Los Angeles drivers navigate more than 6,500 lane-miles of freeway daily, and split-second decisions often determine safety. Chevrolet Van Nuys connects you with vehicles equipped for confident defensive driving. From the tech-loaded Chevrolet Equinox to the spacious Chevrolet Suburban, defensive driving techniques backed by Chevy Safety Assist™ and OnStar® features transform routine commutes into controlled, predictable journeys.
LA's Complex Driving Environment
Southern California's 405 and 101 freeways see collision rates spike during peak hours, when vehicles compress into tight formations and reaction time shrinks. Urban intersections add another layer-pedestrians, cyclists, and turning vehicles converge at unpredictable angles. Even rare rain events create slick pavement that catches drivers off guard, reducing traction and extending stopping distances. Defensive driving counters these variables by expanding your awareness beyond the hood ornament, scanning three to five vehicles ahead for brake lights, lane changes, or debris.
Core Defensive Driving Principles
Maintain a three-second following distance-pick a fixed object, count "one thousand one" when the vehicle ahead passes it, and ensure three full seconds before you reach the same point. Anticipate trouble by watching drivers two or three cars ahead, not just the bumper directly in front. Hands at nine and three o'clock provide maximum steering control. Eliminate distractions; texts and calls can wait, but collisions happen in the few seconds your eyes leave the road, even at low speeds. Position your vehicle in the lane's center, creating equal cushions on both sides for evasive maneuvers.
Safety Technology in Modern Chevrolet Vehicles
Defensive driving support is engineered into every new Chevrolet model. Adaptive Cruise Control™ maintains safe following distance by automatically adjusting speed when traffic slows, reducing the fatigue of constant brake-and-accelerate cycles. Forward Collision Alert monitors closing rates and issues visual and audible warnings before impact becomes unavoidable, giving you precious seconds to respond. Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning gently steers you back when drifting occurs, especially valuable during long freeway stretches where concentration wanes. The Chevrolet Equinox combines these systems with HD Surround Vision™, displaying a bird's-eye view that eliminates blind spots in tight parking structures.
Experience Safety-Focused Vehicles at Chevrolet Van Nuys
Your Chevrolet dealer serving Van Nuys won't just help you schedule a test drive. We'll explain the safety features, how they work, and how to get the most from them. See how these technologies support defensive driving habits, and explore Chevrolet financing options that make safety accessible. We'll improve your commute and your confidence level behind the wheel!