Safe Driving Tips - Hold Life in Your Grips

Present generation cars and vehicles are so well teamed up with advanced safety gadgets that accidents should not even be remote possibilities. Yet, we hear of road-accidents every now and then. In fact, fatalities of accidents far outnumber deaths due to other causes and in most cases, you will come to know that the accident could have been avoided had the one behind the wheel abided by safe driving tips. Remember, safe driving tips translate into safety and well being for you as well as others sharing the tarmac with you.

Speed, in all probability, is the most vital of all the safe driving tips. Reckless driving and exceeding speed limit will amount to committing suicide. Maintaining the legal speed limit promises you all the advantages and gives you a superior control while you drive a vehicle.

Wearing safety belts while driving is mandatory in many countries. These days, even passengers are required to use safety belts. Maintaining a safe distance between two vehicles is crucial to avoiding accidents.

Apart from these generic "drive safely" rules, there are some specific safe driving tips, which you need to adhere to in order to steer your vehicle in the right course. Accordingly, a safety tip for bad weather conditions will be to slow down. Driving becomes a big challenge when it rains and snows. The tires lose traction and your vehicle tends to skid. Going slow gives you the opportunity to take defensive action.

Similarly, slow down at intersections and watch-out for the light-signals. The other safety tip you need to abide by at intersections is to make a slow start even when the red light turns green. Always check both the sides - right and left - before driving through an intersection.

Overtaking a vehicle safely necessitates taking certain cautionary measures. You should carefully look into all the mirrors to watch-out for any approaching vehicle and then signal your move into the passing zone. Once in the passing zone, you need to accelerate to go past the other vehicle.

Routine checking of vehicle is essentially a maintenance tip, however, it plays an equally important role in safe driving.

The "last but not the least" tip will be in the same cautious tone - "Never attempt driving unless you are hundred percent attentive and fresh". Even the whole lot of safe driving tips will pledge you no safety if you go about tugging you car even when you are fatigued, tired to the hilt or drive in an intoxicated state. Alcohol and many non-prescription, over-the-counter drugs are known to affect the brain and the central nervous system. This numbs your sensations - blurring your vision, impairing your decision making capability and allowing you lesser time to react - thereby, affecting your driving acumen and proficiency.

David Maillie is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He holds numerous patents including his recently awarded patent for headlight cleaner, repair and restorer. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.mdwholesale.com

Tips When Touring the Australian Countryside

It's always important when you are driving in a country on different roads to what you are used to, to be aware of the driving conditions you will be facing. As you leave the urban areas and the main highways of Australia in order to reach those magnificent tourist destinations and attractions may be well off the beaten track, please note that driving in Australia is another experience when touring the countryside of Australia compared to the cities! Read on for more...

Always have a good idea where you are going. Make sure to study your map beforehand, and get good directions, and figure out what villages and towns are in all of the directions from you. If your vehicle rental has Sat-Nav and a GPS system, know the latitudes and longitudes of the areas that you are travelling to.

Make sure that your hired vehicle is in an excellent roadworthy condition. The last thing you want is to break down in the middle of nowhere, miles from assistance! Before you head out on your Australia expedition route, check your engine for oil and water, and make sure your tyres are in excellent condition.

If you do happen to have an unfortunate accident or breakdown, and you have access to a phone, then dial 000. Probably best to wait in the direction of your vehicle in case you get lost - for this reason don't venture too far away from where your vehicle is.

Gas/petrol stations are quite scarce in these deserted route areas, so make sure you know where the nearest ones are on your route. The last thing you want is to finish up with an empty tank! Such stations could well be over 100km apart from each other, so make sure to be well topped up with fuel.

Whilst driving on your route, keep as close to the edge of the road as possible and especially when you come across large haulage lorries and trucks.

Try driving during the daytime if at all possible - only drive at night if absolutely necessary. Livestock. wild birds, wombats and kangaroos are well known for their nocturnal habits, and the last thing you want is to come across some of them at night on a rural road as your lights dazzle them and you crash into them.

If you are staying in bed and breakfast or guesthouse accommodation along your route, then maybe the best thing to do is ring them in advance and make your booking, and give them the estimated time of your arrival. At least then you will have some place to stay and know in advance as to where you are going.

Ensure to bring plenty of snacks with you on board - like petrol stations there is probably a huge distance gap between road cafes!

Remember to take regular breaks between journeys. It is well noted that tiredness for drivers is one of the main causes of accidents, resulting in a lack of judgement. So please take due care.

Proper planning is the order of the day when touring the beautiful rural areas of Australia. So be proactive, not reactive, and research your route before you set off for exploration.

If you are heading on that driving tour around Australia, you will need to secure a high quality excellent value, and safe rented car. Reserve securely Australia car hire.

John writes for Novacarhire.com - an independent car hire reservation website where you can book low cost car hire at over 5,000 locations worldwide.

Safe Winter Driving

During the winter, driving can be risky and difficult at times. Before you can even think straight, you are slamming on the brakes and plowing into a head-on collision. Unfortunately this scenario plays out several times during the winter travel season. As a seasoned driver you may think you can handle the winter roads, but one factor that you may be overlooking is the inexperienced, unaware drivers.

There are definitely tips and precautions you can put into practice to make sure you are fully prepared for safe winter travel. Do not try to act brave and assume no precautions need to be taken because of your years of driving experience. As this may be true, not even experienced drivers can always control a car on ice. The ice overtakes control of the automobile leaving you the one without control.

Here are some tips to plan and have organized before driving in the winter:

1) Dress appropriately for the winter driving. In case of an accident you want to keep warm in order to have free movement and not be restricted.

2) View the weather reports on your local station or go to The Weather Network to check on local conditions before doing any winter travel.

3) Make sure you are well rested and alert before you get into the car. During winter driving, you need to be awake and have full attention on your driving.

4) Prepare the car with non-perishable items and plenty of water incase you are caught in a snow storm. Keep your cell phone on at all times so you will be able to make that quick call.

Now that you are ready to depart for winter travel, here are some tips to help you stay safe while driving.

1) Allow extra distance between cars.

2) When you realize you are on ice, accelerate slowly and brake steadily. Do not slam on the brakes. Make sure you are continuously pumping the brakes until you can come to a safe stop.

3) If you do start sliding on the ice, make sure you always steer into the skid. This means steer the car in the direction of the backend. Do not jerk the car as this will send you into a spin.

4) If you have ABS, remember in the winter weather this system will need more distance to come to a complete stop.

5) The most important tip is to stay alert and keep your eyes on the road at all times during winter travel.

If you are unsure of how to drive in the winter, then you may want to consider taking an advanced driving course for winter weather. Here are a few winter driving courses to consider:

Ottawa Area - http://www.mco.org/cms/index.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=11

East GTA Area - [http://www.accentdrivingschool.com/course-driving-schedule.php]

Eastern Ontario Area - http://www.drivingskills.on.ca/

West GTA Area - http://www.skidcontrolschool.com/

As always, the best option is to stay off the roads during severe winter weather. If this is not an option, then make sure to use the above tips to be prepared for your winter travel.

Liane Wood is a chartered insurance professional and registered insurance broker specializing in personal and small business insurance. Visit her website at: http://www.Insurance-Rates.ca.

Tips For Easy Driving in Europe

GETTING AROUND EUROPE

Driving in Europe

Travelling around in Europe can cause a great deal of trepidation in many travellers. Whilst Europe is renowned for its fast and reliable trains, we chose to drive ourselves. Eurail passes are very popular amongst travellers to Europe, but when we did the figures and calculated the cost of four passes, we realised it was going to be cheaper to have our own car. Having a car also gave us more flexibility which is very important when travelling with children. Another advantage of having your own car is that you don't need to carry your luggage everywhere.

Our car was booked using the Peugeot Leasing scheme. This is a scheme where you actually purchase a brand new vehicle (Renault and Citroen have the same deals) and Peugeot guarantee to buy it back from you at the end of your trip.

This is a special arrangement that allows the French to get their vehicles into other European countries tax free, therefore saving some money.

Another added bonus is that full comprehensive insurance and a full factory warranty are included, as are unlimited kilometres. The daily rental rate reduces the longer you lease the car, and our Peugeot 407 diesel station wagon cost around $70 per day for 44 days. We chose a diesel model for the better fuel efficiency. Fuel is even dearer in Europe than in Australia, and whilst we paid more at the pump for diesel, the improved fuel efficiency made it worthwhile. The tax-free leasing scheme is only valid for rentals of 17 days or more, so if you require a car for less than 17 days, hiring is the way to go.

General driving tips

Whilst it may take a little while to get used to driving on the 'wrong' side of the road, we found the driving relatively easy. European drivers are quite courteous and we didn't witness any 'road rage' incidents, however they do drive fast!! In Germany, the autobahns (freeways) don't have a speed limit, so it is not unusual for cars to speed past you at 200 kph!! We decided not to try and outdo the locals, so we tended to stay in the 'slow' lane, doing 160 kph! Don't feel you have to keep up - most autobahns/autostrades are three or four lanes in each direction, so stick to the far right and let the speedsters use the other two lanes.
Allow plenty of time on your trip for delays such as roadworks. When three lanes suddenly becomes one lane, it certainly slows down the traffic.

"Autogrille" restaurants which are situated along the autobahns/autostrades offer an excellent choice of food. Unlike our service centre restaurants in Australia, "Autogrille" offers a wide range of foods, often in a buffet-type set up, with a full menu, not just the usual fried take aways.

European road signs

Driving in smaller towns can sometimes provide for an interesting experience, too! Many 'old towns' still retain their cobblestones and are pedestrian-only zones, whilst some of Italy's towns have streets so narrow you wonder how a car could ever drive down it! Public car parks are always sign-posted and are generally only a few hundred metres from the town centre, so take advantage of them.

In cities, use public transport or walk to save the hassle and cost of inner-city parking. Public transport in most European cities is clean, convenient, efficient and cheap.

Music

It's a good idea to take a couple of CDs or an iPod, especially a couple of the kids' favourites if you are travelling with children. On long trips, having some familiar music can keep them happily entertained. Whilst most radio stations play plenty of English-language songs, of course the announcers speak the local language.

Child Restraints

In many countries in Europe, the use of a restraint system is mandatory for children up to 10 years old. Kids up to seven must use an approved child restraint seat, whilst those from 7 - 10 require a booster seat. Check in advance with your car hire/lease company to make sure these are available for hire (an additional fee will apply).

Security

Never leave your valuables on display in your car even if you are only going to be away from it for a short time. Always carry your passport, money, credit cards, airline tickets, etc in a money belt on your person, and remember, thieves love cameras and laptops, so lock them in the boot out of sight.

Maps

Have a really good map of your destination town/city and know exactly where your accommodation is located. There is nothing more frustrating than driving around a city trying to locate your hotel if you have absolutely no idea where you are! This is guaranteed to cause tempers to fray and get your stay in your new location off to a bad start! Find out in advance if your hotel/apartment has parking available, and print off a map and directions to your destination using Google maps, Mappy.com, The AA route planner, or Via Michelin.

Stick to the golden rule that, when driving in Europe, four eyes are better than two! Whenever we approach an intersection or roundabout, both driver and passenger check both ways for traffic to be doubly sure that it is clear to proceed.

Tolls/vignettes

Many autobahns/autostrades have toll booths so always carry some coins to pay for these. Tolls are determined by the distance you travel on the autobahn/autostrade. Some toll booths accept credit cards, but not all, so be prepared.

Switzerland and Austria also require motorists to purchase a Vignette. These can be purchased at Swiss and Austrian border crossings or nearby petrol stations. The Swiss vignette is valid for one year and costs (approximately) 40 Swiss francs, whilst the Austrian vignette can be purchased for periods of 10 days, 3 months or 1 year (cost approximately 7.70 Euros for 10 days).

Road signs

Road signs in Europe are generally very similar to those in Australia. Many signs showing distances to towns, cities, or popular tourist attractions, are in the local language as well as English.

International Driving Permit

If you are planning on driving whist in Europe, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit prior to your departure from Australia. An IDP is an internationally recognised form of identification, and in many cases is a pre-requisite for hiring a car. IDPs can be purchased from your local motoring organisation (RACV, NRMA, etc) by presenting your current drivers licence and a passport-sized photo. The International Driving Permit is valid for 12 months, and at the time of writing cost around $30.

Happy travels!

Carolyn Schonafinger is the founder of online European travel directory http://www.HolidaysToEurope.com.au. Carolyn has travelled extensively in Europe and has used the tax-free leasing program on a number of occasions. Carolyn is happy to answer your travel questions about European holidays.

Winter Driving Tips

When winter weather strikes the best thing to do is to stay
home or wherever you may be at the time. But if you
absolutely must be driving, then here are some tips from the
experts to keep you safe.

First of all, make sure your car is in perfect working
order. If you need to be driving in a lot of snowy
conditions get four good snow tires.

Know what your car can and cannot do in the snow.

Keep a snow brush, ice scraper, shovel, and a bag of sand
in the trunk. Place the sandbag over the rear axle. Add
extra windshield washer fluid, a blanket and old clothes and
boots as well.

Pack a burlap bag, grocery bag, cardboard, deicer, or fresh
cat litter for traction in case you get stuck.

Take extra time to make sure your windows, sideview
mirrors and lights are all brushed clean of snow.

Clean the snow off the entire car so it doesn't blow onto
your windshield or fly into windshields of other drivers.
Keep gas tank always over half full.

Accelerate, drive, turn and brake slowly and gently.

Leave plenty of distance between you and other cars.
Turn headlights on low beam during daylight. It will make
it easier for other drivers to see you.

Try to back into the garage or parking space. Pulling out
will be easier than backing out.

Always turn into a skid. If the drive wheels start to spin
or slide while going up a hill, ease off on the accelerator
slightly and then gently resume speed.

Decelerate well in advance of a turn or stopping point.

When approaching a stop with alternate patches of ice and
bare pavement brake as you cross the bare spot and coast
over the ice.

Stay at least 15 car lengths (200 feet) back from sanders
and plows.

Don't use cruise control or overdrive.

Call ahead and let your destination know your approximate
arrival time. Likewise, when you arrive at your destination
call and let your family and friends know you have arrived
safely.

And lastly, keep your car clean. Corrosive chemicals, salt
and gravel are damaging to cars and their exteriors.

For more information on protecting your car during winter
weather visit:

http://www.apluswriting.net/gasmiles/5starshine.htm

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Author: Marilyn Pokorney Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading. Website: http://www.apluswriting.net

Tips To Select Instructors For Advanced Driving Course

Do you want to become an expert driver? Taking an advanced course will make you a matured driver who can be very safe and secured on the roads. Becoming an expert driver does not mean you can drive at lightening speeds. It is important to follow the safety instructions which are meant to safeguard human lives. Speed thrills but kills. The instructors in advanced driving course will help you to overcome difficult situations on road sides and reach home safely. I have tried to give some points on how to select an instructor during the course.

Qualified schools: There are numbers of websites with plentiful reliable instructors in the country. Go through them and find the best pick among all schools. It is understood that top most schools will have reliable instructors. It is important for the tutors to have passed these exams with a top grade.

Any school that offers extremely lower fee amount should be avoided on all grounds. Cheap lessons cannot save human lives. It can only bring monetary values.

It is important to enquire about the age of tutors. It will tell immense about the experience of the instructors and an aged instructor might give valuable lessons to the participants. Experience is the best teacher. Anyone with less than 8 years of experience cannot be good instructors. Participants are here for valuable lessons that will be used for lifetime and a half hearted driver cannot offer those lessons at any cost.

It is important to know about the model of car available for teaching the skills. There are many models being used by different schools and instructors might have their own favorites. Diesel model and petrol model will determine the amount of fees collected. The car should be maintained properly so that the participants will find the classes interesting.

Make sure to enquire about the various modules included in driving. The modules must contain courses on how to drive on highways, normal road conditions, town driving, hilly areas and other extreme weather conditions. It is good to learn all these aspects from your instructor. He/she must be an expert in driving in all these areas. It is only through experience a person can gain good amount of knowledge in driving.

It is a good question to ask about the prices that your tutor might pay for his driving insurance. This will determine his characteristics of driving. A good driver with clean records will always pay lesser amount and if he pays more, it is good to ask questions on that issue. A bad driver cannot be a good teacher. Advanced driving course should have a good instructor to achieve its ultimate goal.

Practical sessions will be of great help to the lessons. Professional instructor will guide through all the phases and will help you to understand the values of safe driving.

The above discussed tips will help you to select the best of driving schools and instructors for an advanced driving course.

Rajkumar Jonnala works for Adrenalin, Australia's leading online suppliers of unique Gift ideas which includes things to do in Melbourne, fathers day gifts, advanced driving course, rally driving experience, hot air balloon melbourne.

Winter-Proofing Your Car - Tips For a Smooth Drive During Winters

Preparation is the key to survival when conditions are harsh. If you live in regions characterized by long winters, you would definitely know what I am talking about. Let's face it, winters are harsh and unforgiving, not only for us but for our vehicles as well. If we don't prepare ourselves and our vehicles for winter conditions, the merciless weather will definitely prove overpowering.

As far as our vehicles are concerned, they perform best under standard conditions of temperature and pressure. Since winters are usually extreme, it is imperative that you prepare your vehicle to handle such conditions or else you could risk damage to the vehicle along with a serious threat to your own safety on the road.

To protect your vehicle in winters, you don't need to cover it with a blanket. You need to take care of some simple things to make sure your vehicle is in peak condition to tackle unfriendly conditions like cold temperatures, wet slippery roads, snow, rains and other uncertainties.

Before the onset of winter, make sure you either get your vehicle serviced properly from a qualified mechanic or follow these steps to boost its immunity.

Engine Oil change: Make sure you have changed the Engine Oil / Motor Oil in your vehicle before approaching winter. Usually engine oil needs to be changed after every 3000 to 5000 miles. You need to check your vehicle's maintenance log to know whether your vehicle requires an engine oil change. If there has been no engine oil change in the past 6 months, you should definitely consider one to avoid damage to your engine during winter. Coolant change: The antifreeze or coolant level in your vehicle also needs to be checked. The coolant reservoir should be full and the radiator filled to the brim. Usually 50% water is mixed in proportion with the antifreeze but it is advisable to fill your vehicle with only antifreeze before winter as water can freeze at cold temperatures. Since antifreeze keeps the engine cool, lack of it due to freezing or decrease in level can result in an overheated engine. Tire change (if needed): It is important that the tires in your vehicle are suitable for winter diving (all weather tires) and they have a tread depth of around 4/32 of an inch to tackle the cold, wet and usually slippery roads in winter. You can ask a mechanic to gauge the depth of tire treads or buy a tread measuring device and do it yourself. These devices are available at local spare-part stores. You can also check if your tires need a replacement by locating the "wear bars" on them. These are rubber marks located within the treads all around the circumference of tires. If the treads have reached the level of these wear-bars, the tires need to be replaced. Also, maintain the tire pressure at recommended levels and monitor it every 2 weeks during winter. Tires tend to lose pressure quickly in cold weather. You must also keep a fit spare tire in your vehicle in case the need arises. Windshield Wipers: You might need to replace the windshield wipers every year and it is always advisable to do it before winters. Some wipers can even last longer and it is up to you to ascertain whether the wipers in your car are doing their job or not. On a rainy day or perhaps in snow, a windshield wiper will definitely be a friend and a helping hand while you drive. Lights: Each light in your vehicle is very important under every condition but more so in winters. In climates characterized by low light, rain, snow, fog etc. lights not only serve for your visibility but also for the visibility of other vehicles and pedestrians on the road. Each light has its own function and their importance is accentuated during the dark and hazy winters. Battery: Make sure your car battery is producing at least 12 volts of charge. You can check this by connecting a normal voltmeter to the battery. In case it is not doing so, you should consult a battery mechanic. A discharged battery can strand you in the middle of nowhere and that is bad in any condition let alone in winter.

Apart from these basic maintenance tips, you must also consider some winter driving tips for your safety and that of your vehicle:

Keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Since there are chances of skidding, apply brakes gently instead of stomping the pedal. The stopping distance in winters is usually exaggerated. Drive at low speeds. Winter conditions are uncertain and cold and wet roads can pose a threat even to the most experienced of drivers and the most advanced of cars. Precaution is the first prerequisite to safety.

Don't push the engine to higher revs. More acceleration means more chances for the tires to skid under wet, snowy and mucky conditions.

A garage is always the best place to park the vehicle overnight. If you park your vehicle outside in the cold, there are more chances that you might experience starting problems in the morning. Also, it is advisable to avoid parking your vehicle on roadside in wet and snowy weather since there is a great danger from skidding vehicles. Parking under trees is also discouraged in winter as dry trees tend to succumb to heavy rains and weight of the snow.

If you take care of some simple things before setting off in your vehicle during winters, you will definitely not experience any problematic journeys due to extreme weather conditions. A bit of preparation and a bit of restraint is the key to a harmless winter.

Safe Driving Tips

Years ago I took a Defensive Driving Course and many of the techniques stuck with me. Indeed, some of them probably kept me out of serious accidents. Here are a few of the common sense tips I learned:

1. When traveling on a 4 lane or wider highway always stay in the right hand lane (at least in the good old USA) unless you are passing someone.

If an oncoming car loses control, and swerves across the median, the chances are that he will hit a vehicle in the left lane before hitting one in the right lane. So the right lane is the safest place to be. Always play the odds in your favor.

Along the same lines, if you're traveling in the left lane and someone coming towards you swerves across the line, you have very little time to react. This is how head-on collisions occur.

Curves are especially dangerous in this respect. The next time you are traveling around a curve on a road where there is no median, look at how worn the center line is. This is from cars crossing over into the oncoming lane. Be cautious, and stay to the right, especially on curves.

2. When traveling on a multi-lane road always give yourself maneuvering room in case another car looses control. Don't drive along right next to another vehicle, especially big trucks. One false move and you could get tangled up under the wheels of an 18 wheeler.

The idea is to always have an escape area, or a space to the front, rear and sides of your vehicle. That way if something goes wrong you have a place to maneuver into in order to avoid crashing.

3. Distance between you and the vehicle in front of you is absolutely critical. You must be able to maneuver, under control, if something happens to the vehicle in front of you.

This is especially true if you are traveling in the rain or snow. Allow yourself additional space if the road conditions are bad, because you can't stop as fast as you could under normal conditions.

When road conditions are bad you don't want to be in the position where you have to make a panic stop, because then you will lose control of your vehicle. You must be able to slow down gradually and under control.

If someone behind you gets impatient and passes you, simply back off and put an appropriate distance between you and them. It could save your life.

4. Be very cautious at stop signs and traffic lights. Whenever you take off from a stop sign or a traffic light after stopping, always look for oncoming cars that may be turning in front of you, and for cross traffic from both directions on the street you are going to cross. Don't assume that someone is going to stop just because they have a red light or a stop sign. Don't pull out in front of them until you are sure they have committed to stopping or yielding the right-of-way to you.

Also, when you are driving down the road always be on the look out for drivers who may not stop at side streets or intersections where they have either a stop sign or a red light. When you see someone approaching, slow down and be ready to stop just in case they don't....and when slowing down always be aware of how close cars behind you are. You don't want to slow down too quickly with someone on your rear bumper.

5. Don't trust that a car is going to turn just because they have their turn signal on. If you're waiting to pull out and a car is coming with it's turn-signal on just wait until they actually commit to turning before you pull out.

6. With the advent of cell phones and navigation devices it's more important now than it ever has been to be cautious and observant when driving. Your life and your passenger's lives may depend on it, so be careful and be safe out there!

Tony Iorio is the webmaster and publisher of InsiderCarSecrets.com, a web site that helps people save money, time and aggravation when buying a car. All of the information, tips and secrets found on this web site have been gleaned from his 37 years of successful, experience working in car dealerships as a Service Manager, a Body Shop Manager, a Car Salesman, a Finance Manager and as a Sales Manager. He has also owned and successfully operated an independent body shop and a used car dealership. For additional automotive related tips visit Car Care Tips

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Rain Driving Safety Tips

No matter the season, time of year or area of the country you live in, you'll want to be prepared for when the rain falls and disrupts your drive time.

Be Cautious

During especially heavy rain or fog, don't hesitate to pull over to the side of the road or completely off the road until visibility is better.

Braking In The Rain

It's crucial to slow down when driving in rain. It's also important to brake properly during rain. Make sure to brake slowly and more softly than usual. Also, brake earlier so that you can warn the person behind you that you are slowing down.

Puddles and Flooding

Try to avoid going through puddles. Stay on the inner area of the road if at all possible. On freeways and highways, large and heavy trucks tend to stay on the outer lanes, making them more susceptible to puddles. Staying on inner lanes of a highway or road, will allow you to avoid many puddles.

Tires

If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, consider getting special tires that are meant to increase performance, traction and safety when it's raining. In addition, carrying snow chains is a smart idea should you be in an area where it snows. Rain can suddenly turn to snow, so having chains can be extremely important.

Lights

For extra safety, turn on your headlights during the day, especially if visibility is lessened by fog, mist or heavy rain. Turning on your lights helps your visibility and makes your vehicle much easier to see for other vehicles, especially those in oncoming traffic.

Avoid Flooded Areas

It's important to avoid flooded areas completely. When you see running water going across a roadway, do not attempt to cross it. Find an alternate route or simply wait.

Allow More Time

If you're traveling long distances when it's storming or the forecast is for rainy weather, make sure to leave early and allow plenty of extra time to get to your destination. This will allow you to drive as slow and safe as you need to get there safely.

Don't forget to exercise caution and common sense when driving in the rain, that's the most important thing.

View the original article here

Tips to Avoid Stress While Driving

Driving is a very necessary thing as it provided us with that transport facility which is at our beck and call. Imagine you living without a transport and not able to go to any as you wish and desire at any time during the day. There are folks who live in big cities like New York, San Francisco or Boston who do not have a car as the parking facilities are expensive. They usually end up renting cars or using the public transport system.

Coming to driving you need to very careful while driving as it is not only your life which is at stake but also of other fellow drivers and the pedestrians on the road. Make sure that you check your car before you start from home that all the brakes as well as the fluids are in order.

Also rash driving is another cause which causes so many accidents. Stress is another factor which can cause accidents. Most people who drive recklessly will invariable have either have too much stress which they carry with them or they are thinking about something while driving.

As a general advice clear your mind of anything which happened at home or the office so that drive safely as opposed to using the driving time to think of family and office issues. They cause you to not concentrate on the road and that is usually ok till the time you do not have to act in an emergency situation.

Bust most of the times when you have to make a quick decision while driving you do not have a clear mind and hence your mind can go blank and your body may not react at all.

That is why do some exercises while you begin your road journey to de-stress. A lot stress is caused by discomfort so make sure that you adjust your seat properly before you even begin the car engine. If you are driving long distances then make sure you stop in between to relax and stretch.

Also long distance causes your back to strain so make sure that you have an adjustable support or a pillow in between the car seat and your back so that your lumbar area is getting good support.

Never drink before driving as that can cloud your mental faculties and can lead to your arrest also if you are caught driving. Cellphone is another distraction that can cause accidents so make sure that you have cellphone on speaker or an earphone and you do not have to hold the phone in your hand.

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What Are Advanced Driving Lessons?

Advanced driving lessons are part of a course that helps novice drivers improve their driving skills. Although advanced driving lessons are given to law enforcement officers and those who drive emergency vehicles, there is also a need for teenage drivers to have some advanced driving lessons, as well.

Statistics have shown that new drivers are much more likely to be involved in an accident during the first two years they drive than they are at any other time. Although that doesn't only include teens, but drivers who learn late in life as well, the majority of us get our drivers license while we are still in our teens.

Advanced driving lessons pick up where the basic drivers education leaves off. A registered instructor will teach new drivers techniques that will help them handle unexpected situations that can come as a result of hazardous weather conditions or from other drivers.

What Will I Learn From Advanced Driving Lessons

One of the most important things you will learn from advanced driving lessons is how to observe the road, to always be aware of what's going on around you, and how to use good judgment based on what you see. The only way you can be prepared for any circumstances is if you are aware of the dangers before you get to them.

You will also learn to keep space around your vehicle. When there is a large pack of traffic, avoid it. The more vehicles there are in proximity to yours, the more likely an accident can occur from a driver's unexpected move. It is important to be cautious at all times, but not to the point that you become paranoid. If you are unsure of a situation, it is better to err on the side of safety.

Different types of weather pose different threats on the road. It isn't always possible to know what you are going to run into unexpectedly. Rain that comes after a long dry period may mix with oil that has leaked onto the highway. This causes a lot of accidents since drivers don't always pay attention to what is on the road. Advanced driving lessons will cover all types of weather and how to handle your vehicle in all types of situations. It is probably obvious to most of us that sleet, snow, ice, and fog can cause hazardous conditions. However, even bright sunshine on a clear day can impair your visibility.

Advanced driving lessons will also cover skidding. You will learn what causes them, how to prevent them, and what to do once your vehicle has begun to skid. Knowing what to do to stop your vehicle from skidding will help most of the time. It is also important to know how to keep calm and not panic when a skid does happen. Advanced driving lessons will teach you how to stay in the right frame of mind so that you can take action and put your new driving skills to use.

If you have a teenager that has just gotten his/her license, you may want to consider signing them up for advanced driving lessons. It is the best step you can take to ensure their safety on the road.

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Big Trucks Driving Tips

Autos come in a variety of shapes, heights and sizes from an original Mini Cooper to a 50 ton 18 wheel truck sporting a trailer or a tractor with a haul in tow. For reasons that will be made clearer in the course of this article, it is much tougher to operate and remain in control of a motor vehicle as the size of it increases. Additional care should be taken at all times when operating a vehicle like a big truck; this is not to say no care should be taken when driving ordinary vehicles! Regardless of whether you own a truck or are going to buy trucks, here are some tips for consideration when driving a big truck:

Ensure that your mirrors are adjusted correctly to suite your height and driving position. Larger trucks often only have the left and right mirrors to check blind spots and the rear of the vehicle. When driving, keep firmly in your mind that there could be a vehicle behind you which because of your size, you may not be able to see.

When turning left or right, more so right (Country specific, not everyone drives on the right or left side of the road) ensure that you take corners widely, wide cornering is needed purely because of the length of the vehicle. Taking corners too closely can be especially hazardous and result in a serious mishap. One way to avoid such an unpleasant incident is to pass your turning slightly so that you are square with the turn, this will mean you are on the opposite side of the road when manoeuvring and you will need to give way to oncoming traffic still, just take it slow and easy many drivers are courteous and will let you take your corner.

Pay attention to low bridges, over hanging tress and overhead cables. Know the height and width of your vehicle will avoid any accidents or collisions with said obstacles. Many experienced drivers have problems in this scenario. Often there will be plenty of notice of a low bridge or low overhead cables. Trees and other natural environmental factors obviously will provide no warning.

Ensure you use the breaks correctly; apply them early and not too hard. The larger the vehicle the heavier, the longer it will take you to come to a complete stop. Driving at the correct distances recommended by the standards agency will help you to remain safe on the roads.

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Five Top Safety Tips for Long Distance Driving

distance driving is to get to your destination safely. We all know someone who says, "The time to get there is usually six hours; I did it in four and a half!" Speed should not be your primary focus. If you focus on getting there in the fastest amount of time, mistakes and errors in judgment can be made. Here are five tips to reach your destination in one piece.

1. Have a Current AAA Plus Membership Card with you. This annual membership provides 24-hour roadside service. The regular card will only transport your car to the nearest repair shop, give a battery charge, or change a tire for a fee of under $50. The AAA Plus card provides additional services. They will tow you for 100 miles for free, a definite convenience for long distance driving. The AAA plus also allows free fuel service, and a $750 traffic accident continuation trip if you are 50 miles or more from home.

2. Do Not Use Cruise Control. Long distance driving can have a hypnotic and fatiguing effect. Cruise control emphasizes and enhances that effect. Especially if you are tired, cruise control's ability to stay at the same speed can quickly lull you into sleep. Your eyes can close at that critical moment when traffic slows down, and you're still driving at 70 miles per hour. Lose control of the car, and you have an accident waiting to happen. Drive the car on your own so you can speed up or stop at a moment's notice as needed.

3. Don't Eat Heavy Food during the trip. You are going to be sitting and stationary for several hours at a time. Fast food in your stomach will give you a bloated and heavy feeling. Heavy and greasy food like double cheeseburgers, French fries, pizza, fried chicken and biscuits will contribute to the desire to take a nap. Better to eat light food like salads, soup, fruit cups and juice during the trip to keep your head clear. Coffee or hot chocolate is always a safe bet for long distance driving.

4. Stop and Get Rest in a Safe Place. Contrary to popular belief, boyfriends and husbands, long distance driving demands frequent rest stops. Fatigue can overtake you quickly, especially if you only watch the road in front of you instead of taking in the scenery while you drive. Be aware of overall discomfort, muscle aches in the neck, arms and shoulders. This is your body telling you it needs a break. When your tank is half empty, take bathroom and gasoline breaks at the same time. Stop in the refreshment area, walk around, clear your head, get some food, and then take a nap. Never park in the outskirts of a rest stop; park near another car or truck. Parking next to a van with a traveling family is always a safe bet. Park in front of a fast food restaurant, and then go to sleep. You may be surprised to see another driver next to your car doing the same thing!

5. Listen to Fast, Upbeat Music. This is not the time to listen to classical music or talk radio. Unless the topic is something that excites you, talk radio can lower your alertness. Instead, listen to upbeat music, especially anything that makes you want to sing along. Play music you haven't heard before, like Hip Hop, Salsa, or Reggae. Change the radio station whenever you reach a new state. Bring some tapes you enjoy, or have a tape made of fast, stimulating music just for your long distance drives.

Long distance driving can and should be a fun experience. The quality of the drive should be better than the quantity of arriving at your destination quickly, but exhausted. Use these tips on your next trip, and see the change in your driving attitude.

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Snow Tires and Other Winter Driving Tips

Winter driving can be incredibly difficult to those who have never tried to navigate snowy, icy, slippery roads. There are plenty of different tips that can help these different people to learn the condition of the roads.

There are some modifications that you can make to your vehicle to help you as you drive. There are other modifications that you simply need to make to your driving habits, working to drive safely in poor conditions. These various winter driving tips will help you to do both, giving you the best winter driving skills possible.

Snow Tires

Snow tires are some of the greatest tools available for those who live in areas with strong winter weather. These tires are important for those who are driving on both snow and ice, and must do so on a regular basis. The tires create friction, while the power of the steel and the weight of the vehicle help break through the ice.

Slower Driving

If you are going to be driving in winter weather, you must drive slower than you would on a normal, clear day. While this may seem like a somewhat obvious rule, those who have never driven in snow may not understand the impact that it may have on a vehicle. Turns must be taken slower, as taking a turn at a normal speed in ice and snow can cause the car to slide. Snow and ice simply make it impossible to control the vehicle.

Distance and Time

There are two different tips for you to consider while driving in winter weather. The first tip to consider is the distances that you must consider while driving. It is important for you to give yourself more time to stop while driving. You may slip and slide as you brake, and need more space to do so. Distance is also important when considering the cars in front of you - you will need more space to adjust to their movements because of potential sliding.

The final simple tip to follow when driving during winter weather is to give yourself more time to get from one place to another. Many fail to focus on the safety required for winter driving because they are in a rush to get from one place to another. Simply give yourself more time to be on the road and you can focus on safe driving.

It is important for all winter drivers to take as many winter driving precautions as possible. Snow tires are often important for those in heavy snow conditions. The rest of the driving tips are important in any type of poor winter weather conditions. While there may only be a small layer of snow on the road, you should still practice safe winter driving.

These are not the only tips that you should be looking for when learning how to drive in the snow. There is more research to be done to ensure that you will be as safe as possible as you travel in winter weather.

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