepared by National RTAP with the financial assistance of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The contents do not necessarily represent the opinions or policy of any agency of the U.S. Government, and the U.S. Government assumes no liability for the contents or use thereof. It does not have the force and effect of law and is not meant to bind the public in any way.


Updated March 24, 2025