Guest Post from Jonathan Covert
A quick look at the benefits of opting for an online course.
Oops So You Got a Ticket. Now What?
If you’ve received a ticket for a traffic violation in Virginia recently, then chances are you’re in need of a Virginia Driver Improvement Program to help keep your driving privilege in good standing. A driver improvement program not only reminds drivers of the rules of the road, but can also provide a sense of awareness on the roads that many drivers probably are never aware of. With radios, cell phones and passengers all serving as distractions, many drivers aren’t prepared for key situations that could prevent an accident. A quality Driver Improvement Program addresses all the human factors of driving – driving under the influence, road rage, reckless driving – and teaches drivers how to identify these dangerous situations and how to handle them safely.
Virginia Driver Improvement Programs Are Much Improved
In the past you’d have to catch a ride to a random location and then spend a series of Saturday afternoons sitting in a crowded classroom full of strangers, listening to an instructor read excerpts from the DMV handbook…yawn! No matter how boring these classroom courses used to be, they were a necessary requirement for anybody seeking a Ticket Dismissal, Fine Reduction, Point Reduction or an Insurance Discount. The good news for Virginia drivers these days is that boring classroom courses may soon become a thing of the past.
The internet has changed the way we shop, changed the way we communicate and it’s changing the way we learn thanks to online courses such as an Online Driver Improvement Program Virginia. Now that it’s possible to take a Virginia Driver Improvement Program online, many consumers are opting to complete their program in the comfort of their own home, at their favorite coffee shop or just about anywhere they can tap into an internet connection.
Online Courses Work-Around Busy Schedules
Another advantage of completing a Virginia Driver Improvement Program online is that consumers can stop and start the course whenever you like, so if you take a break and walk away, you can return to the same section they left off without missing a beat. Plus, many of today’s Virginia Driver Improvement Program providers’ offer 24/7 customer support to assist people with answers to their questions at any time day or night.
So there you have it. If you’re required to take a Virginia Driver Improvement Program, you can either do it the old school way in a classroom on someone else’s schedule or you can opt to complete it online at your convenience. To me the decision is a no brainer. If I’m ever cited for a traffic violation here in Virginia, I’m going to take my driver improvement program on the Information Super Highway. How about you?
To know more about driver improvement course please visit:
I received a really great Email question in response to my article on "How to Avoid Rear-End Accidents" from Margo Gregory. It follows:
“I agree with your “How to Avoid Rear-end Collisions” blog … however, I do have a question. If you know someone is about to rear end you (sometimes you can see it coming) … do you apply the brakes as hard as you can … or do you lightly press the brakes to allow less impact … or do you not apply the brakes at all (as long as you are not at a busy intersection) ???”
Hmmm! A very good question and a really difficult one to answer.
While I know of no significant studies on this issue, I would offer a few suggestions on how to handle an imminent Rear End Collision – besides just simply praying!
Before absorbing the impact, I would want to already have the answers to three questions, two obvious, the first, maybe not.
Am I driving a vehicle with ABS (Antilock Braking System)?
Is there someone in front of me? If so, how much space is between us?
Am I the lead car stopped at an intersection? If so, how clear is it?
If I have ABS I should have two significant advantages when being struck from the rear. Both would require that I press down on the brake pedal as hard as I can.
The ABS braking system with the brake pedal pressed hard, unlike a vehicle without it, will allow me to steer the vehicle even when I break traction and am skidding - a likely event when I'm struck from behind. This would be a distinct advantage while being shoved towards oblivion. Perhaps I could at least steer to the least damaging said oblivion!
Also, the ABS when engaged will stop me in the least possible space. Kinda’ nice!
I also don’t want to be a Stop on my Tail-gater. If there is a vehicle stopped in front of me, I want to have at least a half car’s length to a car and a half’s length, between my front bumper and its rear bumper. As most intersection rear-enders are not of the high velocity persuasion, this space may allow me to cautiously but quickly inch forward if my rear-view mirror is suggesting the puppy behind me is inevitably going to stop in my space. I truly believe I have avoided a number of accidents with this simple maneuver and in any event, it would hopefully lessen the impact and possibly keep me from being pushed into the car in front of me.
That being said, I’m still personally an advocate for hard braking once I do stop. If I have an “out” in front of me, I’ll probably be on the gas anyway, aiming for the least dangerous place to be. Otherwise, my feeling is by braking hard I will stop more quickly when whacked. I will probably break traction and skid forward anyway, and I’m not sure there’s much impact difference between being struck and pushed into a skid or being struck and coasting forward with no or light braking applied.
I would welcome any comments on this concept as again, I’m unaware of any studies on the issue, I’m not a physics professor, and the issue may be somewhat controversial!
Okay, now I’m the lead car at an intersection. One critical rule here, even if preparing for a left turn, is to keep the front steering wheels pointed straight ahead – or at least in a safe direction. If I’m turning left and have the wheels aimed left while I’m waiting, I will be forced into oncoming traffic if I have ABS or if my foot comes off of the brake in a non-ABS vehicle. Don’t want to be there. If I don’t have the ABS and my car breaks traction because I’m braking hard when struck, it won’t matter. I’ll be pushed in the direction from where I’m struck. (There’s no steering when we break traction in a non-ABS vehicle).
Okay, impact is imminent. I need to prepare for it. How best can my body (forget the car) absorb it?
I do NOT want to lean forward or try to duck (unless I'm behind a vehicle with an imovable object that looks like it wants to decapitate me)! I need to avoid being “jerked around” as best as possible. My back wants to be firmly pressed against the back of my seat and my head wants to be pressed back firmly against the headrest. This will offer me the best support available to avoid whiplash. I also want to warn any passengers to do the same, if possible, by shouting “lean back”!
Finally, as hard as it may seem, I want to completely relax my muscles. A relaxed muscle will absorb more impact with less damage, than one which is all tensed up. Practice it when you’re stopped somewhere. Just completely relax your muscles. Yup, relax – and take the hit! And if you’re so inclined – yeah, pray!
Guest Article by Emma Stinchcombe
In recent news it was reported that a pedestrian died after a collision with a lorry in Oxfordshire. He died at the scene. When trawling through daily news, it seems that road accidents occur almost daily. Sadly, road accidents do not seem to be declining.
But perhaps there is a solution. Defensive driving courses are designed for people who drive for work purposes. These workshops can help drivers improve on their observation, journey planning, anticipation and concentration. Understand that these courses are not for ‘new’ drivers, but for those who want to develop business drivers’ on-road risk management ability. Defensive driving courses stress the importance of not only the drivers’ own methods, but they also concentrate on other drivers’ likely road actions. In hindsight, these workshops are a personal exercise for individual drivers who are eager to learn how to drive defensively.
It is well known that there is a higher risk of a collision if drivers are driving for work purposes, than those that drive for non-work purposes. This has led the Health and Safety Executive to develop legislation to ensure that employees have appropriate policies, procedures and training put in place. It is believed that company driver training does implement employees to drive safer.
According to studies by Australian researchers, Sharon Newnam and Barry Watson, driver development implemented by senior staff was essential to the success of drivers using appropriate safety measures. The study also suggested that drivers began reporting their safer driving behaviours when safety-management discussions and interventions were encouraged by senior staff. This study stresses the importance of employers to adopt these driving workshops as they enhance drivers’ on road ability in order to reduce the risk of collisions.
In this current financial climate, employees may be hesitating to invest money into the scheme. However, in the long run these courses will save companies a lot of money. Company driver training will reduce the amount incidents on the road, leading to more savings and better health and well-being for the employees. In these difficult financial times many companies are searching for ways to save money so investing in driver safety is likely to provide long term benefits financially.
Driving workshops make drivers noticeably more confident, productive and responsible. Drivers will be a great ambassador for businesses’ in the driving industry. They also help large and small organisations in many different market sectors achieve substantial reductions in vehicle fleet running costs. Courses can come in the form of one-to-one practical fleet driving coaching, group driver training workshops or online fleet driver training modules. These courses will be relevant fleet drivers but to other businesses that have drivers working for them.
Each driver keeps a risk profile assessment to ensure the course is suitable to each driver’s needs. Courses also stress the importance of eyesight and vehicle checks. Though not all about driving, these courses will boast the highest performing drivers. Its aim is to reduce the risk of driving by anticipating dangerous situations and other peoples’ mistakes.
Authorities hope to see a rise in drivers attending these courses in the New Year, decreasing the number of incidents and collisions.
Emma Stinchcombe, Copywriter, writing in behalf of Driving Risk Management. DRM is a company that specialises in defensive driving courses and company driver training.
Guest Post by Amanda Tradwick
Practicing safe driving is important whenever you're in the car, but it becomes especially important when you have precious cargo like a small baby traveling with you. Whether you're taking a drive around the block to pick up some eggs or you're on a longer road trip across several states to see your Aunt Edna, driving safely is important to avoid accidents and to protect your little one. Here are a few things you can do to make sure that every trip you take in your car is as safe as you can make it:
Use a Proper Car Seat
It can be tempting to ride with your baby in your lap if you are traveling a short distance, or to remove you baby from the seat if she is fussy or needs to breastfeed. However, your baby should never ride in the car unless she is securely strapped into an appropriate car seat for her age and weight. Babies should be in a rear-facing car seat until they are 35 pounds. They should always be strapped into the seat with a five-point shoulder harness. Once they outgrow this seat, they should be moved into a rear-facing convertible car seat. Experts recommend that children remain in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible.
Eliminate Detachable Objects
Dangling toys, mirrors, and rattles can be nice distractions for your baby while you are riding in the car, but these items can become airborne projectiles in case of an accident. Don't put any loose toys or items that clip on to the car seat in the car. Also, be wary of any items that attach to the car windows with suction cups, such as shades, mirrors, or toys.
Eliminate Distractions
When you are driving with a baby, it is even more important to keep your eyes and your attention completely on the road and the other drivers around you. Avoid distractions meant for the baby, such as portable DVD players, that may also distract your attention from the road. Do not talk on your cell phone and NEVER text while driving. Take care not to become too distracted by the radio or conversations with other passengers in the car.
Never Leave Baby Unattended
If you have to stop for any reason — maybe to quickly buy a drink from a convenience store or to use the bathroom — never leave the baby in the car unattended. Even if you will only be a moment, it is never safe to leave a baby alone in the car. Temperatures may become too hot or too cold, the baby could suffocate or strangle on items left in or near the car seat, or you could forget that the baby is in the car and leave her there for a long period of time. Never leave the safety of your baby to chance.
Follow Safe Driving Practices
Finally, the best way to drive safely with a baby in the car is to practice other safe driving practices that you should already be following. These can include, but are not limited to, following a safe speed limit, maintaining a safe following distance, and allowing an appropriate braking distance. Ensuring that you follow these basic safety practices will minimize the risks you face on the road.
When you are driving with a baby in the car, it becomes especially important to be as safe as you can on the road. Following basic safety practices can help, but taking further measures such as using an appropriate car seat, eliminating loose objects and eliminating distractions can help create as safe an environment as possible.
About the author:
Amanda Tradwick is a grant researcher and writer for CollegeGrants.org. She has a Bachelor's degrees from the University of Delaware, and has recently finished research on education grants for women and federal grants for college.
Here’s wishing you all a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous and Safe Driving New Year!
Driverthink recently had the privilege of being interviewed by Anneli Rufus for her article, “America’s Worst Drivers: The States, Gender, With the Most Accidents” at Newsweek’s “The Daily Beast”.
Guest Post by Nicola Lumb
For many of us, winter ‘tis the season to be jolly, but it is also the season to exercise a lot of caution on the roads. In winter you don’t just need to be careful of the immediate dangers of ice and snow; you also need to make sure your vehicle stays on form as cold weather can play havoc with your car. In this article we’ll give you all the winter driving hints and tips you need to stay safe once the cold weather rolls in.
How to Avoid Breaking Down in Cold Weather
Breakdowns are far more common in cold conditions. This is because we require far more from our machines in the winter. With heaters, wipers and lights in use almost constantly, your car battery is likely to take a serious battering – especially if the roads are clogged and slow due to tricky driving weather.
If you do break down in cold weather, the results can be a lot more dangerous than in warmer months. There is likely to be less visibility on the road and you will get colder faster whilst waiting to be rescued. If you are travelling anywhere in winter, make sure you keep blankets and hi-vis jackets in the car with you – this will keep you safe and warm until help arrives!
To help avoid this eventuality in the first place, make sure you take good care of your battery. Here’s how:
How to Maintain Visibility during Winter Driving
Poor visibility is a major cause of accidents during the winter. Mist, ice, fog, condensation, snow, hail, spray and heavy rain can all make seeing what’s coming up on the roads difficult come winter time.
Before you start your journey you need to make sure your windscreen is totally clear. If there is snow on top of your car, make sure you remove it – if it falls during your journey it could obscure your windscreen unexpectedly whist driving.
Next, clear your mirrors, windshield and windows of any snow or ice. Do not just clear a hole for the driver to see through as this is extremely dangerous. De-icer and an ice scraper, as well as warm water, will help you clear the ice quickly, allowing you the good visibility you need for driving in testing conditions.
How to Drive in Ice and Snow
Ice and snow are amongst the most treacherous weather conditions for driving in. There are some key things you can do and remember to make the whole situation safer:
In the end, the only truly safe course of action is to not drive in snowy or icy conditions. As much as you can, avoid driving in ice or snow. But, if you have no other choice, follow our tips, take it slowly and keep your wits about you this winter.
About the Author
JMD Law are RTA (Road Traffic Accident) Claim specialists who aim to win you the maximum amount of compensation in the quickest time-frame possible.
Guest Post by Rick Console
The first “official” Battle of the Sexes occurred on September 20, 1973, when Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs met on a Houston, Texas, tennis court to see who could win three out of five sets. Of course, this contest was less about tennis and more about gender. While heated arguments arose about which player was better, these arguments paled in comparison to a more enduring Battle of the Sexes—one that had been occurring behind the wheel.
That’s right. Since the beginning of time, women and men have argued over who are the better drivers. Incidentally, Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in three straight sets. But who are better drivers, women or men?
According to women who recently responded to a question on the MetLife American Safety Pulse Poll, the fairer sex wins behind the wheel. Of the women who answered this September 2011 survey more than half—51%—said women were safer drivers. Only 24% were unsure whether women or men were safer drivers.
But is perception reality? Other studies show that it may be. While there haven’t been any studies to date attempting to evaluate driving “ability,” according to fatality facts released by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, more men than women die every year in motor vehicle crashes. That means when it comes to driving in a manner that increases safety, reduces injury, and preserves life, women win hands down.
According to the study, which looked at motor vehicle deaths by gender between 1975 and 2009, men drive more miles than women but also engage in riskier behaviors, such as speeding, driving while impaired by alcohol, and not wearing seatbelts. Men are also involved in more severe car accidents than women. As a matter of fact, during the same time period occupant death rates were about 2 to 2 ½ times higher for males than for females. However, in crashes of similar severity, women were more likely than men to be injured or killed.
Interestingly, age is a factor as well. Up to about age 59, men continue to trump women when it comes to fatal car accidents. But after about age 60, fatality rates for men and women are similar. Men and women between the ages of 16 and 19 have the largest discrepancy when it comes to traffic fatalities.
On the other hand, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Study showed that from 1973 to the mid-2000s, female deaths resulting from motor vehicle accidents rose 14%, compared with an 11% decrease for male drivers. This statistic can be attributed, in some part, to the fact that more women are driving than in previous decades. But are they also becoming more aggressive? Only further studies will tell.
In the meantime, insurance premiums for male drivers continue to be higher than those of female drivers, especially when drivers are on the younger side. And as long as men are in accidents that result in more expensive insurance claims, we don’t see this changing.
Sorry guys! All things considered, we’re going to have to award game, set, and match of this Battle of the Sexes to the women.
Rick Console is a New Jersey personal injury attorney who has been protecting and representing the rights of injury victims for 17 years.
Guest Article by Joseph Fred
Description:
A defensive driving video helps you fulfill all state requirements of a defensive driving course without having to go to a class. But is it really everything that it’s cracked up to be? Here’s the real deal with video defensive driving courses.
Article:
Defensive driving videos are a popular option for anyone who wants to take a defensive driving class. But what makes a video defensive driving course different from all the other ways you can take defensive driving?
Take the Video Defensive Driving Course From Home
While a typical defensive driving course requires you to attend a classroom, a defensive driving course on video can be taken entirely at home. All you need is a television, a DVD player, and a computer with internet access in order to taking the accompanying tests. You have the ability to watch from your living room or anywhere you feel most comfortable, and get all of the same positive benefits as any other defensive driving course you can take.
You Learn by Watching, Not By Lecturing
You learn all of the information you need in order to pass the course from the provided defensive driving video, not a lecturer in a classroom. While in a typical classroom course requires you to sit as long as the lecturer is speaking, with small breaks at the traffic school’s discretion, you can pause the DVD any time you like in order to take a break. In fact, you don’t even have to take the entire course in a single sitting if you don’t want to. You can take it over the course in a couple of days if that better fits your schedule. This is a convenience that a classroom course just isn’t able to offer you.
Easier to Understand Information
Some concepts are just easier to understand in video format, rather than as a lecture. A good DVD course teaches and illustrates all of the vital defensive driving techniques and state laws in an engaging way, which makes understanding the information a whole lot easier. And when you are able to understand and remember the information, it makes passing the included tests a snap. All you have to do is watch the videos, pass the required test on a computer, and you can get your certificate of completion mailed to you.
Same Benefits as Other Courses
If your state approves of video defensive driving courses, then they carry all the same benefits as any other defensive driving course. That means that you can prevent a traffic citation from going on your driver’s record or reduce points on you license. This can lead to preventing your insurance rates from rising and can even help your employment prospect if a potential employer ever wants to check your driver record.
About The Author
Joseph Fred is an expert author on writing defensive driving video course tips to avoid traffic violations and remove your traffic points. The information is about driving safety video course DVD and traffic school DVD to dismiss your traffic ticket.
To know more about defensive driving video please visit www.takehome.com.
Note from Driverthink: This sounds cool. I might just try this!
Guest Post by Louis Rix
Many people travel abroad on vacation. Renting a car is an option although one can also use one's own car. If you don't own a car yet, shop around for one that suits your needs and research at http://www.carfinance247.co.uk/ for the best deal.
Various countries have various driving regulations and mandatory equipment to be kept in a car.
Side of the road: One of the most important factors to keep in mind when driving abroad is on which side of the road you should be driving. For instance, in the USA, we drive on the right side of the road but in the UK it is on the left side. Many other European countries also drive on the right side of the road.
Driving license: It will be necessary to get an international driver's license to drive in a foreign country.
Motor insurance: If your current insurance does not cover you when driving in another country, be sure to obtain the necessary insurance. In certain cases it will be third party cover only. Cover for breakdown assistance is also advisable.
Alcohol levels: Ascertain the level of alcohol that can be consumed while driving in a specific country. In many countries you cannot drink and drive at all. In the event that you plan a night out, one person in the party will have to refrain from drinking alcohol or you will have to make use of a taxicab. Make sure you adhere to the regulations. Every country has its own regulations that you should take note of. In France, Belgium and Italy the drink and drive limit is 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood while in the UK the limit is 80mg per 100mg. Norway is even lower at 20mg.
Interesting facts: In Belarus it is illegal to drive a car that is dirty and in Bulgaria you are not permitted to sound a car horn during their lunch-time hours which are between 12h00 and 16h00. The German authorities have made it an offence to use a GPS system, which indicates the location of fixed speed cameras.
Warning Triangle and Reflective Vests: The Spanish require their drivers to keep a reflective jacket in their cars and it must be easily reachable, so the trunk won't do. Many other countries require one or two warning triangles to be carried in a car.
Driving Safely: The wearing of seatbelts in front is compulsory in most countries and others may require the back passengers to wear seatbelts as well. Speaking on a cell phone while driving is an offence in many countries. Avoid it as far as possible.
Do carry the following in your car if so required: Headlamp Beam Adapters, Warning Triangles to indicate a hazard or accident (hazard warning lights are not enough), Spare Bulb Kits to replace a blown exterior light, Fire Extinguishers, a First Aid Kit and Reflective Vests for drivers and passengers to be worn in the case of breakdowns or emergencies.
Speed limits: Unless you are on Germany's autobahn, you will need to know the specific speed limit in every country.
When purchasing car insurance, there are a variety of ways to prove to your insurer that your pets will be safe in the car. Consider the options listed below before purchasing auto insurance.
One easy option for traveling safely with your favorite dog or cat is to install a pet travel seat in your vehicle. These booster seats are convenient because they keep your pet safe and contained in a vinyl cage, and the contraption stays buckled into the seat with a safety belt. Many of these travel seats contain cushions that protect your pet in the event of an accident, but they also include "lookout" features that allow your pet to enjoy the car ride as much as you are. Consider the size, breed and temperament of your pet before deciding on which pet travel seat is right for you.
Another way to keep your pet safe while you drive in the car is to install a pet safety belt. These safety belts, designed like harnesses, allow dogs to travel safely in cars by keeping them snugly contained in a seat. These are ideal for large breed dogs that may not fit in a travel seat. The safety belts allow them to sit up and enjoy the ride without having to worry about injury or even death in the case of a car accident. It is important to purchase the right size and fit for your dog so that the pet safety belt will work properly.
If you are more comfortable allowing your pet to lounge in the backseat or roam freely in the rear of an SUV, it is in your best interest to at least install a pet travel barrier. These barriers, made of vinyl netting or metal bars, keep a dog safely confined to the backseat or rear space of the vehicle. This will ensure that in the case of a collision, the dog will not go flying through the car and potentially harm other passengers. It also keeps the dog from jumping into a part of the car where you do not want him to be. Please note that a travel barrier does not secure your dog in place, and she could still risk injury if an accident occurs.
Another way to travel safely with your pet is to purchase a pet kennel carrier. These carriers contain the dog or cat to a confined area, often allowing for safer and more comfortable travel for other passengers. Pet owners should buy the right sized kennel so that the pet is comfortable and not cramped in the space. Be sure to remember to secure the kennel once it is in the car. An unsecured carrier could still injure the pet or other passengers in the case of a car accident.
If you are in the market for a new car and find that you travel with your pet often, you should consider purchasing a pet-friendly vehicle. One pet-friendly car currently on the market is the Honda Element, which includes a cushioned pet bed in the storage area, pre-installed pet safety belts in the cargo area and rear seats, a rubber water bowl and a rubber mat for dogs to lie on. Purchasing a vehicle with these items already available will ensure that your pet has a safe and comfortable ride wherever you go, whether it’s someplace close by or a faraway destination.
If you are in the market for a new car insurance policy, be sure to talk to your insurance agent about the variety of ways that you can make sure everybody — even your furriest family members — are protected in the case of an emergency. It is best to consider all options before making a decision on which pet-friendly car additions are best for your vehicle, budget and family lifestyle.
This guest post article was written and provided by David Brenner who is a freelance writer and online consultant for The Hartford and many auto industry websites.
Guest Post by Dominic Godwinson
There is one fact that makes the blood of parents all over the world run cold. This fact is that young drivers are statistically more likely to have an accident than an older driver. In fact, the number one cause of death among those ages 16-21 are automobile accidents. That is pretty scary and there are a variety of reasons why this is the case. Young drivers often don't pay attention, are inexperienced and don't apply good driving techniques. While parents can't help young drivers with the first two problems, they can teach them good driving techniques. Below are safe driving tips for young drivers that will help them on the road.
Young drivers should be taught to keep both hands on the wheel, in the ten and two position. This will help them better handle the vehicle and keep it under control. Young drivers should also be discouraged from doing other activities in the car such as eating because this causes not only requires them to remove one hand from the wheel but also distracts them.
A common mistake that young drivers make is keeping one foot on the brake and one foot on the gas pedal. Many young people think that driving with both feet is easier, but in reality it isn't. It requires more though using both feet than one foot and increases the chances of an accident. Using one foot for both the brake and the gas makes driving more automatic for the driver, which in turn increases the driver reflexes.
Young drivers should be made aware that they should turn on their headlights not only at night but whenever their windshield wipers are needed. If it is raining, snowy or foggy, then the young driver should turn their headlights on. This not only makes it easier for them to see but also increases the likelihood that they are seen themselves by other drivers.
If young drivers follow the above tips, then they can improve their driving and become safer drivers. However, parents should also realize that young drivers need to have adequate experience behind the wheel before they begin driving on their own. If parents are not sure if their young drivers are ready to drive longer distances on their own, then they may wish to consiter hiring a car transport service in order to be safe and avoid potentially life altering consequences.
Guest Article by Louis Rix
Driving can be scary for new drivers and it can be even scarier for their parents or relatives. Driving is dangerous, as it requires fast reflexes, concentration and carefulness. Although it can be life threatening, learning to drive is essential to carry out a normal life in most part of the US. With the right attitude, driving can be fun and help you become independent. Follow these tips to have a positive experience while driving.
1. Select a car that is dependable and inexpensive. If you are a new driver, you are more likely to get into a small accident just from your lack of experience. Look for a used, relatively inexpensive car that is safe, on websites like http://www.netcars.com/.
2. Develop a healthy fear of driving. During adolescence, most teenagers enter a phase of psychological development where they almost never consider the possibility of death or serious injury when making decisions. The most essential thing you can do to drive safely is to understand why it is so important to be careful. One simple mistake could cause you or others to die. Research statistics about driving-related accidents and think about all the people it would affect if you were to die in a car accident.
3. Memorize traffic rules and take turns. There are specific customs that people follow to determine who has the right-of-way. Going out of turn could cause an accident.
4. Make eye contact with other drivers. It can be difficult to always follow the right-of-way rules, especially since many drivers falsely assume they are doing you a favor by letting you take their turn. If you visually communicate with the other drivers in these situations, you will be more likely to understand their intentions.
5. Disconnect from your emotions while driving and go into survival mode. If something unexpected happens, use your logic to figure out what you should do next to be as safe as possible. If you need to cry or scream into a pillow, find a place where you can park your car temporarily, let it out and regain composure.
6. Customize your car. Even if your first car is thirty years old and makes embarrassing noises, make it your own. Buy seat covers that suit your personality. Put pillows in the backseat. If you love your car, you will be more likely to drive safely to avoid losing it in a car accident.
7. Never pull out in front of another car unless you have plenty of time to cross the street. If your friends bug you with "you could have made it", tell them to find another ride next time. It is just not worth the risk.
8. Set a personal speed limit for yourself. It can be difficult to exactly follow a speed limit. Make it a goal to never go more than 7 mph above the speed limit. Otherwise, you might get a ticket.
9. Leave early. Make sure you have plenty of time to reach your destination. If you are not in a hurry, you will be less likely to speed.
10. Relax. Listen to music. Think about everything going on in your life. Driving is no big deal as long as you try to be safe and avoid reckless mistakes.
A handy step-by-step guide for teens involved in auto collisions
Being involved in a car accident is a stressful situation—especially for a teenager—who might be worried more about the repercussions then the emergency at hand. That’s why talking to your teen about road preparedness will equip them with the knowledge, should they be involved in a car accident. You should also inform them, if a car accident occurs they should contact a personal injury attorney immediately in order to protect their rights.
The following step-to-step guide can help your teen keep his or her calm and think clearly under pressure if faced with a car accident:
1. Remain calm: If you are involved in an auto collision the best thing you can do is stay calm and keep your cool—even if the accident was the fault of another driver.
2. Stay on the scene: Never leave the scene of a car accident until everything is resolved. If it’s a minor collision this means exchanging insurance and contact information with the other driver. If it’s a major accident, remain on scene until police arrive and tell you what to do next. Anyone who leaves the scene of an accident may be charged with a hit and run. Note: If you’re involved in a car accident where no other driver is involved—for instance, if you hit a parked car—locate the owner if you can. If the scene is vacant, call the police and leave a note securely on their car with:
3. Record the other driver’s license plate before getting out of your car: This will protect you from becoming the victim of a hit and run if the other driver leaves the scene of the accident. In addition, take note of the details—such as the type of vehicle, color, sex and age of the driver. This can help police track down the driver responsible.
4. If hurt, stay put: If you feel pain after your car accident, moving could cause further injury. Stay put until paramedics arrive on scene. If the other driver or passengers are injured, do not attempt to move them unless they are in immediate danger —just call 911 and wait for emergency services to arrive.
5. Refrain from blaming or taking fault: Call the police and stay calm. The professionals will write up the accident report and determine who is at fault.
6. Move your car out of traffic: If your car is drivable, park it on the right shoulder of the road to avoid causing further accidents. However, if it's not safe to leave your vehicle, keep your seatbelt on and wait for emergency assistance.
7. Turn warning lights on: Hazard lights will warn other drivers to avoid the accident scene.
8. Exchange contact info: Take the names and contact information of the other drivers involved in the accident—including name, phone number, address, license plate number, insurance provider and information. If there are witnesses, also get their names and contact information. You will provide your driver’s license number, insurance information and contact info to the other drivers as well.
9. Notify your insurance company: Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible in order to activate an insurance claim.
10. Make a doctor’s appointment: Even if you don’t feel hurt, a checkup with your doctor is advised after a car accident. You could have suffered injuries that you’re not aware of.
About The Author
Leslie worked as a legal secretary at a personal injury law firm for many years before making the transition to a full-time mom and wife. Leslie loves nature and uses it as a source of inspiration for her writing. She divides her time between her family and her writing, which focuses mainly on her knowledge of law. Leslie is currently looking for freelance work, and can be contacted at LeslieEKrick@gmail.com.
Guest Post by Jessica Bosari
Commuting daily can be a frustrating experience. If you drive more than 15 miles to work and back during peak traffic hours, you have probably experienced some of these annoying commuting problems. After a white, it's easy to get your dander up at bad driving behaviors, and end up driving badly yourself. That only leads to accidents, frustrations, longer commutes and higher auto insurance rates.
Tolls
Passing through a tollgate during your commute can be an interesting experience. Even if you own a special tag that allows you to skip the tollbooth, you will deal with people jockeying from lane to lane at the last minute as they figure out where they are supposed to go. Tolls are guaranteed to add time to your daily commute. Just let those ninnies in, or risk a car accident that will drag your commute out even longer.
Unpredictable Drivers
An unpredictable driver is dangerous as well as annoying. Someone who suddenly accelerates, slows down or switches lanes without warning is begging for an accident. The only way you can prepare yourself for unpredictable drivers is to leave plenty of room between you and the car ahead of you... and hope for the best.
Merge Madness
People who don't know how to merge can make your blood pressure rise quickly. Some drivers seem to close their eyes and hit the gas at the end of an on-ramp, while others approach so carefully they make all the drivers on the highway slam on their brakes. Drivers who are already in the flow of traffic don't help the situation if they are oblivious to oncoming traffic and refuse to move into open lanes to allow others to merge. Yes, you have the right of way, but is it worth a crash?
Distracted Drivers
Commuters who spend a great deal of time on the highways find many ways to make that time more efficient. Some drivers use their commute to eat breakfast, shave, or apply makeup. Others read the newspaper and conduct business on their cell phones and — believe it or not — their laptops! Anyone not giving full attention to the road could cause a disaster at any minute. Don't be that guy.
Construction Zones
While new roads and improvements to old roads are necessary and appreciated, the construction of those roads can be annoying. Most frustrating is when the familiar lanes have unexpectedly shifted from their normal location. Traffic can slow to a crawl as drivers try to figure out where they are supposed to go next. Much like to tollbooth, give the clueless plenty of space.
Passing Lane Fanatics
These drivers use the passing lane as a traveling lane. They fly along recklessly at speeds well over the posted speed limit, or they maintain a pace just under the limit and cause a pileup of cars behind them. When the passing lane speeders come upon the passing lane slow pokes, they quickly shoot over to the traveling lane and back again, weaving with impatience and primed for a crash. Drivers who hog this lane seem oblivious to the meaning of the term passing lane. Make sure you know the rules and follow them.
Curiosity Slowdowns
It is important to slow down and give responders plenty of room when there is an accident on your side of the highway. In that situation, the slowdown of cars across the median strip is truly annoying. Rubbernecks concentrating on the accident across the highway, instead of the road ahead, are positioned to cause accidents of their own.
No matter how frustrating your commute, don't let the traffic turkeys get you down. Keep your cool, follow the-rules, and enjoy your more peaceful commute.
Guest Post by Alex
1. Know the Car
Before even leaving the car rental lot, it is important for you to be familiar with the car and how it works. Sit down in the driver's seat and take a good look at what is in front of you. How does this car indicate how much gas is left for you to use? How do you turn on the windshield wipers? If you need to lock the doors at some point, how would you do so? While knowing how to turn on the radio or CD player is handy, this should not be your top priority.
2. Know the Area
Just as important as knowing how the car runs is being aware of where you are and where you want to go. While you may be anxious to reach your destination, your rental car will not rust if you do not drive it for a few moments. Many car rental companies offer maps for drivers, and you should take one if you have never been in the area before. Study the map to the best of your ability. You should do this before leaving, as reading a map while driving is unsafe.
3. Follow the Law
Once you are ready and have taken off, you need to remember to abide by the law. While some drivers believe that the law does not apply to them, this is a dangerous opinion to take on. Ensure that your passengers, including yourself, are wearing their seat belts; this can keep everybody safe in the event of an accident. Keep an eye on the cars in front of you, as well as off to the sides, as just about anything can happen without warning. Pedestrians should be observed, as well, as they may try to cross the street at inopportune times.
4. Adjust To the Weather
No matter where you are in the world, it is not likely that the weather is going to stay sunny and perfect at every hour of the day and day of the week. Because of this, you will need to adjust to the varying weather conditions in order to stay safe. If it begins to rain, you should not attempt to drive faster to reach your destination; instead, drive more slowly, keeping an eye out for large puddles that could cause the car to skid. If it is dark outside, pay extra attention to other cars and pedestrians.
5. Protect Yourself
There may be situations where you are stuck in an unfamiliar area, and this can be scary. To help keep yourself and the people with you free from harm, you will need to take certain precautions. If your car has stopped completely, and particularly at night, make sure that each and every door is locked. Do not allow anybody to leave the car, as this could lead to a dangerous situation. If you have been carrying any luggage with you, lock them up in the trunk so they cannot be easily accessed by shady characters. If you do this, you will be safe with your rented car.
Author bio:
Alex is a freelancer who often writes about car rental topics in Australia especially about car hire Sydney
Guest Post by Carol Montrose
If you’ve ever been in a car that was nearly rear-ended or side-swiped by a texting teen or a car full of high-school students laughing and carousing instead of focusing on the road, then you may be more than a little hesitant to let your own child get behind the wheel (no matter how much you trust him). But eventually your teen will need to learn how to drive and you’ll have to let him out of the nest if you want him to become a confident, capable, and independent adult. But while he is still young, inexperienced, and susceptible to peer pressure, why not provide some tools that will help him to develop good driving habits? In this goal, technology is on your side, and here are just a few tech tools that can keep your teen driver away from potential accidents.
Carol Montrose is a writer for Cheap Car Insurance NY, where you can find great rates on car insurance. In her spare time she likes to attend writing classes at CSUN, go hiking on the weekends, and help with an animal rescue out of Los Angeles, California.
Young drivers are, statistically, the most likely to be involved in accidents. Car-related deaths are the #1 cause of death among persons between the ages of 16 and 25 in the United States. The reason for this is that young drivers tend to be inexperienced and not cautious, as they are still learning how to drive and are not quite used to a lot of the things they don't teach in Driver's Ed. As such, the sooner they get to driving, the better.
The first step in avoiding accidents is to just get more useful and comfortable with driving. Parents should encourage their children to learn how to operate a car when they are fourteen or fifteen, and take them out to parking lots or remote roads to practice their driving at low speeds. The biggest problem younger drivers have is that they panic, and in their panic, they make foolish mistakes, such as jamming on the gas instead of the brake or failing to turn properly. Additionally, a lot of teens have fallen victim to the "scare tactics" used by a lot of Driver's Ed. programs and are genuinely frightened of driving, leading them to be excessively fearful of making mistakes. Getting them to get used to driving and feel comfortable with it will result in better and safer driving habits.
Second, young drivers need to learn not to drive when impaired. Most drivers of any age are smart enough not to drive when they are drunk, and most teenaged drivers aren't legally able to purchase alcohol anyway. But driving when one is exhausted or taking sleep-inducing medication can be every bit as bad as having a few drinks. Teens often don't realized how impaired they are after staying up all night to study for an exam or party with their friends. Likewise, they are less familiar with how taking (or skipping) medication can be in terms of their reaction time and ability to see upcoming cars. Therefore, younger drivers who feel tired or disoriented or are being knocked around by new medications should have someone else drive, call a car transport company, or at least take a nap or drink some coffee to get themselves awake and alert.
The third and most important tip for young drivers is to avoid driving distracted. Distracted driving is the #1 cause of accidents and death among younger drivers today, because it is so widespread and so easy to do. Teens are so used to talking on their cell phone or texting all day that they forget how much attention they need to pay to the road, and all it takes is one second of inattentiveness at the wrong time for there to be a crash. Young girls in particular are vulnerable to this, since they are much more likely to text while driving. Parents, therefore, should institute a strict "no cell phones while driving" policy and reinforce this by taking away or stowing cell phones while driving.
Young drivers should also get used to avoiding more adult distractions. Eating in the car is not only disgusting and likely to get condiments and crumbs all over the place, it will make it harder to drive, since it necessitates that one take their hand off the wheel and also that they focus on the food instead of the road. Applying makeup or doing other hygiene and appearance related actions is not only impractical in a car, it is difficult. At the very least, they should be done when the car is stopped in a parking lot, not on the road or at a stop light. The more teens get used to paying attention to the road, the better they will be.
Dominic Godwinson is a chief editor of the ProfitsFinanceSite.com and an avid travel, car safety and horse racing enthusiast. When not messing with finances he's writing insightful tips on his topics of interest for various websites.
Lane Speed Divergence, sometimes called Speed Differential, is something we really have to pay attention to. When we see it, we are looking at multiple road hazards all bunched up together. It may not kill us (then again it may), but it can quickly send us and our favorite buggy to the body shop.
This exciting little happening can be defined as when one or two lanes of traffic are moving very slowly or perhaps not at all, while an adjoining lane is boogying along at a significantly greater speed. How we handle it will depend on which lane we’re in.
There are three primary situations where we can suddenly find ourselves in a Lane Speed Divergence situation and it behooves us to both watch for them and recognize them when we see them.
First, there is the HOV lane divergence, specifically where the HOV lane is only separated from the other lanes by bright white iridescent double lines with zebra stripes with exclamation points blatantly indicating that the lanes should not ever be crossed.
So we’re comfortably bopping along in the HOV at limit plus 15 or 20 along with everyone else in the lane, and we suddenly realize that the regular lanes are hovering around at about limit minus limit. Yup – we’re happily buzzing by them while they’re lucky if they can put 10 mph on the board. And we’re doing it with only those silly little zebra stripes (and maybe a couple of extra inches between the lanes), separating us from those humble types blazing along at almost a dead stop.
Hmmm!
As we happily gloat at our good fortune it might be prudent to expect that one of those frustrated pokeys in the other lane is going to lose it and jump into our lane. It may be because his side view mirrors aren’t adjusted correctly or possibly he has suicidal instincts but when he jumps the lane right in front of us, we’re going to have nowhere to go unless he has 550 horsepower to very quickly come up to our speed – and applies it!
Next, there is the interesting little situation where an exit lane backs up traffic onto the parkway or highway that we’re on. This can get really exciting.
If we happen to be in the left through lane and all of that traffic is backed up in the right lane, there are two things to watch out for. You probably don’t have to worry about the exit traffic jumping into your lane because, duh – they’re exiting right? But what about that gal who accidentally got trapped in the lane and isn’t going to exit? She’s going to be desperately watching for an opportunity to hop back into our faster lane and get on with her life. If she does it right in front of us, that “on with her life” thing may become kind of meaningless.
Then of course, there’s the puppy in front of us that was texting at 65 miles per hour and suddenly realizes he’s missing the exit. He now has to jam on his brakes in our lane, slow down and somehow wedge himself into the exit lane traffic. When he performs this act of bravery there are two things we have to consider. First, we have to stop short to avoid hitting him. If we’re successful with that endeavor the next trick is not to get rear ended by the traffic in back of us.
Finally, there is the Merge. Three or more lanes are being reduced to three or more minus one. There are usually pretty Yellow signs for some distance warning of the event and it is at this point where we will have to decide whether or not to be an early merger or a late merger.
If, upon spotting the warnings we elect to immediately move out of the lane being closed, or to stay in the ones remaining open, we are an early merger. If we stay in the lane being closed or move into it we are late mergers – choosing to remain in the usually faster lane until the last minute.
Tom Vanderbilt in his book “Traffic, Why we Drive the Way we Do” does an excellent job of describing the pro’s and con’s of each of these options. There are more than we might think so we won’t delve in to them here, but the majority of drivers will be early mergers and this is where Lane Speed Divergence develops. The lane being closed will usually empty out early, creating a neat little opportunity to buzz on by the drivers in the “to remain open lanes” until the merge is finally forced.
If we choose either lane at first blush and stay in it to the bitter end, cool. It’s when drivers change their minds about half way through the happening that problems can develop. It’s kind of like the HOV situation. Some one gets frustrated while in the slow lanes and decides to hop into the faster lane. If we’re “late merging” we really want to be ready for this potentially traumatic event.
There are three things to consider when faced with Lane Speed Divergence.
The first is to immediately set the situational awareness button to at least code Orange when we first see the divergence developing. We really want to know everything that’s going on around us.
If we’re in the slower lane and elect to hop over into the faster one, we really want to be sure we have enough room and horsepower to make it happen safely. Be especially careful about any blind spots and definitely watch for the driver behind us that decides to do the same thing at the same time.
Keeping a safe distance from the cars in front of and around us is always a good idea but it becomes critical in a Lane Speed Divergence situation especially if we’re in the faster lane. Yup, it may give someone the opportunity to hop in front of us but that’s okay. In this situation, we probably don’t have too many escape options and any space we can keep between us and the cars around us can mean the difference between safe passage and body by crunch.
Driverthink Guest Post ~ by Janelle, at National Transport LLC.com
Safety is the main concern of many car owners nowadays because of the increase incidence of automobile accidents in the world. After all, nobody wants to get involved in an accident and suffer from wounds and broken bones. That is why government agencies, car manufacturing companies, and other local agencies are doing the best that they can in order to remind every motorist of the importance of driving safely. That said, the following are some guidelines to help you have a safe trip. 8 Tips for Safer Driving
Driverthink Guest Article by Jessica Bosari
Inattentive driving is one of the most common causes for automobile accidents. Potential problems on the road can happen quickly, giving drivers very little time to react and avoid a collision. Driving might seem like a boring or casual activity, but it is really a complicated procedure. It can be difficult to break old driving habits, but the benefits of being mindful of your traffic situation the entire time you are behind the wheel will keep you safer in the long run. Not only can safe driving save you the pain and frustration of a car accident, you can also save money through safe driver auto insurance discounts.
Being mindful is simply being aware of everything that is happening in the present moment. It sounds easy, but it is really a concept that is foreign in our multi-tasking fast-paced culture. You are being mindful when you stop thinking about the future, stop thinking about the past, and concentrate completely on the task at hand. Mindfulness when you are driving involves focusing entirely on driving the car. Don't let your mind drift into thoughts about where you are going or where you have been. Only think about your immediate traffic situation at the moment.
Reduce Distractions, Reduce StressYou have to remove distractions in order to really drive in a mindful manner. Turn off the radio. Put your cell phone in your pocket or purse. Stop the car if you need to eat, and don't start driving again until you are finished. Reducing the temptation to shift your attention to something like changing the radio station will help you remain focused on driving. If you set it up so that nothing in the car is a distraction, you will be able to relax and concentrate on driving. When you are relaxed, you will be able to think more clearly if something unexpected happens and you need to figure out what to do quickly.
Increased Awareness of Traffic Improves Reaction TimeGetting rid of distractions will also help you be more aware of your surroundings. If your mind is focused on the road ahead of you and there is nothing else drawing your attention, you will be able to see when something unexpected happens ahead of you while you still have plenty of time to do something about it. Something as subtle as brake lights a few car lengths ahead of you could help you realize that your lane will probably be slowing down unexpectedly on the highway. Rather than coming to a fast, stressful stop, you will be able to comfortably slow down.
Avoiding Road Rage ReactionsSometimes the other drivers on the road can be the most distracting and stressful part of your drive. Being mindful while you drives includes increasing your patience levels behind the wheel. Don't let the way someone else behaves on the road disrupt your driving experience. Move out of the way of tailgaters or impatient drivers when possible. Yelling at the steering wheel or honking your horn will not change the other person's behavior, and it will only make you feel more stressed out for the rest of your drive. It is important to let go of the tension that drives your emotional responses so that you can keep your reserve and avoid confrontation.
Jessica Bosari writes for CarInsuranceQuotesComparison.com. She writes about car insurance and related topics to keep consumers informed about market trends so they get the best deal when they compare auto insurance.
Driverthink Guest Article by Miles Walker
Driving, unfortunately, can be very dangerous. Here are some of the best tips to follow to develop good drivingtechniques that will allow you to stay safe on the road.
Performing routine maintenance on your car can help greatly extend the life of your vehicle. It can also make your vehicle a whole lot safer. You may have had your car inspected to prove it meets state standards. However, it can be a long time in-between inspections. You should always make sure to perform routine maintenance regardless. Two of the most important things you should be sure to check are tire pressure and the stability of the brakes. Doing so can greatly reduce the risk of an accident.
One thing that has certainly led to many accidents is aggressive driving. Aggressive driving can include things such as speeding, disregard for the rules of the road, tailgating, and the initiation of conflict with other drivers. Instead, you should try to use defensive driving techniques. Do things like stay under the speed limit, keep a decent distance from other vehicles on the road, and avoid conflict with other drivers whenever you can. Using this driving style, you can avoid most situations that result in accidents.
Another thing that has lead to many catastrophes on the road is bad weather. Before you head out in your vehicle, a good idea is to always check weather conditions first. With the internet, you can do this instantly. Snow and ice can always produce hazardous driving conditions. However, strong rain and fog in spring and summer months can be just as dangerous. If you have to drive in these conditions, drive extra cautiously. However, if you can, put off driving until conditions improve.
This is something that has been ingrained into most people since childhood. However, some, perhaps out of sheer laziness, still disregard this simple task and drive with their safety belts unbuckled. While wearing one isn’t likely to decrease your chances of getting in an accident, it can indeed save your life. As much as seventy percent of fatalities on the road were of people who were not wearing a seat belt.
Lastly, you should always keep your focus directly on the road. Things can happen very quickly. Other cars may do things you are not expecting. A fraction of a second of lost concentration is all it takes to crash your car. Only do things in your car that are unlikely to effect your focus on driving. Under no circumstances should you be doing things like talking on the phone or eating that can distract you from concentrating on the road.
Miles Walker is a freelance writer who normally reviews car insurance deals over at Carinsurance Comparison.Org .
Here on Long Island, we seem to be experiencing an increase of fatal collisions involving Wrong Way Drivers on divided highways! A quick Google of “wrong way driver” would suggest the problem is not unique to Long Island or even our 50 states.
Most of these events appear to happen when the Wrong Way Driver is either drunk, drugged out or totally incapacitated from some other cause. While Driverthink is not an advocate of over zealous DWI laws, if one is so zonked that he or she can drive the wrong way on a divided highway without even knowing it, that driver is obviously irresponsible. Driverthink is most definitely an advocate of responsible driving.
It isn’t about the reason a driver is incapacitated. It’s about having at least enough responsibility to know you’re incapacitated and shouldn’t be operating any tool or machine that can be lethal. Doing so may cleanse the gene pool, but it can take out a lot of innocent people in the process.
That being said, it is difficult to legislate responsibility. Irresponsible drivers are out there – and we can run into one (no pun intended) at any given moment. So how do we defend ourselves against the Wrong Way Driver on a divided highway?
It’s all about S’s – Five S’s to be exact. See Forward, Swerve, Side impact, Space, and Escape. Okay, so I took some liberty with escape! Some might suggest a sixth S but this is a family program!

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See Forward. One of the basics of Driverthink is to look past (well past) the bumper in front of us. Surviving drivers of wrong way incidents have often stated upon interview that “they never saw it coming” or “suddenly headlights were in my windshield.” Were they Seeing Forward?
The further we look in front of us, the more time we’ll have to see the Wrong Way Driver coming at us. While this may not always be possible, it stands to reason that the more time we have to react to this puppy, the better our survival chances will be. It won’t be much time, but at least it’ll be some time.
Swerve. Most survivors of these incidents – Swerved. Even if we only have a nano-second to see this driver coming (60 + 60 = 120 and 120mph isn’t much time to see anything) its going to be a high stakes game of “chicken”. If we swerve out of his way, will he swerve also – right back into us? Don’t give her the chance. Wait until the last possible moment, then make a hard swerve to avoid her. Then correct it!
A quick cut of the wheel to swerve, then another to correct – is what we want here. We don’t want to swerve right into a bridge abutment or end up rolling over sideways on down the road because we didn’t correct our swerve. The swerve may be reactive but correcting for it is a learned, conscious skill.
Which way do we swerve? Depends. If there’s space on either side of us, probably to the right. If our oncoming does swerve, that would be the normal reaction and we’ll miss each other by both swerving to the right. If there’s only space on one side of us, we gotta take it.
One final thought about swerving. A skilled swerve takes practice. On a lonely road with no one in the car, or on a track if possible, try practicing it. Start with little “itty-bitty” swerves. Swerve and correct. Keep increasing the swerves as you become more comfortable with them. Just don’t roll yourself over in the process! This will also teach you the limitations of your chosen boogy board.
Side Impact. Even if your swerve doesn’t completely avoid impact, it will probably avoid a head on collision. We’ll get spun out by taking the hit on our side, we may get hurt and it may not be pretty but we’ll absorb less impact and might just stand a chance of living to survey the damage. A direct “head-on” is a “dead” stop. No chance!
Space. In order to swerve you need space to do it. That car driving along side of you? Let’s make sure it isn’t. Driving right along side of another car at speed, doesn’t leave you much space. Always try to speed up or slow down so that you have space on your side (again, no pun). My Magnetic Quarter Panels – is not where you want to be when on a highway at any significant speed.
Escape. We should always be planning an escape route. We may not always have one but when it’s there – are we aware? Is it a center median with lots of room and cool grassy stuff? Maybe we can dive off to the side of the asphalt if we have to? And is there a car right beside us or do we have the space? Always nice to have an escape. It’s critical when we face the Wrong Way Driver.
This writer has never faced down a “Wrong Way Driver”. It must be terrifying. But since it seems its becoming a more prevalent issue, Driverthinking about it before it actually happens, just might be helpful. I would love comments or thoughts from anyone who has ever survived this kind of shear terror!
I receive many interesting comments but this one challenged me. I quote it:
“It was my Dad who told me to drive like a race car driver, stay safe and stay fast. You two may be on to something here.”
“Hmmm!” Well, maybe yes and maybe not quite.
Being a Dad (and Granddad) myself, I would never want to question parental advice but if we could take the liberty, perhaps a little amplification of this advice might make it a little more palatable for many who would consider it pretty controversial!
There’s no question that the race car driver will possess many skills and attributes that will keep him or her safer on the highway but said driver would always want to remember one very important little detail. It’s the highway, not the race track!
Why does it make a difference? It’s pretty basic. On the race track you are driving with fellow drivers who are also highly skilled. On the highways you’re probably not. Big difference!
On the race track, you’re driving to win – to be first at the finish line. You do what you gotta do to make that happen. On the highway you’re driving to get to Grandma’s house, alive and in one piece. You gotta do what you gotta do to make that happen. And you gotta do it together with drivers who may be far less skilled than you are.
So what’s the Driverthink take on this advice? Well, lets explore a few of the pro’s and con’s – the do’s and don’ts of driving like a race car driver on busy boulevards.

The biggest advantage the race car or any really skilled driver has, is that this driver really knows his machine. He has the skills to operate that machine to its limits – and the advantage of knowing what those limits are. Most importantly, he knows how the machine will handle not only under normal conditions but also if something nasty should happen.
The average highway driver has probably never even done doughnuts in a snowy parking lot and might not have a clue when his buggy is about to go sideways.
The skilled driver is keenly aware of strange concepts like over steer, under steer and throttle steer and, in her “unconsciously competent” state, will always be in tune with how these characteristics are affecting her chariot of choice. The average driver might not even know she’s riding on radials.
With those finely tuned skills in hand, the skilled driver is quite capable of driving fast – and doing it safely. But we’ve also seen drivers who are unsafe at any speed outside of the driveway – and on the highway, we’re driving with them. Gotta give them some space to self-destruct without taking us out in the process.
It is the politically incorrect opinion of Driverthink that driving (reasonably) fast (only if possessed with the skills to do so) is probably safer that driving slowly on the highways. It keeps you alert. It keeps you finely tuned. You are always analyzing the traffic flow around you and situational awareness is at its peak. It is also easier to position yourself where you’re most comfortable in traffic.
If the slow lane is doing limit plus ten and the fast lane is limit plus infinity, poking along at limit less five might not be the safest place to be. You probably won’t get a ticket but you may very well get clobbered. It’s the reality of driving.
But let’s look at some no-no’s. Some of the things that a race car driver can get away with on a race track can be lethal on a highway occupied by drivers on Cruise Control.
On the race track, drivers draft other drivers. One car will pull right up on the back bumper of another, leaving a gaping gap of maybe 2 inches at speeds well north of 100 mph. They do this for a variety of reasons (airflow being one of them) but they do so knowing that the front driver isn’t going to panic and will probably be able to control the car if it actually does get tapped. On the highway, that’s called tailgating and it’s probably one of the most dangerous things we can do. Relying on the skills of another driver to keep you alive on the highway? Not somewhere this driver wants to be!
On the race track, drivers will pass another car and slip in front of it with only inches of clearance. They can do this knowing the other driver won’t likely panic and will probably check up to keep from getting spun sideways into the wall. On the highway, that’s called “Cutting someone off” and all assurances about the skills of the other driver go out the window. It’s not only extremely rude, it’s extremely dangerous. At best you’ll get a middle digit. At worst, said driver can panic and you may end up wearing a toe tag.
On the race track, driving together is close. On the highway, safe distance between you and other traffic is critical, be it in front of you, on your side or in back of you. Again, we aren’t gunning for the finish line. Grandma is waiting!
Another racing technique is “cutting the Apex”. This basically involves taking the shortest route on a curve, cutting close to the inside corner of the track and then powering out of the curve. On the highway, you’re in driving lanes. While you can often safely power out of the curve, cutting the Apex will take you to the very side of your lane. If there’s another driver beside you, that driver may not have your skills. He probably won’t cut the Apex with you and in fact may very well invade your lane. Ooops! Crunch time. Probably better to apply your throttle steer and keep it centered in the lane.
There are certainly many racing techniques that can effectively be applied on the highway but always remember the cardinal rule of highway driving.
Keep a safe distance between you and the buggies bunched up around you.
If the fact that that a local Gendarme may view you as an ideal revenue source doesn’t bother you – yes, you can drive fast and safely on the highway.
But any racing technique that takes you too close to the other buggies bopping along with you? Nah. Don’t think so! And Thanks – for a very intriguing comment!
Ever been cruising along in the left lane of a three lane highway? You decide to swing back over into the center lane since you’re no longer passing anyone. You check your rear views and the center lane you want to be in is clean and green. You make your lane change, and suddenly – there’s another vehicle filling up your rearview mirror about 3 inches off of your back bumper.
“Where the heck did he come from!” You brace for impact.