We all need a refresher from time to time. This year's tips are focused toward new drivers and challenges they often face; however, even well-practiced drivers can benefit from going back to the basics.
2010 Tips
2009 Tips
2008 Tips
2007 Tips
If there's something in your path, look where you want to go and your steering will follow. Using your eyes to lead your steering will help you successfully maneuver around objects in your way.
Be as smooth as you can. Practice squeezing down and easing off the gas and brake pedals. Your passengers will appreciate it and you will be more predictable to other drivers.
Check your mirrors often and scan your surroundings. If you notice other drivers on the phone, texting or otherwise distracted, give them more space. You may know to eliminate distractions while driving, but watch out for other drivers who don't.
If you're a new driver and you are at the point where friends are legally allowed in your car then put them to work. Have your friends answer your phone, text messages, or adjust the radio while you concentrate on driving.
Speeding is a top contributor to vehicle collisions. If you are speeding other things can go wrong very quickly so challenge yourself to slow down and stick to the limit even when you're in a hurry.
Challenge yourself to limit distractions while driving. If you are focused on driving and not other things, you are more likely to be prepared to safely maneuver out of risky situations. Put away your wireless device and keep both hands on the wheel.
Give yourself enough time to react to risky situations on the road. Challenge yourself to leave a three second following distance between you and the car in front of you.
CHALLENGE yourself to stop completely at a yellow light, instead of trying to run it and risk a dangerous collision in the intersection. When approaching a yellow light, repeat to yourself: Yellow Means Mellow.
CHALLENGE yourself to check your rear-view mirror each time you break. If you see a car coming up too fast from behind, maneuver out of their way to avoid being rear-ended. When driving, repeat to yourself: Foot to Break; Eye to Mirror.
CHALLENGE yourself to turn your head and body when reversing. Don't just rely on mirrors. When preparing to reverse, repeat to yourself: Look First Before I Reverse.
Drive with High Aim Vision. That is, look further down the road—at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle. When in heavy traffic where your view is often blocked, avoid staring at the taillights of the vehicle in front of you. Instead, try to look around or even through the vehicle in front of you. Looking further ahead-High Aim Vision-provides you with more reaction time, and makes you more aware of things all around your vehicle.
Give your driving a S.P.A. treatment: when the road and traffic conditions change, adjust your Speed, Position and Attention level. If the road conditions worsen, or there is more traffic, slow down, choose the best lane to be in or even move your vehicle within its lane slightly to see better, and pay more attention to what's going on around you. Remember, adjust your Speed, Position and Attention to suit the conditions.
Put your cell phone away. Nothing bad will happen if you wait to make your call after you arrive at your destination. Something bad could happen if you don't.
Be patient. If you were to drive as fast as you possibly could, you will only ever gain a few seconds or minutes during a typical commute, but the extra risk inherent in doing so is much greater. Think of taking your time as, "Short term pain for long term gain."
Finally, think about others on the road not as other vehicles, but as people. See other drivers just as they are-as humans-and not as a large mass of steel, rubber and plastic. Every single vehicle on the road with you is driven by a fellow human-treat other vehicles as you would any other human if you were face to face with them.
