Essential Safe Driving Tips and Techniques
Developing Good Driving Habits
When driving, you should develop good habits such as:
- Not staring at an object for more than 2 seconds.
Maintaining Safe Following Distance
When driving, you should stay at least:
- Two seconds or one car length per 10 mph behind the vehicle in front of you to give yourself time to react.
The 3-Second Rule
What is the 3-second rule used for?
- Maintaining a safe following distance.
Skid Control
If you go into a skid:
- Take your foot off the gas pedal.
If you are driving and your car goes into a skid, you should:
- Turn the car in the direction that the rear of the car is skidding.
Dealing with Wet Conditions
After driving through a deep puddle, you should:
- Test your brakes.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is a driving condition where tires lose traction on a wet road and float on a layer of water or slush.
- Recommendation: Slow down.
Brake Failure
If your brakes suddenly give out, you should:
- Pump the brakes, reduce speed by shifting to a lower gear, and use your parking brake.
Tire Blowout
If you experience a blowout while driving, you should:
- Gradually slow down.
Parking on a Hill
What position should your wheels be in when parking on a downhill street with the curb to the right?
- Towards the curb.
Stopping Distance
What is the stopping distance on dry pavement when your car is going over 50 mph?
- 247 feet.
Using High Beams
High beam lights are used for:
- Open country driving over 40 mph on any unlit roadway.
Passing on the Right
You may pass on the right when:
- The driver ahead of you is turning left and there is a proper lane on the right.
Using Parking Lights
You should use your parking lights when:
- Parking.
Returning to the Roadway
When on the side of the road (on a dirt shoulder) and returning to the roadway, you should:
- Slow down and turn your wheel slightly to re-enter the roadway.