Driving Tips

Imagine yourself happily motoring down an Interstate highway when you have a sudden blow-out or other emergency situation. You roll (or coast) to the side, but you have limited ability to get too far off the roadway (because of obstacles or a curb), and you have to stop fairly close to the main-traveled portion of the roadway -- too close for comfort. Imagine yourself outside, trying to change that flat tire, next to the traffic lanes, people flying past you, less than 18 inches away and at break-neck speeds ...

Left turns at controlled intersections are one of the most dangerous driving maneuvers. They don't have to be -- the dangers can be controlled. The most important thing is to be knowledgeable -- and then MINDFUL -- of what they are.
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You can minimize the danger of collision at intersections by learning to stop defensively. First, make sure your deceleration to the stop doesn't surprise the guy behind you. You already know how to identify a "stale" green light -- by watching the pedestrian signal. Typically, when there are only a few seconds left, the red "Don't Walk" signal light will flash to let the pedestrians know to get out of the street. Plan ahead by starting to slow down then ...

Some of my defensive driving rules focus on preventing trouble in specific danger spots. Especially when they're in tight, congested areas where it is difficult to maneuver, drivers sometimes get impatient. In situations like trying to get into traffic from a parking lot or making a left turn across heavy traffic, drivers often take advantage of any opening to "get moving." We think ...