General Driving Part 1
November 5, 2014
Learning to Drive Standard Transmission
Are you taking on the challenge of driving a vehicle with a standard transmission. Know that the gear selector naturally rests between 3rd & 4th. Therefore, to get 1st & 2nd you pull the shifter toward you. Togo from 2nd to 3rd – push the selector forward into neutral and forward again to get 3rd. To get 5th & “R” push the selector away.
Keep in mind that 1st & “R” are the toughest gears to master!
Students return to school
The children are returning to school next week, let’s adjust our driving – slow down in school zones & stop for school buses until the lights are off.
Scan & look for crossing guards, crosswalks, and children running toward intersection.
Knocked Down
Occasionally, life knocks us down.
When life knocks you down, be sure to land on your back!
Because if you can look up, you can get up! —- Les Brown
Danger Zone
The danger zone is the stretch of roadway through which your vehicle will pass before it comes to a stop. If an obstacle is in your ‘danger zone’, you will be unable to stop in time. Increased weight, speeds & compromised road conditions increase your danger zone!
Adequate following distances will allow you to scan & identify hazards early, thus keeping you out of trouble.
Licence Class
In BC, you only require a Class 3 for tandem axle vehicles.
The vehicle in the image can be driven with a Class 5 licence. If the vehicle is equipped with air brakes, the operator will be required to hold an air brake endorsement.
InBC & Nfld, you can’t operate a Class 3 vehicle with a Class 2 licence.
Freeway Driving: Continuity Lines – the unknown road marking
Continuity lines are wider and closer together than other lane markings. If these lines are on your left (driver’s side) the lane you are in is either going to end or exit.
Continuity lines are most common on on-ramps & exit ramps on limited access highways & freeways.
Road Construction — Summer time is construction time
Every year, road workers are needlessly killed because drivers speed in construction zones or are recklessly impatient. It’s summer time: know that there are going to be delays due to construction, congestions and caravans.
In the summer time, many factors come together to slow you down. Plan your route accordingly & allow extra time.
Level Railway Crossings
In Canada every year, 50 – 70 people are killed at level railway crossing.
Statistic show that Hollywood movie depictions are wrong – if you race a train, YOU WILL LOSE!
Stopping Positions at different intersections
Three Stoping Position:
- Before the stop line
- Before the crosswalk or sidewalk
- Before the place where the two roads intersect or meet
Many new and veteran drivers do not know this information. It remains crucial knowledge for a road test.
Wet Roads at Night
For both experienced and new drivers alike, wet roads at night compromise visibility. The water on the road creates glare and distractions rendering road markings almost invisible.
Reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and focus on known landmarks (light standards, oncoming traffic, and the road edge) to keep in your lane.
Learner’s Test
The test is multiple choice: read all the choices thoroughly. The right answer may not always be the best answer – pick the best answer!
Several sites provide practice driving tests – use these as a study tool,, not as a test of your knowledge.
Steering Wheel Hand Position —- The New Hand Position
Traffic safety professionals are now advocating that 8 & 4 are the new steering wheel positions. This is due to possible air bag deployment and the re-design of the steering wheel.
On a road test, either hand-over-hand or hand-to-hand are acceptable for turning.
Eliminating Novice Driver Distractions
Remove all distraction when assisting the novice driver. Clear the dashboard and remove anything hanging from the rear-view mirror. As well, keep the radio off.
Learning to drive is a complex task-minimize distractions in the vehicle.
High Visibility Cycling Jacket
Yellow Taxi Cab painted their cars yellow because it is the colour seen from the farthest distance. Yellow cycling jackets are a necessity for being seen while riding.
A cycling jacket can be purchased for less than $50, & it’s as important as a helmet.
Bicycle Helmets —- Always wear a helmet when cycling
People almost always suffer long term effects if they incur a brain injury. The good news is that the use and proper fitting of helmets greatly reduces the likelihood of a person being inflicted with this awful injury.
Properly fitted & adjusted helmets help prevent head injuries.
Hand Signals —- Know Your Hand Signals
Cyclists, a number of motorbike riders and car drivers use hand signals to communicate their intentions.
With the warm sunshine, cyclists & riders are abound on our roads.
Continues to General Driving Part 2
