Secrets to Safe Driving - Tips the DMV Doesn't Teach You2499431

Every year in America over 10,000 new and inexperienced drivers become licensed. Distracting technologies such as text messaging, cellular telephones, GPS navigation systems and as crazy as it sounds, on-board DVD players added to the mix further hinders drivers ability to remain vigilant and safe. Add some adverse weather conditions and you could potentially have a recipe for disaster.

I am so glad that the hands-free cellular phone law went in to effect here in California. I can recall countless incidents where someone would make a mistake on the road and sure enough when I pass them they are interacting with their cell-phone. Furthermore, ladies put your make-up on before or after you get out of the car. I used to drive my mothers car when I was a teenager and I could never figure out why every time I got in the car, the rear-view mirror was pointed directly at my face. Was there something I missed in driving school? Of course with age and wisdom, and hindsight, I can now say for sure she was doing her face, endangering herself and others.

I will proceed to list out a few tips to help you cope with all the hazards out there on today's highways and roads. I can't guarantee that after reading this list you will be a safer driver, but I can tell you that if you follow these tips you will significantly reduce your chances for an accident.

3 Second Rule

To determine a safe following distance between you and the car in front of you, use the 3 second rule. Note an object that the car in front of you passes, such as a sign or tree. If you can count to three before you pass that same object, then you are at a safe following distance. Any less than three seconds and you could be following too close. Please note that certain weather conditions may warrant additional space.

Scan The Area Ahead of You

Do not fixate yourself on the car in front of you. It is good practice to look ahead, as far as 15 seconds to see on-coming hazards. Reduce the chance that you will have to slam on your brakes by using this technique. Fixating on the car in front of you is a dangerous habit. If the car in front of you isn't paying attention and needs to stop suddenly, so will you. If you look ahead of that car, you will know ahead of time if there are cars stopped in front. Also practice looking through the windows of the car in front of you to enable yourself to see in front of that car.

Blind-Spots and Lane Changing on Multi-Lane Roads & Highways

Many people rely on rear view and spot mirrors alone to change lanes. This is a dangerous habit because simply checking the lane next to yours prior to a lane change does not guarantee that the coast is clear. If someone from the second lane over in the direction you wish to change lanes to is signaling and negotiating a lane change there is a good chance that you both may simultaneously attempt to move into the same space. So always check your blind-spot.

Never change lanes in to someones blind-spot. When changing lanes into a lane, parallel to another vehicle in the next lane over, be sure to make the lane change when you are in the drivers view. This is the tactic that should be employed by the opposite driver of the situation in the previous paragraph.

Please return for more articles on driver safety. I will continue to add personal tips that I use to keep my family and myself safe out on the roads.

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