My dad taught me to drive, and there are several phrases he used to say while I was driving. He said them so many times that I hear his voice often when I drive today. I would like to share them with you:
- For every 10 miles an hour in speed you are driving on the highway, you should be that many seconds behind the car in front of you. 10 miles per hour = 1 second.
- Always stop so you can see the rear tires of the car in front of you. It gives you a chance to move in the event of a stalled car and keeps you from hitting someone if rear ended.
- A right turn is always safer than a left turn.
- Always try and drive ahead of yourself, if you see traffic slowing down ahead, slow down too.
- Always try and know what/who is around you, check the mirrors often, you never know when you have to swerve and it would be good to know the space beside you is not occupied.
- 18 wheelers can’t see very well, be prepared for them to pull in front of you (cut you off) on the highway (this happened just when my dad was telling me).
- Large vehicles & trucks are heavy, you don’t want to be in front of them if they have to slow down or stop quick.
- Keep both hands on the wheel, it puts you in better control if a tire fails.
- Try not to drive when you are tired, accidents happen when you are not mentally alert. Rest if you need to.
- They are not motorcycles, they’re called donorcycles (he meant organ donor). In a wreck, a vehicle is physically around you to help protect you.
- Make sure the people who ride with you wear their seat belts.
– Dom
Dominic Pruitt 