August 14 Post

How To Adjust Your Mirrors

Being able to see out of your mirrors is crucial to staying safe and properly operating a motor vehicle. However, many people do not adjust their mirrors fully or check to see if their mirrors are in the correct place before taking off to their destination. This blog will give you a step-by-step guide to adjusting one's mirrors. 

Step 1: Sit in the driver's seat and get in a comfortable position that you will be able to drive in. Move the seat to the proper position for you. Once, you have found a position then begin adjusting your mirrors. Moving your mirrors prior to moving your seat will cause your mirrors to be out of position. 

Step 2: Maneuver your review mirror, the mirror on the driver's right that is within the car usually mounted in some way to the ceiling or the front windshield of the vehicle. The goal is to move it so that when the driver is in the driving position they can see clearly out of the back of the windshield. Aim for directing it to the center of the back windshield. You want to be able to quickly glance up at the mirror as you are driving and see the road and other vehicles behind you without having to move your body or head an excessive amount. 

Step 3: Locate the controls for your side mirrors. These can normally be found towards the front of the driver’s door. Some older cars may require you to manually move the mirrors. First, move the mirrors all around and learn all the directions the mirror is able to move. Then, position one mirror at a time starting with either the driver’s or passenger’s side mirror. The choice is all yours. Make the necessary movements until you can see the road behind you and a small sliver of the outside of your vehicle. Do this with both mirrors.

Step 4: Sit back in your seat in the position you plan on traveling and look at all of your mirrors. Think about the potential situations you would need to use your mirrors and see if your adjustments fulfill those needs. If all is good, begin on your journey. If all is not good, readjust your mirrors and then begin your journey.

Aug 1 Post

How To Be A Good Passenger

It is important to avoid distractions while driving. One common distraction that people often overlook is their passengers. As a passenger, you are responsible for helping keep yourself, the driver, and other passengers safe while in the vehicle. 

Rule #1 for passengers is to always listen to the driver. The driver is the captain while in the car. The driver is responsible for anything that happens or goes on inside the vehicle. As a passenger, you may be doing something that seems to be mundane, but is in fact obnoxious and distracting to the driver which can lead to catastrophic events. 

Rule #2 for passengers is to always wear seatbelts and safety devices. In the potential instance of a crash, wearing your seatbelt is the safest place to be. Also, if you were to be pulled over by the police the driver would receive a ticket for something you refuse to do. 

Rule #3 for passengers is to not obstruct the driver's view of the road. It is crucial that the driver can see their entire surroundings when they need to. Leaning forward or covering the rearview mirror can be dangerous for the driver and other motorists on the road.  

Rule #4 for passengers is to assist the driver with anything they need. Whether that is helping with directions, responding to text messages, or keeping them company on long trips. 

Rule #5 for passengers is to stay calm. Unnecessary outbursts and not being calm are dangerous to drivers. It is important that one stays calm behind the wheel so it is important not to yell or berate the driver while they are in control of the motor vehicle. Unruly passengers or aggressive backseat driving can cause the driver to freak out and cause a wreck so stay calm. 

Knowing how to drive correctly is principal to staying safe and getting to where you are headed on the road, but it is also important for passengers to aid rather than detract from the driver's skills. 

July Post

5 Tips For Young Drivers 

#1 Put Your Phone Down

Cell phones draw your attention away from focusing on the road. Due to these distractions, phones are a significant contributor to car accidents, especially among young drivers. The best solution is to put your phone away in a safe place where you would not be distracted by it. Though Bluetooth and hands-free devices make using a phone and answering calls somewhat safer. They still allow for distractions and remove your focus on the road.

#2 Prepare For The Weather

It is important to understand the potential weather conditions you will face on the road. Oftentimes, young drivers overestimate their abilities and underestimate the dangers of potential weather conditions. It is crucial that young drivers slow down to prepare for longer stopping distances and visual impairments like rain and snow.

#3 Adjust All Safety Devices 

When driving a motor vehicle, one should be in a comfortable position that allows them to operate the vehicle fully and know their complete surroundings. It is important even if one is going just a short way to adjust the seat, steering wheel, and mirrors. Through properly adjusted mirrors and seats, the driver is able to fully operate the vehicle if any potential hazards were to arise. (We will have a blog post shortly about how to properly adjust your mirrors to enhance road visibility so check back in soon or look a little further down the catalog)

#4 Know Your Surroundings At All Times 

This tip goes along with the previous tip. With proper seating position and adjusted mirrors, the driver is better equipped to see the road. Many young drivers get fixated on what is directly in front of them and lose track of what is happening behind them and further down the road. It is important to check your mirrors regularly and expand your visual view of the road.

#5 Practice Driving

The common phrase is “practice makes perfect”. Though one will probably never be perfect at driving, it is key to drive often. Practicing good habits while driving early is a great way to ensure safe habits as you grow older. Many individuals are often scared of certain driving situations and avoid them, but it is important that you safely attempt these fears for they are not always going to be avoidable. So when you graduate from Drivers Edge, continue to drive and learn from those trusted individuals who have more experience on the roadway.