Driving is a complex task that requires your full attention and focus. If you are not paying attention, you are putting yourself and others at risk. And while we can’t always control everything that happens on the road, there are certain things that every driver, whether experienced or a novice, needs to know to ensure their safety on the road. Here are the top things you must know:
How to Properly Handle Your Car in Bad Weather Conditions
Bad weather can make even the simplest drive more treacherous. If you find yourself driving in heavy rains, slow down and avoid large puddles of water, which could cause your car to hydroplane. In general, it’s best to give yourself more space than usual between you and the car in front of you, as well as increase your following distance from the car behind you. If you can, avoid using your brakes as much as possible, since they can cause you to skid. And if you do find yourself skidding, remain calm and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Do not slam on the brakes, as this will only make the skid worse.
How To Park In Different Types Of Parking Spots
Not all parking spots are created equal, and knowing how to properly park in different types of spaces can be the difference between a stress-free experience and a disaster. If you’re parallel parking, make sure you give yourself enough space to comfortably maneuver into the spot. You may also click here for a more detailed guide on how to do it the right way the first time around. Also, always be aware of your surroundings and leave enough room for other cars to get in and out of their spots. When pulling into a perpendicular spot, it’s important to align your car with the curb before beginning to back in. And finally, when pulling into a slanted spot, be mindful of how far up or down the slope you are before coming to a stop.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded with distractions, but it’s important to remember that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on the road. Texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, changing the radio station, or even fidgeting with your GPS can all take your focus off of the task at hand: driving. And while hands-free devices may seem like they are safer, research has shown that they are just as distracting as handheld devices. So, it’s important to limit all distractions when behind the wheel and to keep your focus on the road.
How to Handle a Blowout
A blowout is one of the scariest things that can happen while driving, but it’s important to remain calm and take action quickly. The first thing you need to do is get your car off to the side of the road as soon as possible. Once you’re safely off to the side, put on your hazard lights and apply the parking brake. Next, assess the situation and see if you have a spare tire. If you don’t have a spare, or if the spare is also flat, then you’ll need to call for roadside assistance. However, if you do have a spare, then you’ll need to change the tire yourself. To do so, first, loosen the lug nuts with a wrench, and then lift the car with a jack. Once the car is off the ground, remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare. Finally, lower the car back down to the ground and tighten the lug nuts as much as possible by hand.
What to Do If You Get Pulled Over
If you find yourself getting pulled over, the best thing to do is to stay calm and be polite to the officer. The first thing you should do is roll down your window and turn off your ignition. Next, wait for the officer to approach your car and ask for your license and registration. You mustn’t reach for these items until the officer asks for them, as this could startle them or make them think you’re reaching for a weapon. Once you’ve handed over the requested items, the officer will usually tell you why you’ve been pulled over. If they ask you to step out of the car, then you should do so and follow their instructions.
How to Handle a Road Rage Incident
Road rage is a serious problem on the roads today, and it can lead to dangerous or even deadly consequences. If you find yourself the victim of road rage, the best thing to do is to stay calm and try to diffuse the situation. If someone is tailgating you, don’t brake suddenly or make any aggressive manoeuvres. Instead, just let them pass when it’s safe to do so. If someone is yelling at you or trying to start a fight, don’t engage with them. Just ignore them and try to de-escalate the situation by remaining calm. Not only will this help to keep you safe, but it will also help to keep the other drivers around you safe as well.
Driving is a privilege, not a right. And with that privilege comes great responsibility. Therefore, as drivers, we have a responsibility to ourselves, our passengers, and everyone else on the road to be safe and cautious. We must always be aware of our surroundings and know what to do in different situations. The above mentioned six things are just a few of the many things every experienced driver needs to know. So, brush up on your driving skills and knowledge, and always drive safely.