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What is the IPDE Defensive Driving Formula?

I recently signed up for defensive driving classes, and I’m going through some of the material beforehand. I came across the IPDE defensive driving formula, but I’m not entirely sure I remember what it meant. It’s been a long time since I took driver’s ed — what exactly is the IPDE defensive driving formula and what does it mean?

avatar
Michelle Ballestrasse · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Most of us forgot what IPDE stands for after our teen years! But even if you don’t know what it stands for, odds are, you’ve probably put it into practice as a driver since you first got your license (or at least we hope so).
You’ll come across the term again in any
defensive driving
course, but here’s a quick refresher.
IPDE stands for:
  • Identify
  • Predict
  • Determine
  • Execute
These are the steps you take while driving with awareness in order to avoid collisions or accidents.
First, you identify a potential hazard on the road, like a stalled vehicle on the freeway. Next, you predict what conflict can occur — either you may hit the car yourself, or others may hit you trying to avoid it.
You’ll then determine your best course of action, such as changing lanes to avoid the hazard. You’ll finally execute the maneuver.
Practicing IPDE will help you
avoid common incidents that require insurance claims
. Not only does this keep you safe and your car functional, it also helps keep your insurance rates low.
But even the safest drivers aren’t completely immune to accidents or damage from outside forces like inclement weather or vandalism. Car safety happens off the road too, with the right
car insurance
.
So download
Jerry
and get started today! Jerry is always on hand (literally, it’s an app) to help you find great coverage in minutes. Plus, the average Jerry user saves $879 a year, all while helping to keep you and your car protected on and off the road.
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