How to Drive Safe, Avoid Tickets, and Save Money

billzhao

Safe driving is far more than taking a course in driver education; it's also a matter of using your head and common sense.

* p$ q# I& s3 D7 ~$ N3 N5 k4 PLearning to drive
The worst driver is one who is convinced that he's the best driver in the world. So if somebody says "Wasn't that last corner a little fast?", consider if the remark was legitimate. If it wasn't, forget it; if it was, learn from it.
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Continually analyze your own driving: "Did I make that entry onto the freeway properly, or did I almost risk an accident because I jumped into traffic too quickly?"
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Cushion
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that you leave a two-second cushion between your car and the one in front of you. Simple math: at 60 mph, you're traveling 88 feet per second. Two seconds puts you 176 feet behind the guy you're following. What happens if that guy hits the brakes? It takes the average driver one-half second to see the brake lights, conclude that the vehicle in front is slowing down, move the right foot from the accelerator to the brake and depress the pedal. You have already traveled 44 feet before your brakes even start to slow you down. Now you have one and a half seconds and 132 feet of maneuvering space left and you don't even know what's going on. All of this assumes that the pavement is bone-dry, there's no other traffic to worry about, your brakes are in top condition, and your attention is directly on the brake lights of the car in front of you. To me, that two-second cushion doesn't leave much room for error.

7 w$ k2 U4 S6 R0 z. S& c& ^Always allow for as much space as possible. Don't drive directly behind or next to anyone when it isn't necessary. This all pays off when someone has a slight emergency. You don't get caught in it—you have enough room to use your brakes, swerve out of trouble, or just continue driving.

: _1 h1 {# _& i' e) E' TBrains
2 A; g  X" m. Y! jThe best driver is the most alert driver--the one who is watching traffic, road conditions, driver behavior, external influences, weather, visibility, the condition of his own vehicle, and is continually assimilating that information.

billzhao

Speed
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Do not drive the speed limit if the rest of the traffic is not moving at that speed. If your preferred speed is 65 mph but the slower (right) lane traffic is moving 62 mph and the faster (left) lane is approaching 70 mph, either slow down or speed up, but don't fight or obstruct the flow. Going with the flow is far safer and much less aggravating than forcing other to march to your beat

Lane Courtesy
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# f0 z5 V# W/ ?& T$ W! k# G: SAmerican drivers are renowned for neither understanding nor appreciating the importance of lane courtesy, i.e., slower traffic keep right and faster traffic pass on the left. If you're in the left lane and slower vehicles are in your way, give the other drivers a chance to find an opening in the right lane. Don't climb onto their trunk; signal your intentions with 4 or 5 blinks of your left directional. A brief flash of the headlights may be necessary to clarify your intentions. If they refuse to move, don't lose your temper. Write the lane blockers off as ignorant, incompetent or inconsiderate and work your way around them as best you can. if traffic is heavy, revert to the prior recommendation on speed.

* l, L$ d1 a; a& ZRemember, just as current day speed limits have very little to do with safety, lane courtesy has nothing to do with speed limits. If you're in the left lane and someone wants to pass, move over and let them by, Leave traffic law enforcement to the authorities.
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% O% J# f  O/ g$ JPassing
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In the "good ole days" when long travel was largely on two-lane roads, a critical weapon in every driver's arsenal was a neck-snapping passing gear. Hanging around in the opposing lane of traffic was universally understood to be bad for ones health.
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3 t) ~7 D$ p* v: s: \With the convenience and safety that came with Interstate highways also came the "cruise control pass". This is evidenced when one motorist traveling with cruise control set at 65 mph moves to the left and proceeds to take 10 minutes to pass another vehicle going 64.5 mph. Meanwhile, a platoon of vehicles is stacking up in both the right-and left-hand lane.

Another variation of this practice is the cruise control devotee who lays up alongside a large truck. This significantly limits a truck driver's emergency options or prevents him/her from moving into the right lane.
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+ B2 m7 o4 j( ?+ tIt's not necessary to punch the passing gear to overtake another vehicle on the Interstate. But, if you're going to pass, then do so promptly and deliberately. Everyone will appreciate your clear intentions and decisiveness.
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" b9 w8 C) [6 SAnticipation
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$ f9 }# n; q, a; P6 N& y7 tTraffic would move infinitely faster and more safely if motorists would anticipate the needs of their fellow travelers. Moving to the left lane or opening up space for merging traffic is a common form of anticipation. There are other less common courtesies that cost nothing in time or money, but greatly expedite traffic flow and reduce aggravation.

By adjusting your left lane speed, you can permit a vehicle in the right lane to pass another vehicle that is obstructing traffic. When moving from the right lane to execute a pass in the left lane, you should match the speed of the traffic flowing in the left lane. If safety is a high priority to you, this is not a time for blind obedience to speed limits.

Sightseeing
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You're reached your vacation paradise destination, you are rested up, and now you want you want to kick back and take in some of the local scenery. There are hundreds of thousands of miles of lightly traveled roads that lend themselves well to this activity. However, those roads also carry the local people to work and shopping. Furthermore, farmers and tradespeople conduct their commerce on these same corridors.
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Blending the sighseer with local traffic isn't all that difficult. All it takes is an occasional glance in the rearview mirror. If traffic is collecting behind you, unable to pass, just pull over where there's room and let them go by. The aggravation factor is reduced for everybody. Your fun is enhanced and their trip is safer, faster, and more pleasant.
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Need Help
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Nothing fouls up a vacation more than cat trouble. The stock recommendation is that you should stay in your vehicle and wait for help. However, waiting for official help in several states is tantamount to opting for roadside starvation. Therefore, plan on fending for yourself.
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Despite everything hear and see to the contrary, people will go to ridiculous lengths to help a fellow motorist who is clearly in need of such help. The key factor is that the "need for help" must be glaringly obvious. Tying rags on radio antennas and opening hoods won't do it.
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7 H; O) c( i5 f6 \7 r) z) M4 EFor many years now, the National Motorist Association has promoted and publicized a universal "Need Help" signal. It is the crossing of one hand over the other, identical to the "time out" signal used in athletic contests. A person standing alongside the road displaying this "need help" signal eliminates any question as to his/her request for assistance.

billzhao

Use this signal whenever you are in trouble and need help. This signal is the most identifiable signal, and is common knowledge to the public.
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billzhao

To signal for assistance, make the sign of a "T" by crossing one hand above the other.
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; D" K* }3 `" B9 [3 XIf you see the "Need Assistance" signal, you must make a decision whether you will stop, phone for help, or ignore the appeal

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billzhao

To acknowledge another motorist's signal...an apology light problem or problem pull-over signal, for example, or to thank another driver for courtesy, use the well-understood "Thumbs up" or "OK."

billzhao

In a brief lapse of attention or judgment you unintentionally inconvenience, irritate, or endanger another motorist. You feel embarrassed and the other driver is angry. Neither state of mind produces safe, courteous driving
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/ H% o* J& V! G; JThe "Apology" signal can diffuse the destructive anger and frustration that follow these unfortunate encounters. To signal an apology, hold two fingers in a "V" position, palm out.
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billzhao

You come across a vehicle about to have a flat, or lose luggage from an outside rack or litter the highway with skis, bicycles or furniture. The "Pull Over For Problem" signal helps you alert the other driver.

To alert another motorist of a problem with his or her vehicle, first point in the direction of the problem (up for loose roof rack, back for trailer problem, etc.), then signal "thumbs down."
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If you receive this signal from another motorist, pull over and check your vehicle.

billzhao

Your vacation travel, job duties, and commuting may take you through some dangerous driving conditions this winter. These tips have helped me over the past 40 years and they may help you, too, during or after a snow or ice storm. JFC
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. j3 W+ g/ v; v6 K, sJust For Starters

1. Before turning on the ignition, make sure the wipers are not frozen to the glass. (Always stop the wipers with the wiper switch and wait until they go into their "park" position before turning off ignition. This is necessary because your wipers will finish one cycle when you turn on the ignition, even though you turn the wipers before right before turning on the ignition the next morning.)
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2. Let your engine warm up while you clear off snow or ice from all window surfaces. Put heater fan on "high", heat on "hottest", and selector on "defrost". Be sure to clear off any snow accumulated on the hood and front fenders. This can make it hard to judge distance. Turn on electric rear window defroster if you have one. (In-glass defrosters improve rearward visibility under all moisture-producing conditions, including summer rain.)

3. Check all lights, including headlights, parking lights, tail lights, backup lights, and lane-change signals. Make sure they are free of snow or road grime. Even if you don't wash your car all winter, keep your lights clean.
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4. If visibility is anything less than normal, turn headlights on low beam, even during daylight hours. Although this may not improve your ability to see, it will make it easier for the other guy to see you and to judge your speed and distance. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER use parking lights on the highway for any reason. As the name indicates, they are for PARKING. When used on the highway, they tend to distort the other drivers' perception of your speed and distance, especially if most other cars are using headlights.
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/ N3 o* k4 V- VTraction Tips

8 H0 T  D; I, M1. If your car will be parked for some time while it is snowing, try to back into the garage or parking space. When it's time to move, pulling out will be easier than backing out. For rear drive cars, the bare spot where the car is standing may provide enough initial traction to get you going. For front drive cars, backing in snow is more difficult than for rear drive cars so plan ahead.
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2. If you have rear drive, load your passengers from back to front. If you have just one passenger, have him/her sit in the middle of the back seat. You want as much weight as possible over the drive wheels.

: F3 F# R1 U& m" ?" G  f3. If you appear to be stuck in your parking spot, try rocking the car with gentle backward and forward motions. (Never change gears while moving or accelerating.) If you move forward/backward for a limited distance and then stop, reverse your direction in your own tracks and hit it again a little harder. Avoid sitting in one spot and spinning your tires. This only heats up the tires and digs you in deeper. If you have standard differential, without traction control, it will be possible for one wheel to spin while the other is motionless. A burlap bag, grocery bag, or cardboard carton under that spinning wheel may get you going. Carry a bag of cat litter (unused). A little under the tire may provide assistance for a spinning wheel.
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4. Make all moves slowly and carefully: starting, stopping, turning, speeding up, slowing down. Sudden moves cause trouble when the traction is poor.
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) T* W4 }6 h/ [  r% s5. If the main traffic lane is very slippery and you're having trouble getting up a hill, try driving slowly with 2 wheels on the edge of the roadway.

6. Try to avoid going up a hill right behind another car. If it loses traction and starts to slow down, you're licked, too. When approaching a hill, follow the other car at a significant distance and then pick your own pace and maintain it. Inertia is your friend while going up a hill with poor traction.

7. If your drive wheels start to spin or slide while going up a hill, ease off on the accelerator slightly and then gently resume speed.
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9 N3 A8 n$ t( b" z8. To correct a skid TURN WHEEL IN THE DIRECTION OF THE SKID. If your rear end starts sliding to the right, turn the wheel to the right. If your rear end starts sliding to the left, turn your wheel to the left. Do not apply brakes while in a skid. When your wheels are locked, your car is a toboggan.
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" E4 T. h4 {2 Y( p, z! b9. When ordering a new car with rear drive, be sure to ask for the "positraction" differential. This option is the next best thing to front drive for traction in snow. It delivers power to the drive wheel with the best traction. When ordering a new car with front drive, be sure to ask for the "traction control".

- u% v! t9 Q. C, ?- l( m! NBits on Braking

/ ]1 `' U* G* Z2 M1. Brake gently and in an on/off pattern. Power brakes require an especially light touch on the pedal.
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If you have ABS (automatic braking system) designed to prevent your wheels from locking up when braking, check your owner's manual about stopping under poor traction conditions. As a general rule, continuous pedal pressure will be better than on/off braking. When the ABS engages, you'll hear a rumble from the brakes and the brake pedal will vibrate under your foot. The ABS computer is controlling which wheel is braking in order to prevent a skid. NOTE: Resist the temptation to take your foot off the brake while ABS is engaged; maintain constant pedal pressure.
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8 y; C$ y( z: ~2. Decelerate well in advance of a turn or stopping point. Try to avoid using brakes while turning; slow down in advance of the turn and then accelerate very gently while going through it.
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3. When descending a hill, pick your maximum safe speed while at the crest and then stay under that speed throughout the decent with gentle on/off braking. Don't expect to do all your braking at that stop sign at the bottom.
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4. If you are approaching a stop with alternate patches of ice and bare pavement between you and the stop, brake firmly as you cross the bare spot and coast over the ice.

SPECIAL NOTE: Use your four-way flashers if you are moving much slower than other traffic, stopped in or near a traffic lane, or making an unusual maneuver.

billzhao

If you are confronted by an aggressive driver:

    * First and foremost, make every attempt to get out of their way.
    * Breathe. Stay calm and relaxed. Remember that reaching your destination safely is your goal.
5 v/ x! ?# X1 A3 U    * Put your pride in the back seat. Do not challenge them by speeding up or attempting to “hold-your-own”.
" V8 l% {7 K( ?    * Avoid eye contact – some people take eye contact as a challenge and will use it as an excuse to escalate their aggressive behaviour.
    * Ignore gestures and refuse to return them.

billzhao

http://www.icbc.com/licensing/drivingtips/tips_index.asp
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) m2 B! w+ L9 F) OJust click on any topic below, there will be a window popped out to show the video

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. j0 p# T9 c7 X: ~' x" j) f) q#  Basic Skills
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4 w6 h$ ^1 H) j    * One Way Streets
    * Road Markings
  a6 [$ |5 b; o+ z/ v/ E! ~/ A" b3 x    * Cul de Sacs
  Q/ q4 K: H7 `9 G% m    * Bridges
0 T/ }3 ^) a+ d. \# R# j* Q0 [) @( I    * Don't Overdrive your Headlights
. U4 s# f7 C$ w    * Navigating a Residential Street
1 q2 K8 _+ _4 a7 [. m9 R! |    * Train Crossings

# Commercial Vehicles

    * Driving near Commercial Vehicles
+ O7 r" H. l; c0 H& |8 R    * Be Safe when a Commercial Vehicle Turns
    * Stopping Distance for Commercial Vehicles
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# Emergency Strategies

    * How to manage the situation safely
0 @2 F( a3 W" F0 U$ n# {+ J    * How to Avoid Animals on the Road
    * What to do if a Tire Blows Out
1 o) V# Q& `$ J  _& E    * Going onto a Gravel Shoulder
    * Avoiding a Head-On Collision
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# Hazardous Conditions
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    * Impaired Driving
    * The Danger of Hydroplaning
    * Blind Spots
    * Hazard Perception
. |9 w% U0 \" i5 U- j  X    * The Safest Way to Leave a Driveway
9 V# J6 z4 T& n5 b; X    * Driving too Fast for Conditions

# Highway Driving
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    * Merging and Yielding
6 u" M) d6 r% n$ R% o    * The Two-Second Rule
    * Slow Moving Vehicles on Mountain Highways
! O) q* a$ w6 ^    * Merging
    * Highway Courtesy

# Intersections
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    * Power goes out at an intersection
    * T-Intersections
    * Where to Stop at a Stop Sign
    * Turning Left at a Large Boulevard
7 K  u; }# R. F0 b    * What to do at a Flashing Green Light
# B: d1 J4 @  F  k& S: [( J) B6 S8 d( ^    * Roundabouts
    * Approaching an Amber Light
  Z4 d/ d  L; m: ?0 u    * Rolling Stops
4 p# _3 ]/ E5 M5 j6 g3 I/ h    * Uncontrolled Intersections
    * Right of Way
, q  A3 F  b  B" Q4 f4 U: Q    * Use Caution when the Light Turns Green
    * Pedestrian at an Unmarked Intersection
; G: E  q7 [$ `8 U0 s    * 4-way Stop Intersections
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7 V# r0 k' }2 H# Sharing the Roadway
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    * It's Motorcycle Season
    * Tailgating
) c. z9 @1 A  W% x. S    * HOV Lanes
    * Cyclists
* @2 H+ q7 D9 V    * Tailgating
    * Changing Lanes
7 t3 b$ O* l& _5 W# V7 E    * Emergency Vehicles
    * Be Safe when a Commercial Vehicle Turns
" }9 e9 ]" ^( i/ w: d1 V$ w    * Motorcycle Awareness
    * Stopping Distance behind another Vehicle
    * Driving too Slowly can be Dangerous
    * Dealing with an Aggressive Driver
    * What's in Your Blind Spot?
, l% h+ \, [3 W! Y2 _    * Being Passed by Another Vehicle
    * Lane Position on a Single-lane Road

# Stopping/Parking

& i+ e1 r$ l# R, H    * Proper Behaviour at a 2-Way Stop
- X- b$ R1 K8 Q$ D/ `    * Stall Parking
1 Q/ O9 T  @( n+ y  l; i8 m" o) l. q    * Stopping at an Intersection

# Turning

    * Always Signal Your Intention
; @4 P0 x; d! g$ R4 i    * Left Turn
/ n' B( o- R% b% s- G/ M    * Entering an Intersection to make a Left Turn
    * What can you see at a Left Turn?

, |2 R% ]0 E* a% N5 o% e$ n# Vehicle Safety Devices
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    * Remember to buckle up
* g: y1 E& f4 C5 r, G! j    * Tips on Tire Safety
- \0 a2 l* h3 X( W    * Anti-Lock Brakes
    * Head Restraint Adjustment
& i- p! Z! y% ]3 a    * The Proper way to Wear a Seatbelt

+ V8 S/ l; ^1 A4 D: F/ U- t9 X( V0 p/ L# Vulnerable Road Users