Category: Driving News

Defensive driving is always great for many reasons, not just insurance! Here are just a few of the reasons why you should give defensive driving a chance:

1. Increased Safety

• Helps prevent collisions by anticipating potential hazards.
• Encourages scanning the road ahead, checking mirrors, and being prepared for others’ mistakes.

2. Lower Insurance Costs

• Many insurers offer discounts for completing defensive driving courses.
• A clean driving record (fewer accidents and tickets) also keeps premiums lower.

3. Reduced Vehicle Wear and Tear

• Smooth braking and acceleration prevent unnecessary strain on your car’s engine, brakes, and tires.
• This can lead to fewer repairs and longer vehicle life.

4. Fewer Traffic Violations

• Defensive drivers are less likely to speed, run red lights, or make risky lane changes.
• This helps avoid fines, points on your license, and license suspensions.

5. Reduced Stress Behind the Wheel

• Being prepared and alert helps you stay calm and make better decisions.
• You’ll feel more in control and less reactive to aggressive or erratic drivers.

The 3-Second Rule (Normal Conditions):

• Pick a fixed point (like a sign or tree).

• When the vehicle in front passes it, count: “One-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three.”

• If you reach the same point before you finish counting, you’re too close.

• This gives you enough time to react and brake safely in ideal conditions.

Increase to 4-6 Seconds:

• In poor weather (rain, snow, ice)

• At night

• On gravel or wet roads

• When driving behind large vehicles that block your view

Braking Distance (More Precise):

Here’s a rough idea of how much space is needed to stop, based on speed:

Manitoba Public Insurance will offer a condensed version of its high school driver education program this summer because of high demand.

Condensed Driver Z Program Details:

• Reason: High demand for driver education.

• Duration: Reduced from 12 weeks to 5 weeks.

• Format:

  • 2 weeks of virtual classes

  • 3 weeks of in-car lessons

Does the course’s shortened length due to demand affect the students? The course is now under half of what it usually is, seemingly making it more demanding. Is it beneficial if three months’ worth of lessons are compacted into just over a month?

Here are the most common summer driving issues—and how to stay safe:

1. Overheated Engines

What Happens: High temperatures, especially in stop-and-go traffic, can cause your engine to overheat.

Prevention Tips:

• Check coolant levels regularly and top off if needed.
• Keep an eye on your temperature gauge.
• If overheating, turn off the A/C and pull over safely.

2. Tire Blowouts

What Happens: Hot pavement increases air pressure in tires, which can lead to blowouts—especially if the tires are worn or underinflated.

Prevention Tips:

• Check tire pressure regularly (including the spare).
• Inspect for cracks, bulges, or worn tread.
• Avoid driving on very hot pavement at high speeds for long durations when possible.

3. Dehydration and Driver Fatigue

What Happens: Heat can lead to dehydration, drowsiness, and slower reaction times behind the wheel.

Prevention Tips:

• Drink plenty of water, especially on long trips.
• Take breaks every 2 hours to rest and cool off.
• Avoid driving during the hottest part of the day (usually mid-afternoon).

4. Increased Traffic

What Happens: Summer means more road trips, construction projects, and tourist traffic, all of which can cause congestion and aggressive driving.

Prevention Tips:

• Use traffic apps to plan your route and avoid delays.
• Stay patient and don’t rush—leave early if needed.
• Watch out for out-of-town drivers who may be unfamiliar with local roads.

5. More Teen Drivers and Vacationers

What Happens: Schools are out, which means more inexperienced drivers and rental cars on the road.

Prevention Tips:

• Be extra cautious near high schools, beaches, or vacation hotspots.
• Drive defensively and expect unpredictable behavior.
• Give other drivers plenty of space.

6. Glare and Sun Exposure

What Happens: Sun glare can reduce visibility, while prolonged exposure can cause discomfort or even sunburn through your windshield.

Prevention Tips:

• Wear polarized sunglasses while driving.
• Use your sun visor strategically.
• Apply sunscreen if you’re driving for long periods in direct sunlight.

7. More Motorcycles, Bicycles, and Pedestrians

What Happens: Summer weather brings out more people on two wheels or on foot, which increases the risk of collisions.

Prevention Tips:

• Check blind spots carefully before changing lanes.
• Slow down near crosswalks and bike lanes.
• Give cyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing.

Summer is also the best time for teens to practice driving and take driving lessons because they now have so much free time. As always, have a fun and safe summer, and be cautious on the roads!

Car crashes are an unfortunate reality of life on the road. While some are minor fender-benders, others can be life-changing. Understanding the most common types of car accidents can help drivers stay alert and potentially avoid dangerous situations. Here’s a breakdown of the most frequent types of collisions and tips to reduce your risk.

1. Rear-End Collisions

What Happens: One vehicle crashes into the back of another.
Why It Happens: Tailgating, distracted driving, sudden stops.
Prevention Tips:

• Always maintain a safe following distance.
• Pay attention to traffic flow and brake lights ahead.
• Avoid distractions like texting or eating while driving.

2. Side-Impact Collisions (T-Bone Crashes)

What Happens: One vehicle strikes the side of another, often at intersections.
Why It Happens: Running red lights, failing to yield, misjudging traffic.
Prevention Tips:

• Look both ways at intersections, even on green lights.
• Slow down when approaching any intersection.
• Be extra cautious when turning left across traffic.

3. Head-On Collisions

What Happens: Two vehicles crash front-to-front, often at high speed.
Why It Happens: Wrong-way driving, drowsy or impaired driving, overtaking on two-lane roads.
Prevention Tips:

• Stay alert and in your lane, especially on rural roads.
• Never pass on curves or hills where visibility is low.
• Avoid driving when fatigued or under the influence.

4. Sideswipe Collisions

What Happens: Two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite direction scrape sides.
Why It Happens: Unsafe lane changes, not checking blind spots.
Prevention Tips:

• Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
• Use turn signals.
• Stay in your lane and avoid distractions.

5. Single-Vehicle Accidents

What Happens: A car hits an object, animal, or goes off-road without involving another car.
Why It Happens: Speeding, poor weather conditions, loss of control, falling asleep at the wheel.
Prevention Tips:

• Drive according to weather and road conditions.
• Avoid distractions and fatigue.
• Don’t speed—especially on unfamiliar roads.

6. Parking Lot Accidents

What Happens: Low-speed collisions, often involving backing up or poor visibility.
Why It Happens: Inattention, limited visibility, tight spaces.
Prevention Tips:

• Back into parking spots when possible for better visibility when exiting.
• Drive slowly and carefully in lots.
• Use your mirrors and backup camera if equipped.

But… like always to reduce the likelihood of crashing you should take as many driving lessons as possible. One-on-one classes are one of the best ways to improve your driving skills and to make sure you reduce you chance of crashing!

Ever cruising down the highway when suddenly your steering wheel begins to shake? Well here are a few possibilites:

🔧 1. Tire Issues: The #1 Culprit

If your wheel shakes—especially at certain speeds—the first thing to check is your tires.

Common causes:

• Imbalanced tires: Small weight differences can cause vibration at highway speeds.
• Uneven tire wear: Caused by poor alignment or underinflation.
• Bent rims: From potholes or curbs.

🛠️ Fix it: Visit a tire shop for balancing or alignment. If a rim is bent, it may need replacing.

🛣️ 2. Alignment Problems

Your car’s wheels should point straight and be in sync. If they’re not? Cue the shake.

Signs of bad alignment:

• Pulling to one side
• Uneven tire wear
• Shaky steering, especially at higher speeds

🛠️ Fix it: Get a professional wheel alignment—it’s usually quick and affordable.

🛑 3. Brake Troubles

If the shaking happens when you’re braking, it could be your rotors.

Possible issues:

• Warped brake rotors
• Worn-out brake pads
• Stuck calipers

🛠️ Fix it: A mechanic can resurface or replace your rotors. Don’t ignore brake-related shakes—they’re a safety issue.

⚙️ 4. Suspension or Steering System Issues

Less common, but more serious: your suspension or steering components might be worn or loose.

Symptoms:

• Shaking at all speeds
• Clunking noises over bumps
• Loose or “wandering” steering feel

🛠️ Fix it: This one needs a professional diagnosis. Worn ball joints, tie rods, or struts can all be culprits.

If this is not the only issue you have been having in terms of driving you should either contact a handyman, or assess your driving needs with a driving school. Driving schools are an overlooked resource as they can help you stay safe in an activity that you most likely do everyday, in ways such as DUI/Risk-Reduction, Driver’s Education, or Etc. Like always, we hope you have a great day! Stay safe on the roads!

During the month of spring, there are many great festivities and moments to see nature bloom, but that can sometimes mean negative things for our roads. Here are a few:

🛣️ 1. Watch Out for Potholes

• Snow, ice, and salt leave behind nasty potholes that can wreck your suspension or blow a tire.
• Tip: Don’t swerve to avoid them suddenly—slow down if you see one coming, and keep your tires properly inflated to minimize damage.

🌧️ 2. Rain!

• Spring showers = slick roads and low visibility.
• Hydroplaning is a real risk, especially when rain first starts falling.
• Tip: Slow down, keep your distance, and make sure your wiper blades are in good shape.

🐰 3. Watch for Wildlife

• Spring = active animal season.
• Deer, raccoons, and other critters are on the move, especially in the early morning and evening.
• Tip: Be extra cautious in wooded areas and watch for glowing eyes at night.

🌼 4. Allergies? Keep ‘Em Out of the Car

• Pollen season can hit hard—especially for allergy sufferers.
• Tip: Change your cabin air filter and keep windows up when driving through high-pollen areas.

If you have any other questions about driving, feel free to contact A-1 Driving Schools. Our Driver’s Education program is designed for the students, and questions are always welcomed in class! Have a safe spring!

 

On January 26, 2025, Tom Welling, best known for his role as Clark Kent in Smallville, was arrested in Yreka, California, on suspicion of driving under the influence. The arrest occurred shortly after midnight in the parking lot of an Arby’s. Welling, 47, was booked into the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office around 2 a.m. and released several hours later. His blood alcohol concentration was reported to be at or above the legal limit of 0.08%. ​

Arrests like these can show us that anything is possible. Celebrities maintain a life in the spotlife and their decisions are made public very fast just like this case. A poor lack of judgement, even if it doesn’t happen very often, can be life-threatening to you or other people. To reduce the risk of a DUI if you have been drinking call a friend or an Uber, because they’d much rather pick you up than have you arrested or even worse injured. If you or a loved one are facing charges for a DUI(DUI/Risk-Reduction Course), make sure to go to a certified driving school as your safety is our top priority.

Replacing a tire may seem daunting, but it is accomplishable as long as you follow these 9 steps!

🧰 What You’ll Need

Most cars come with the basics, but double-check you’ve got:

• Spare tire (fully inflated)

• Car jack

• Lug wrench (aka tire iron)

• Wheel wedges or heavy rocks (to stop rolling)

• Flashlight (if it’s dark)

• Gloves & a kneeling pad (optional but nice)

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🔧 Step-by-Step: Changing the Tire

1. Apply Wheel Wedges

Place them behind the tires opposite the flat one to keep the car from rolling.

2. Remove the Hubcap (If Applicable)

Use a flathead screwdriver or the back of the lug wrench to pry it off gently.

3. Loosen the Lug Nuts

• Use the lug wrench to turn the nuts counterclockwise.

• Don’t take them off yet—just break the resistance.

• Pro tip: Stand on the wrench arm if they’re really stuck.

4. Position the Jack and Lift the Car

• Find your car’s jack point (check the owner’s manual—usually near the flat tire).

• Crank the jack until the flat tire is about 6 inches off the ground.

5. Remove the Lug Nuts and the Flat Tire

• Now take the nuts all the way off and keep them somewhere safe (like inside the hubcap).

• Pull the flat tire straight toward you and set it aside.

6. Mount the Spare Tire

• Line up the holes with the lug bolts and push it on.

• Hand-tighten the lug nuts.

7. Lower the Car

• Use the jack to carefully lower the car until the spare just touches the ground.

• Now tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite sides) to make sure it’s even.

8. Fully Lower the Car & Finish Tightening

• Bring the car all the way down, remove the jack, and double-check that all lug nuts are tight.

9. Replace the Hubcap (If It Fits)

Some spares don’t allow room for it, and that’s fine.

And as always make sure before you hit the road you or a driving school, have informed yourself about how to safely and properly drive. If you feel concerned about your ability to drive and if it’s up to par, take driving lessons or a driver’s education course!

But I thought break fluid was fake… well then what is it? Well believe it or not, you’re not alone and this is a frequently asked question. Here’s exactly what it is incase you don’t already know.

🔧 What Brake Fluid Does:

• Transfers Force: When you press the brake pedal, brake fluid transmits that force from your foot to the brakes at each wheel.

• Hydraulic System: Brake systems use hydraulics, meaning they rely on non-compressible fluid to multiply force and apply the brakes.

• Heat Resistance: It’s specially designed to withstand the high temperatures generated during braking without boiling.

⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Have It:

• Spongy Brake Pedal: Low or old fluid can make your pedal feel soft or unresponsive.

• Brake Failure: In extreme cases, especially if there’s air or moisture in the lines, you could lose braking ability completely.

• Corrosion: Old brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which can corrode brake parts.

If you have anymore questions or just want to expand going to a certified driving school is always helpful. Driver’s Education programs can help you develop and hone your driving skills, and teachers will always be willing to answer your questions! Stay safe while on the road!