“Trailers Part 1”

“Trailers Part 1”

Whether you are moving heavy machinery, hauling camping gear, or towing a boat, knowing how to safely drive with a trailer is a practical skill to learn. Towing requires more attention and different skills than regular driving. Your vehicle’s behavior changes when towing a trailer, and it’s crucial to understand the physics involved. In this blog series, we will break down the essentials of safe trailer towing and how to ensure that your trip goes smoothly.

Be Prepared: Understand what you are towing before you get on the road or even load up the trailer. It is important to prepare your vehicle and trailer for the journey. Also, plan out your route. Some roads are more trailer friendly than others. 

Know Your Vehicle's Towing Capacity: Make sure your vehicle is equipped to tow the weight of the trailer and load you want to tow. Each vehicle has a maximum towing capacity, and exceeding that limit can cause mechanical failure or unsafe driving conditions. Always check your vehicle’s owner manual to confirm its towing capacity, and remember to factor in the weight of the added load. 

Prepare your vehicle: Make sure your vehicle is in normal operating function. Check your brakes, fluids, tires, mirrors, and lights. Braking will become more difficult with the added weight so it is important for your breaks to be working properly. Both your vehicle’s and trailer’s tires must be correctly pressurized. Underinflated tires can make handling more difficult, increase the risk of a blowout, and decrease fuel efficiency. A potential issue with your vehicle will only be enhanced when the weight of a trailer is added. Trailers may have trailer breaks ensure that these are properly hooked up and in working order. They may become stuck or worn out after years of use or storage. Trailers have lights. Be sure to hook these up and test them prior to driving. These lights should operate as your rear lights do on your vehicle. 

Properly load and secure the trailer load: Load your trailer properly to maintain stability and safety as you drive down the road. Stabilize and secure the trailer to ensure that it will not go anywhere when weight is applied. 60% of the weight should be loaded in front of the axle toward the towing vehicle with the remaining 40% behind. If you can, attempt to even out sideways the weight so that one side is not overly weighted. A balanced load improves handling and reduces the risk of accidents. Secure your load. Use straps and tie-downs. Make sure what you are securing is strong enough to hold. Also, think about all of the ways an object can move. Do not have objects striking outside of the radius of the trailer. This can become dangerous as you traverse the roadways. 

Towing a trailer may seem intimidating, but with the right preparation, you can safely navigate the road with confidence. By taking the time to ensure that your vehicle and trailer are properly equipped and prepared, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, secure journey. In part 2 of this series, we will focus on driving with a trailer on the roadways, and in part 3, we will look into how to back up a trailer. 

IPDE

 “IDPE”

Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute (IDPE) is a step-by-step process that is the backbone of defensive driving practices. This process prevents drivers from “falling asleep” as they drive and requires drivers to engage in strategic visual and comprehensive analysis. In this first Sunday of the new year, we will detail the IDPE process and how to implement it in your daily driving life. 

Identify: The foundation of the IDPE method is identifying potential hazards. This is normally done through visual observation done by scanning the area around your vehicle. Being able to spot a potential threat is crucial for the next steps in this process. Be on the look out for difficult intersections, drivers in the wrong lane, or animals or children next to the road. 

Predict: Once a hazard is identified, one must predict what will happen. In many of the incidents, the prediction is that the car will maneuver itself properly where it should go, however, this is not always the case. Be prepared for the vehicle, human, or animal to do the hazard that you predicted. Have a plan with the knowledge you have to make a move when and if necessary that will keep you and those around you as safe as possible. 

Decide: Once you have predicted the hazard's potential movement, you must decide what to do. Will you accelerate, decelerate, or turn? It is important to make decisive decisions. This decisive decision will lead to a definite result and allow you to fully commit to your brain’s analysis. 

Execute: Once the decision is made, execute. Brake or steer where you need to go. After this execution, start the process over again. During the execution phase be sure to maintain proper driving etiquette and follow all road laws. However, in many situations where you may need to take action the correct and safest maneuver might go slightly outside of normal operating procedure or meet or exceed some road laws. Safety is the number one priority. 

IPDE is a process that can help you avoid collisions big or small and is a good practice to become more proficient in defensive driving. This process promotes engagement in one's driving. It keeps you on alert and prepares you for the dangers. It is important that as you do this process you do it quickly and without hyperfixation on one hazard while ignoring all other road hazards. If this is something that you would like to get better at, Drivers Edge School of Driving driving instructors would be happy to assist you. 

“Major Causes of Vehicle Collisions”

 “Major Causes of Vehicle Collisions”

Vehicles collide with other vehicles, humans, or objects on a daily basis. This colliding is not a good thing. Being aware of the causes of vehicle collisions will allow drivers to be more aware and change some of their driving habits to decrease the number of major and minor wrecks. In this week's blog, we will look at the four major causes of collisions. 

Distracted- Distracted driving is the leading cause of collisions. Things like cell phones and food take our attention away from the road. This lack of focus causes drivers to miss much needed information about the road in front of them.

Impaired- Do not drive impaired. Call for a ride. With modern technology, this is easier than ever. Things like alcohol, some prescription drugs, or other depressants or stimulants can cause delays between what your mind sees and hears and how it acts. It can also decrease motor skills. 

Weather Related- The weather plays a major part in road safety. Drivers can not control the weather, but they can take steps to more safely drive in hazardous weather conditions like rain, snow, or fog. 

Overconfidence- Drivers can become overconfident in their driving abilities or the abilities of their vehicles. This normally leads to increased driving speeds. Not only do high speeds decrease the amount of time to react. They increase the amount of force that is created and transferred in the event of a collision. 

97% of traffic collisions are caused by human driver error. Only 3% of crashes are solely accidents like a meteor strike or a complete brake failure. The most dangerous locations for traffic collisions are locations with a lot of drivers. One especially dangerous location is intersections. Intersections bring multiple drivers together and force them to cross paths. Poorly kept roads are also something to be aware of in these colder months as less driven roads will often receive less attention potentially creating more dangerous road conditions. It is hard to prevent all road collisions. Drivers can only control the actions they take, but if everyone drives safer and understands the risks the road can be safer as a whole. 

“Black Ice”

“Black Ice”

With the snow and cold of winter, ice also forms. During the winter months, when temperatures are below freezing, liquid water turns into a solid. This solid is known to be quite slick and lacks a strong coefficient of friction. Some ice is easily seen and can be planned for, but other ice can be essentially invisible. In this blog, we will look at tips for driving on black ice.

Be Prepared: Ice can form when the temperature is below 32℉. To reduce this temperature salt is often placed on roads to lower the freezing point of the water. Be extra cautious of roads during the early morning or night as the temperature would have decreased. The sun is a powerful tool to warm this planet and the roads. Be wary of shaded areas as the sun has not warmed the ground. Also, like the street signs say, “Bridge Ices Before Road”.  

Stay on lanes of Traction: Often times common lanes of travel will form on roadways. Attempt to keep your wheels within the tracks. This roadway has been seen by others as safe, and the roadway will have been more worn in. When driving in potentially icy situations, look for areas of the road that have been salted or sanded. Snow can also have more traction than ice. 

Exit the Road: If the conditions are too icy, it is best to exit that roadway. Either find an alternate route that is more clear or by waiting for snow and ice removal specialists to come through. If you can not exit the road, slow down. Take turns smoothly, with slow even braking while firmly gripping the steering wheel looking where you want to go. Increase following distance. Having more road in front of you and the other vehicle will give you more time to stop, but also more road to gather crucial information about the road conditions.

Stay Calm: Unfortunately, black ice is very difficult to detect. If you do encounter black ice, stay calm and allow your vehicle to pass over the ice. Touching the brakes will likely lead to skidding and losing control of your vehicle. If you do lose temporary control of the vehicle, remain calm. Do not overreact or overcorrect. Look where you want to go and steer yourself there. Hopefully, the ice patch is small and you will regain traction quickly. If not, remain calm and trust in your vehicle's safety devices. If you are on a hill and your vehicle or others are sliding together, stay in your vehicle. Do not exit as this will leave your vehicle with no driver and it will put you in a much more dangerous position. 

Ice is scary, and unseen ice can be even scarier. But trust in yourself and in your vehicle's abilities. It is crucial that you assess the road conditions and drive within them. Be on the lookout for potential hazards, especially when it is cold and ice could be present. 

“Tips for Cleaning Snow off of your Vehicle”

   “Tips for Cleaning Snow off of your Vehicle”

The snow is coming. The snow is here. While winter can be a beautiful season, it also brings a fair share of challenges. One of the worst things about winter is having to constantly remove snow from your car. In this week's blog, we will cover some tips on removing snow from your vehicle. 

Run the defrosters: Before you begin removing the snow and ice from your vehicle, make sure you start your car. Turn on your front and rear defrosters. They will help to melt the snow or ice on your car’s front and rear windshields. Before entering your vehicle, brush off your driver’s door to avoid snow falling inside. While your car runs, you can work on clearing off any snow and ice. Your vehicle will also warm up and be much warmer when you enter your vehicle. 

Brush snow off from top to bottom: Start with the roof. This snow will fall and cover your windows if you do it last requiring you to do even more work. Clearing the roof also prevents snow and ice from flying off and potentially causing harm to other motorists. Once the roof is done, start working your way around. Make sure to get all windows even if they may be small. Do not rush. Also, clear off your headlights, turn signals, and license plates so that you can be seen and be legally driving. 

Have a good pair of gloves: Your hands will get cold fast. Wear a good pair of gloves and some warm layers. If you are not as cold, you will be less likely to rush and miss vital locations on your car for viability. It is also safer, as the cold can be very dangerous to the body. 

Give yourself time: When freezing temperatures or snowy weather is expected,  plan on leaving your front door a little earlier so that you have time to fully clear off your vehicle. 10 minutes early can be a good time to aim for, but this time may need to be adjusted due to weather conditions. Don’t forget if your car is snow-covered the roads may be too resulting in slower driving conditions. Rushing in the winter is never a good idea. 

Use the proper tools: Make sure to use a snow brush or a car-safe device that is intended for snow removal. Never use a shovel or anything that’s not meant for car snow removal. It could scratch up your vehicle. When removing ice, only use an ice scraper designed for cars. Do not use anything metal or sharp that you have around the house, such as a screwdriver or knife. They can scratch or crack your windshield. Do not pour hot water onto your car to melt the ice. This is a very bad idea and can cause your glass windows to crack or shatter.

Don’t forget the wiper blades: Do not forget your wiper blades. It is often a good idea to put them up the night before the cold weather drops to ensure that they do not freeze to the windshield. It is important to get the snow and ice off of the wipers before beginning to drive. If they are contaminated, it can lead to visibility concerns. 

Preventative Measures: The easiest way to remove snow is to have no snow in the first place. We can not control the weather, but if possible one could park indoors or under a covering. However, this is not always available. If possible, you could park away from the wind or in a more sheltered location. They also make windshield coverings that can help quicken the snow removal process. It is also a good practice to always have a snow removal device in your vehicle, especially during the winter. 

The snow can be beautiful, but it can also be cold and time-consuming. Following the tips above can hopefully assist you in making your vehicle snow cleaning smoother and less tiresome. Now that your vehicle is uncovered and ready to drive, drive safe. If you have any questions about driving in the winter or the snow look back at blogs from April or last winter, or comment them down below. 

“Older Driver Safety Awareness Week”

    “Older Driver Safety Awareness Week”

This blog is intended for readers and drivers young and old. Last week was Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. In this week’s blog, we will cover topics associated with driving as you begin to age. 

As humans age, their mental and physical abilities can begin to degrade. This can make it harder for older individuals to operate a motor vehicle properly. This decline can make vehicle crashes more severe. It is important to understand your medical history and the risks that could pose to driving. Could your eyesight be degrading, could your hip or knee be injured, or could you have a shoulder injury that prevents you from quickly turning the wheel? 

As we age, some of the routes and locations may need to be adjusted. It can become difficult to see as the sun begins to set. It is also important for older drivers to practice their driving skills. Drivers young and old need to continuously practice and always improve their driving knowledge and abilities. Visibility can become more challenging, especially as the sun sets earlier during the winter months. Tough decisions may also need to be made by family members and individuals themselves. Driving can be dangerous. The risks of crashes can be amplified, and if the risk of crashing increases, it may be time to hang up the keys.

Ultimately it is not the age of the individual, but the individual's ability to drive which should be examined. Operating a motor vehicle can be complex and dangerous at times. It is essential to regularly assess your own driving abilities and make informed decisions to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Preparing To Drive In The Winter Part 1

“Preparing To Drive In The Winter Part 1”

The leaves may have fallen, the temperatures begun to drop and the days have become ever shorter. There will become a time when the leaves will be gone and snow will cover the roads. It is important to plan ahead when driving, and preparing for the changes in season is something all drivers should think about. In this 2 part series of this blog, we will consider how to prepare your vehicle, and how to prepare and drive in the winter. This 1st blog will cover how to prepare your vehicle. 

Inspect your Battery: As the temperature decreases batteries tend to go dead quicker. Test and inspect your battery for any damages or areas that may need to be cleaned. Be safe and practice precaution when working with car batteries for the risk of electrocution is high. Inspect your lights and any other electronic implements.

Inspect Fluids: Having proper fluid levels is important during cold months. If the fluid level decreases too much it can be more susceptible to freezing. Also, ensure that the window washer fluid and other fluids have the proper anti-freezing properties for the weather in your area. 

Inspect your Tires: It is important to check your tires frequently in colder weather. As the temperatures drop, the pressure in your tires decreases. This phenomenon is commonly taught in academia as Gay-Lussacs Law. Colder temperatures have a negative effect on the longevity and strength of tires. One should look at their tires in the fall and contemplate if the tires can handle the harsh winter months to come. Winter tires have been specially made to handle snow and other winter conditions. They are often recommended in locations where it snows a lot. 

Prepare for Emergencies: Breakdowns and accidents can happen at any time of the year. It is important for individuals to keep resources in their vehicles to handle winter driving-related tasks. A snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper will allow one to clear snow and ice away from their car. Due to the cold temperatures, jumper cables are often helpful in the cold (A complete guide on how to use jumper cables can be found in blog #7). Blankets and other warm coverings are highly recommended for the human body gets cold faster than many think. Some water, food, medication, flashlights, and chemical body warmers are also recommended.

“6 Dangerous Habits to Quit”

 “6 Dangerous Habits to Quit”

Humans are habitual creatures by nature. This means we are what we constantly do. At a certain point, driving will become like second nature and our bodies will take over and run on mostly autopilot. This autopilot can have good and bad habits. This week's blog will cover 6 habits that you should kick before they become permanent. 

1. Speeding: Speeding is incredibly dangerous. It decreases your reaction time and increases the force that could be created upon impact. Speeding is often accepted in society, however it is still illegal and dangerous. 

2. Not Checking Blind Spots: It is important to check your blind spots constantly. Oftentimes, people can get overconfident or lazy and not look into their blind spot causing wrecks or near misses when changing lanes. It is also important to signal before changing lanes, which is a step drivers sometimes skip. 

3. Not wearing a Seatbelt: Seatbelts save lives. If you want more information on seatbelts, check back to an earlier blog. Seatbelts help decrease the force you feel when in a crash, and also keep you in place in the case of a crash. It is something that you hopefully will never need, but if you do you will be thankful you wore one. 

4. Driving Under the Influence: Do not drink and drive. Do not drive while under the influence of other substances as well. Driving takes your whole attention and mental abilities. Having substances in your system that prevent this is dangerous for you and the people around you.

5. Texting and Driving: Texting while driving is dangerous because it distracts you visually, physically, and mentally. Texting takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off of driving. This increases the risk of accidents by slowing reaction times and impairing judgment.

6. Not Respecting Weather Conditions: You cannot control the weather. Sometimes, it is too dangerous to drive in, and other times, it requires you to slow down or pay closer attention. Many drivers disregard common sense driving practices when driving in inclement weather. Respect the power and dangers nature can bring.

When you first begin driving, it is important to practice good habits. That is one of the reasons you are required to practice driving with a more experienced driver and a driving instructor. Habits can be hard to break, but it is not impossible. If you participate in the habits above, it is encouraged to attempt and break them. 

“5 Ways to Maximize Drivers Education”

  “5 Ways to Maximize Drivers Education”

Driver’s education is one of the first steps to becoming a legal driver. It teaches teenagers and adults the skills needed to be safe, confident, and knowledgeable drivers. Individuals can feel the desire to put forth limited effort or act like they already know how to drive. However, driver’s education is not something that should be taken lightly. In this week’s blog, we will look at 5 practical tips to get the most out of your driver’s education program. 

Be Present and Attentive: Attend class prepared and ready to learn. Oftentimes as students, we can begin to daze off during class, but it is important for our learning to be present and locked into the class. If you need help with paying attention, sit in the front of the class or in a location that you know will not elicit distractions. Another great way to stay attentive is to take notes. 

Ask Questions: The classes and drive times are designed with the students in mind, but there is always time for questions. If you are confused about a topic, ask it. Getting clarification now can keep you and your classmates safe, while allowing the material to be in your mind longer. The instructor can not read your mind so it is important to ask questions if you have them.  

Study Outside of Class: Class time is not the only time to get better at driving. Study material from the previous class, look at quality driving resources like blogs and governmental websites and watch and ask more experienced drivers questions. 

Embrace Behind-the-wheel lessons: The 6 behind-the-wheel sessions are designed to give hands-on application on real roads with a trained professional. In these drives, students will learn things from basic maneuvering to parking, to driving in multiple situations around the area. These lessons are designed to give students confidence and knowledge behind the wheel. Embrace the drive times and ask questions when they arise. The instructor is there to keep you safe and individually help you learn how to drive a motor vehicle. 

Practice: Driving over 50 hours is a requirement to getting your driver’s license in Illinois. Practicing is the best way to get better at anything. It is important to have an experienced driver in the vehicle with you when you are first starting. When practicing, work on practicing good habits that align with the instructions and regulations detailed in class. It is important to practice all aspects of driving, but especially for people who may be taking the driving test, it is important to practice up and downhill parking and the tricky backing out of an alley. 

Driver’s education is your time and place to learn the necessities for safe and proper driving. It is a place for you to learn and grow. Drivers Edge School of Driving is here for you for all your driving-related needs and questions and aims to educate students of all ages on the best road safety and pertinent driving skills. 

“Using a Map”

  “Using a Map”

What is a map, and why should you learn how to read one? Maps have been around for as long as humans were exploring and able to communicate. Maps provide very crucial information and assist with the transport from one place to another. In today's time, Global Positioning Systems and phone-based mapping have taken over, and have made navigation much easier. However, you may not always have the luxury of web-based navigation. In today’s blog, we will look at how to read a map. 

Types of graphs include physical, political, topographical, road, and thematic. For this blog, we will focus mainly on road maps. Topographical maps can come in handy when using a road map to determine your location on a road map. Road maps like they sound show where roads are located. Or at least where the map maker at the time of making the map thought the roads were. There is often a legend detailing what certain colors or symbols mean which may be helpful when determining a navigable route. There will also be a scale that indicates the physical dimensions of the map to the actual dimensions of the Earth. 

When navigating with a map. First, locate where you are. This can be done by locating the intersection you are at with street names, or by locating a distinct part of your environment on the map like a large mountain or a business. Make sure to mark that point in some way. Then, find where you want to go in a similar fashion to before. Once you have found your starting and ending locations, work your way from the start to the destination following roads. This is what your GPS does when it figures out which way to tell you to turn. It is recommended to highlight or write down the direction of turns and the road names the turn occurs on. Now that you have determined a route, follow that route using road signs to keep track of where you are until you reach your destination. 

Learning to navigate using a map is a valuable life skill. It connects you with your ancestors and it allows you to rely a little less on technology. Maps do not take up very much space so it is a good idea to have a map of your local area somewhere in your car in case you need it. You can also download maps onto your phone and access them even if you are out of cellular service range. If you have any questions regarding maps, please comment them down below. 

“The Left Lane”

“The Left Lane”

On many roads in our state and country, there are two or even three lanes of traffic going in the same direction. Drivers often complain about slower vehicles in the left lane. Is this gripe warranted, or is it misunderstood? In this blog, we will cover what the left lane is for and common practices and laws related to it. 

Decongest Traffic: The idea of multiple lanes going in one direction is to increase the flow of traffic. More lanes or areas for cars to go increases the amount of vehicles that can travel in a direction. Adding another lane allows for passing to become easier without the risk of head-on collisions. It also allows drivers to slow down and safely make turns without causing a large amount of vehicles to have to do the same.

Passing: The left lane is often called the passing lane. In most states, you must either be turning left or in the process of passing another vehicle. In Illinois, it is illegal to drive in the left lane unless you are actively passing or making a left turn. It is important to note that it is still illegal to speed in the left lane. Having this passing lane allows individuals to safely pass slower moving vehicles. Decreasing the slowdowns and decreasing crashes. 

Turning Left: The left can also be used to turn left. Do not make a left turn from the right lane and do not turn right from the left lane. These are not smart maneuvers and are highly dangerous. When turning left locate the furthest left lane. Indicate clearly either with a light signal or a horizontal left arm straight out of the driver's window, slow down, smoothly turn, and accelerate through the turn when the roadway is clear. If you want more information on left turns check out “How to make a Left Turn Part 1 and 2”

Emergency personnel: The most important time to get out of the left lane is when emergency personnel are coming through. Move to the right immediately if you see red and blue lights flashing. Do not cut someone else off when moving right, however. Look into your review and right-side mirror and perform a shoulder check. Slow down and allow the emergency personnel to pass fully. Often these vehicles are moving at high rates of speed so it is imperative to be on the lookout and to get out of their way. Emergency personnel are on their way to save a life and every second counts. 

The left lane is designed to alleviate traffic congestion. Only use the far left lane when turning left or passing another vehicle. Be sure to indicate your intentions and smoothly and predictably adhere to those indications. If you have any questions regarding the left lane, leave them below. If you have any driving-related topics you would like covered, comment them below as well. 

“Swerve or Hit it ”

  “Swerve or Hit it ”

We live in a world amongst wildlife. Often, wildlife does not conform to the social practices of the roadway. But what should you do if an animal is on the road? In this blog, we will look at the steps to prevent crashes with wildlife and cover the age-old question of whether you should swerve or hit it. 

The common sense rules for staying safe in all dangerous road situations still hold true. Slow down when driving. Especially at night when it may be hard to see. Tailgating can be extremely dangerous with wildlife encounters because the car in front of you will brake very suddenly and for a hazard that may be unknown to you. If you are traveling at a safe distance, and speed, and are not distracted coming to a complete stop before the vehicle in front should not be an issue. In the case of a collision, it is important to wear all regulated safety devices like seat belts. 

Be on the lookout for animals and be prepared to stop or slow down. Animals may be in the center of the road, but most crashes occur from animals crossing the road. The road is important, but so is the area immediately next to the road. Animals or even pedestrians could be alongside the road and waiting to cross. Unlike humans who know to cross at crosswalks and when no car is present, animals are not often as bright. In all locations be on alert for wild animals, but especially in rural areas where forests or open land is available for wildlife to live. Wildlife often move in groups, so if you see one be on the lookout for more. High-density animal areas are often indicated with signs signifying animal crossings. 

It is often advised not to swerve to avoid wildlife. With most small animals that are encountered in North America, the better idea if stopping is not an option is to hit the animal. Cars are designed to protect you from minor crashes. The danger of swerving is the threat of losing control and colliding with a bigger or more immovable object such as another vehicle, tree, or telephone pole. For most small to medium animals, it is best to break firmly and stay in your lane. However, if you encounter a larger animal such as a moose, it is recommended to swerve. The sheer size and proportions of a moose lead to 13% more fatalities than crashes with deer. If you are unable to stop before the moose and the coast is clear to swerve, swerve. 

A wildlife collision occurs every 39 minutes. Animals are all around, and this is a marvelous thing. However, they do not understand what a road is. So it is our responsibility to prevent car collisions with animals. Slow down, be alert, and be prepared to stop. 

"Halloween Driving Tips

"Halloween Driving Tips"

Halloween is a fun night for individuals of all ages. One yearly tradition in the United States is trick-or-treating. During trick-or-treating, many people are out and about walking from house to house. These individuals could easily be distracted by candy or scary decorations. In this week’s blog, we will cover five tips to drive safely during Halloween. 

Tip #1—Drive slowly. Pedestrians should cross at crosswalks, but not all will. Driving slower will give you more time to react. Be alert and prepared to stop, especially in residential areas. Even if someone does not cross at the crosswalk, you still have to stop for them. It will also allow you to look at the fun festivities. 

Tip #2- Take off your mask. The Halloween mask may look cool, but it could greatly inhibit your seeing ability. This could cause you to miss a pedestrian running in the middle of the road. Being safe is cooler than looking cool. 

Tip #3 Pay extra attention to pedestrians. With the holiday festivity of trick-or-treating, more people will be walking around than normal at said time of day. Be aware of this and prepare your route if you are driving at this time. 

Tip #4 Turn on your lights. Halloween often occurs at dusk and into the night. Check out a couple of weeks ago blog for night time driving tips. It is important to have your headlights on illuminating the road in front of you. Certain costumes involve dark colors which without lights would make them impossible to see. 

Tip #5 Eliminate distractions. Put away any distractions that may take your focus away from the road. Phones, navigation devices, food, drinks, and pets. Make sure everything is set up and secured before beginning your drive. Take extra caution when pulling into and out of your driveway which are places we often take for granted. Even a split-second of distraction can lead to a terrible situation.

Halloween is a fun holiday of dressing up and getting candy. During this Halloween, Drivers Edge School of Driving encourages everybody to have fun, and be safe, and responsible. Putting distractions away, slowing down, and being alert are crucial steps in making this Halloween safe and fun. 

“Driving Confidently”

Knowing the rules of the road and how to drive are important facets of driving a motor vehicle on the road. It is important to be confident when you drive too. Second-guessing for even a split second or rash decisions can lead to dangerous outcomes. In this blog, we will cover 5 tips to be a more confident driver. 

Tip #1: Practice. Practicing is a great way to get better at anything. It will not make perfect, but it will get you closer. Attempt to get behind the wheel and drive to a variety of places at a variety of times. Watch others, more experienced or better drivers are preferred, but learning from peers' mistakes is also valuable. If you are unable to drive a vehicle, visualize or think about situations when driving. 

Tip #2: Drive in all weather conditions and on different terrains. You can not control the weather, but you can prepare for it. When first starting, you may want only to drive on sunny days and at nonbusy times, but safely push your limits to other driving situations. Do not be reckless. If the weather is too dangerous and other drivers are not on the road, it is probably a good idea for you to stay at home as well. If you have questions or concerns about weather related driving, look back at some of the previous blogs. If you do not see a topic that you wish was covered, leave a comment down below. Also, every once in a while drive on a dirt road or too. You will never know when your GPS will take you down a dirt road unbeknownst to you. 

Tip #3: Bring an experienced friend or certified instructor along with you. It is important to practice, but practicing the wrong thing is never beneficial. It teaches bad habits and bad driving. If you do not have a trusted experienced driver in your life, contact Drivers Edge School of Driving. Having someone there to talk you through new situations or correct you when you are doing something reckless is a valuable learning opportunity. 

Tip #4: Drive multiple vehicles. This one is similar to practicing. Practice driving different vehicles, big ones, little ones, slow ones, and fast ones. It does not even need to be a road-worthy vehicle. Do not drive non-road-worthy vehicles on the road. Driving tractors, side by side, or even riding bikes is a great way to understand speed control, turning, coordination, and other driving related skills. 

Tip #5: Know your limits. One must know their limits when training. Do not make too big of jumps in difficulty too early. This may be hard to know on your own. Also, know your limits mentally. If you start to feel fatigued, tired, or overwhelmed when driving take a break in a safe location. It is okay to take breaks and regroup yourself. Sometimes after complicated maneuvers, taking a minute to go over it in your head will help it stick. Doing this while trying to pay attention to the road is incredibly difficult. It is important to not be too confident while driving as well. Driving too confidently will make you make rash decisions.

Driving can be difficult. There is a reason rules and regulations are in place for individuals to get their driver's licenses. Driving is not a right it is a privilege. One should treat it with the resort it deserves for it can cause sticky and life-threatening situations. This blog aims to give you ways to increase your confidence behind the wheel. It is okay to be confident, but do not get cocky behind the wheel.

“Night Driving”

This blog often covers potential hazards and tips on safely driving your vehicle. One of the most dangerous and difficult times to drive your vehicle is at night. The dark or lack of light is one of the most commonly seen or unseen hazards on the roadway. With the hours of the day becoming shorter it is important to know how to drive in the dark. In this week’s blog, we will cover 5 tips for driving at night. 

Plan accordingly: It is important to know if you will be driving in the dark. This can not always be known, but it is a good thing to keep in mind when planning travel. Prepare yourself for the lack of light and potential desire to nod off, and prepare your vehicle. 

Use your lights properly: Using your headlights is not only the law, it is also crucial to use. In Illinois, headlights are required to be on from dusk until dawn. When getting into your vehicle or a new vehicle, ensure that you know where and how the headlight controls work and if all of your headlights are in working order. Having your headlights on allows the road in front of you to be illuminated allowing you to see.  It also allows other drivers to see you. To gain more visibility you can turn on your high beams. Be sure to turn your high beams to your low beams if you are in an urban area, an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet, or you are following a vehicle at less than 300 feet. 

Stay awake: Drowsy driving and the dangers of driving while tired have been covered in earlier blogs, but the dangers of falling asleep at the wheel are even more present at night. If you feel tired or like you may become tired, do not drive. Pull over to a safe location or call a friend. Losing alertness for even a second can cause your vehicle to go hurtling into danger. If you know you may be tired when driving, plan to get extra rest the night before and bring a passenger along to keep an eye on you, to keep you awake, or to take a driving shift. 

Stay alert: At night our primary sense for gathering driving information is altered. In the dark, our eyes struggle to gain the same amount of information for our brain as during the day. Depth perception and our peripheral vision are hindered. It is important to take extra time and give greater following distance at night. Be sure to double check if the coast is clear on turns for judging distance and speed can be difficult. Street signs can be difficult to locate and see at night and topographical features can look differently than they do in the daytime. Be prepared to brake, and be on the lookout for animals who may be crossing the road. 

Maintain your Vehicle: Make sure your headlights, taillights, windshields, windows, and mirrors are clear and clean. Being seen is as important as being able to be seen. Having working and legal headlights and tail lights is one of the first steps to safe driving at night. It is also important to maintain the rest of your vehicle. Doing roadside maintenance can be very dangerous at night. 

50% of the fatal crashes occur at night. This is a staggering amount considering only 9% of total driving occurs at night. It is important to know the risks of driving at night. It is also important to stay alert and practice good driving habits. Take caution and be prepared when you drive at night. Practice driving in the dark. Start at dusk when it is not too late and there is still some light out. Then, transition to later times, but do not force it and always drive with alertness and calmness. 

Signs the Driver next to you is Distracted

While driving you can only control the action you take. Being aware of the actions of other drivers is important. With 1.6 million crashes yearly related to cell phone use, it is crucial to be able to spot distracted drivers and avoid them. In this week’s blog, we will look at 5 signs indicating a distracted driver. 

Cell Phone Glow: It is highly advised not to be on your phone while driving, and it is often illegal. If you see the glow of a cell phone when you glance over to another vehicle, it should be assumed that they are distracted and give them a little space in all directions. 

Bending Over: A dangerous distraction for others and the driver is reaching and bending over to grab an item. This puts the driver in awkward positions that prevent safety devices from working properly. It also takes the eyes and other senses off the road. It also removes one hand from the proper driving location on the wheel. 

Eating: Sometimes we can not finish our meal before entering the car, but this is highly dangerous. Especially fast food, served out of drive-throughs, is often messy and greasy leaving behind slick and wet spots on the wheel. It also takes a hand off the wheel, could restrict sight lines, and most definitely distracts the driver. Constant chewing or quick bending movements can be a sign of an operator eating while driving. 

Personal Interactions:  It is great to have other people in the car with you, but they can also be distracting. One of our first blogs ever was about how to be a good passenger. All individuals should know how to be good passengers. The job of the passenger is to help the driver get from point A to B  safely without causign extra stress or distractions. Constant talking or looking back and forth while a large number of individuals are in a vehicle is a telltale sign of this behavior. 

Swerving:  If drivers are truely focused on the road, it is assumed that they would be heading in a relatively straight line with constant turns and consistant speeds. If you ever notice a driver, slowing down or speeding up at sporadic occurrences or swerving left and right, it is a good bet they are distracted or under the influence of a substance. Give these drivers distance, be prepared to stop, and avoid them as best you can. 

Distracted driving is very dangerous. It is crucial that all drivers remain focused on the road and practice good driving practices. However, you can only control your own actions on the road and in life. If you see dangerous activity, separate yourself the best you can and prepare to take evasive action. If the action appears extremely dangerous, safely report the vehicle to the proper authorities. 

5 Tips for Parking

“5 Tips for Parking”

It is not about the destination, but it is about the journey. Well, when you reach your destination you will most likely have to park your vehicle. This can be a tricky thing. It requires fine motor movements and skilled driving maneuvers. In this week’s blog, we will cover 5 tips to help new drivers park their vehicles. 

Tip 1: Go Slow: Take your time. When you are moving slower it is easier for you to judge distance and the path your vehicle is taking. Move your wheel quickly but calculated, and your vehicle slowly. When you approach the spot, slow down, make sure there is enough room, and that nothing is in the way or could be in the way like a wide open door. Then, proceed slowly and smoothly, allowing for your brain to comprehend and calculate the proper maneuver to park in the spot. 

Tip 2: Look where you want to go. If you want to park in between two objects, it is important to look in between the objects. Looking at the right or the left can cause you to drift to that side for that is where you are looking. Just like when you are going around a turn look where you want to go and your hands will help make your vehicle go there. 

Tip 3: Be on the lookout for other drivers. Do not be solely fixated on the spot. Look at your surroundings. Constantly check your left, right, and mirrors to ensure that the coast is clear. Tight spaces and locations where lots of people are present can become dangerous locations and a place for fender benders. So be on the lookout, especially when you are pulling out of your parking space because other drivers may not be as courteous or as careful. 

Tip 4: Park away from others. Parking close may be convenient, but the extra steps might be worth it if there is a spot that is easier to get in and out of. The parking spots further away are often less desirable, so they are often emptier. This means that a car may be only on one side of you making it easier for you to pull into the spot. 

Tip 5: Practice. Parking takes time to master. It takes focus and precise movements. When starting out, practice parking in an open lot. This will allow you to mess up without hitting other vehicles. It will also help you learn where your vehicle is. Other cars can be a great indicator of how far you need to pull forward or backward to successfully be in the spot, but a good skill to have is to know where your vehicle is in relation to the lines around you. 

Parking can be difficult at first. It takes hours of practice to become better. The tips above will give a starting point for smart parking, but ultimately it will come down to practicing. If you want help learning how to park, contact the office and set up a drive time with a trained instructor.

Diesel

 “What to do if you put Diesel in a Gas Engine”

Most vehicles on the road today, use either gasoline or diesel fuel to power their engines. The price of the fuels is often different and it can be tempting to put in the cheapest option. This is not a good idea, however. In this week’s blog, we will cover what to do if you put diesel in your gas engine.

Both diesel and gasoline fuel come from crude oil. The process to produce both of the fuel sources is fairly similar. During the process, the heavier diesel (larger hydrocarbons)  is separated from the lighter gasoline. More refining steps and additives are added to optimize the fuel for use in car, boat, truck, or train engines. The properties of gasoline and diesel are what make them do a similar job, but are also the reason they can not be mixed together in your engine. 

The first step is to recognize what you have done. Hopefully, this is before a lot of diesel has gone into your gas tank. If you fill up your tank to the brim, do not panic. Do not attempt to drive your vehicle. Your vehicle's engine is specifically designed to run on a certain type of fuel that produces a certain amount of energy when under specific conditions. Attempting to use another fuel source could permanently destroy your engine. Call a tow company and an auto repair shop. If you have the tools to pump your fuel tank, you can do that, or wait for the professionals to help with the issue. The most important thing is to get rid of all the contaminated fuel, before operating your motor vehicle again. 

When going to the gas pump it is important to pay attention to which nozzle you are grabbing. If you are unsure what type of fuel your vehicle takes, look in the owner's manual or it may be printed on the fuel tank cap. If you happen to refill with the wrong fuel, remain calm and do not start your vehicle. Contact professionals who can effectively and safely remove the contaminated fuel and get you back on your way. 

Feelings

 “What to do when you feel…”

While driving we experience many different physical and mental emotions and sensations. Some of these sensations are normal and require simple mediation, while other require greater mediation. In this blog, we will cover a variety of emotions and sensations and how to handle them while you are driving. 

Tired: 91,000 crashes every year are related to drowsy driving. Pull off to a safe location if you feel tired or drowsy while driving. Drinking or consuming caffeine is an okay way to stay awake, but it is not enough. Caffeine can make you think you are more alert than you actually are. Pull off to a safe place and move around, or take a short nap of at least 20 min. If you are traveling at 55 mph in just 3 seconds, you can travel about over 240 feet. 

Scared: If you are scared try and remain calm. Having a little fear going through you as you drive is okay. It will keep you alert and wary of the situation around you. If you become more frightened, pull off into a safe place and rest for a little while. Take some deep breaths and think through the situation that produced the anxiety. If you feel uncomfortable driving anymore, call a friend or trusted individual for a ride home. 

Enraged: If you feel enraged while driving pull off into a safe location immediately. Do not drive mad. This will lead you to make rash decisions that put you and other drivers at risk. To learn more about measures take a look back at blog a blog from February “The Dangers of Road Rage and How to Handle your Emotions when Driving”. 

Happy: This is a good state to be in when driving. Remember to stay level-headed and not get overconfident, however. 

Lightheaded or Dizzy: If you become dizzy or light-headed in any way while you’re driving, the safest thing you can do is stop your vehicle as soon as it’s safe to do so. Dizziness is a symptom of imbalance that can happen for a wide range of reasons. If you experience this symptom while driving or after a long drive, it could be related to the movement of the car and the disconnect between how your body responds. If you experience predictable or consistent dizziness, wait for the sensation to pass or use whatever treatment measures that have been prescribed. If not, make sure you are properly hydrated and fueled. Wait for it to pass or have another driver step in. 

Cold or Hot: If the feelings of hot or cold come on gradually, it can most likely be remedied by adjusting the climate controls in your vehicle or opening or closing the windows. Before you begin driving, learn where and how these controls operate. Adjust the climate controls at a safe time when you are not close to traffic or intersections. If possible, have a passenger adjust the controls for you. 

As we drive we experience far more emotions and sensations than the ones listed above, but for a majority of emotions, the best idea is to pull off the road into a safe location and give yourself some time to come back to level-headedness or normality. If you struggle with any of the emotions, talk with a trusted individual or your driving instructor. 

How to Make a Left Turn Part 2

Last week we covered how to turn left at a stop light. The importance of patience and confident movements was stressed. In this week’s blog, we will look at three other times you may turn left while driving. 

Using a center-left lane: Often in residential areas, they will have center-turning lanes. Both directions of traffic can use these lanes, and the places to turn left can be vast. It is important like at a stop light to be in the correct lane and give ample warning with the left indicator light. You want to get into the lane with enough distance to come to a stop if needed, but you do not want to get into the center lane too early as someone from the other direction may be turning. This distance will take time to learn and is determined by the traffic patterns of the area. When in the lane treat the oncoming traffic like you would at a stop light if the light was flashing. You must yield to traffic. Wait until there is ample space for the turn to be made safely. If there is insufficient space, be patient and wait for there to be. Once the space is ample, turn smoothly and confidently into the road or parking lot entrance. 

At a stop sign: Stop signs require you to stop behind a stop sign before advancing. If it is a four-way stop, look back at “Who has the Right-Of-Way” from September 17, 2023. Advance and make the turn when it is your turn to proceed. At some stop signs, cross traffic does not stop. This should be indicated by a sign, but it can also be seen by the lack of a stop sign for cross traffic. At these intersections, cross traffic may be moving at high rates of speed so be sure to properly check for traffic. In this instance, check to see if the driver across from you has the right to go first, and then check cross traffic. You may need to creep forward after coming to a complete stop to properly see both directions. This is an acceptable thing to do as long as you are not blocking the road or a pedestrian crossing. Look in both directions and judge the speed of the vehicles. Unlike at a stop light, You will have to turn with traffic, so you will need to get up to speed before the vehicle from your left reaches you. This will require more space to be given to drivers coming from the right to the left than drivers coming from your right. Once the roadway is clear, proceed smoothly with the turn. It is crucial that you get up to speed in a timely manner to avoid traffic congestion and potential vehicle accidents. 

On a two-lane road: Turning left on a two-lane road may make new drivers hurry as they do not want to hold up traffic. Do not feel like you are in a hurry. Spot where you want to turn and indicate at least 200 feet prior to your turn. Turn your turn signal on and brake regularly. With this type of turn, stopping is not always necessary, so it is crucial to slow down to a speed where you can safely make the turn. As with a stop light or center lane turning, read the traffic flowing in front of you and wait patiently for an obvious and clear opening. Once, present turn like you would any other turn and continue to your destination. Do not pass a vehicle that is stopped and waiting to make a left turn on a two-lane road. 

Turning left opens your vehicle up to high-impact collisions. Turn left at your own risk, but if you only turn left with ample space available and do not worry about the potential pressure of the drivers behind you. Turning can be done safely and stress free. Turning left takes practice. To avoid potential accidents, practice while you are in the passenger seat. Look at the road and see if the driver turns when you turn. Watching a seasoned driver is one of the best ways to learn how to drive.