Driving. You know, controlling a two-ton metal contraption filled with wires that runs on gasoline down a wide variety of streets and around turns so sharp that you question the legality of them. Yeah, driving. The ultimate embodiment of freedom and commitment rolled together for sometimes staggering prices. While driving is awesome and I honestly do not know how I would be getting the education I am without a car, for some, driving is more anxiety-inducing than helpful. In an effort to encourage road safety and because I am a bit crazy when it comes to driving, I have compiled a small list of tips and tricks for the road as you travel not only this summer but throughout the year.
1. Beware of hills
It is different everywhere, but I have seen this in many states where there are large hills. Police officers are notorious for setting up speed traps at the bottom of hills, which is actually very smart in some respects. The car will accelerate as it goes down the hill even without your foot on the gas due to gravity. Some people forget this and while cops expect a little over the limit, flying past is not advised.
2. Mind the curves
No. Not those curves, but mind those too. Curves in the road are deceiving. Take great caution with how fast you round a curve, because if you take one too fast, you could cause a very bad accident. Take them slower on days when it is raining to help lower your chance of hydroplaning. Not driving fast around curves is also how you avoid whiplash for yourself and your passengers.
3. Rain, Rain, Oh gosh rain
The number one thing they tell you in driving school to be aware of is the possibility of hydroplaning, which is when enough water gets between the tire of the vehicle and the road, causing a loss of contact that then prevents the vehicle from responding to control inputs. Here is what you do: do not freak out, ease your foot off the gas, turn your wheel in the directon you want to go, just wait for the skid to stop as most only last a split second and brake carefully. Make sure you can see through your windshield. If the wipers are on their highest setting and you cannot see, you should not be on the road. Finally, just something that was recommended to me: if you do not feel comfortable driving in the rain, pull over until the rain stops. It is better to drive and be sure in your ability to handle your car than not and possibly hurt yourself and/or others.
4. Foggy
Fog is not your friend while driving. It can greatly reduce your visability and make driving a hassle. You should drive with your regular headlights on when it is foggy, so other cars can see you, so you can see them and the road. Fog is dangerous mainly due to the fact that it reduces how far you can see, meaning turns, road markings and other cars can appear farther or closer than they are. In these situations I have found it is best to drive slow and be a bit over cautious.
5. Hail/Sleet
Hail is one that people tend to forget because it does not happen all to often. Hail is dangerous more because of the damage it can cause to the vehicle. From what I've seen, it is best to avoid driving in a hailstorm because driving can increase the amount of damge hail can do to the vehicle.
6. Snow and ice
Snow is just...evil. If you live somewhere where it snows you will understand what I mean. The key to driving in snow, at least in my experience, is just taking it slow, especially before and even after roads have been cleared due to the possibility of ice. It is recommended that you clear off your car as much as possible before departing for three reasons: snow can fly off while you are driving, hit the windshield of another driver and make them crash; it can slide onto your windshield and make you crash; and to make sure you have as many places to look out as possible while driving. It also just looks silly if you have chunks of snow flying off the car.
7. Sun
The sun is probably the least problematic when it comes to driving. The solution is to wear sunglasses to reduce the glare through the windshield. This makes it easier to see out while also shielding your eyes.
8. Signs and lights
Please, try to obey signs and speed limits. They are posted for a reason and they are not a suggestion. They are posted because that is the maximum speed at which it is safest to drive on that particular area of road. Please do not speed up at a yellow light, if you do not get through and slam on the breaks, you will wear them out faster and replacing them can be hassle. Also, remember to come to a complete stop at stop signs, look to see if you have the right of way before proceeding and then proceed.
9. Seat belts and safety
Always wear a seat belt!! Most accidents occur within 25 miles of home; this is due in part because it is where you drive most often so you relax and are not always as vigilent as you should be. Driving is a privilege, not a right so take great car when driving to pay attention to your surroundings. Put the cellphone out of reach, or if you must use it pull over or get a headset. If and when something goes wrong, do not panic! In the words of my driver's ed teacher, the absolute worst thing you can do behind the wheel other than forgetting your seat belt is panic. The three rules he always told us were leave your ego at home, always wear your seat belt, and relax. Good luck out there drivers!
