Category: Driving News

There are many common misconceptions about driving that can lead to unsafe practices, legal trouble, or general confusion. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most widespread ones:

1. “Hands-free means risk-free.”

• Reality: While using a hands-free device is legal in many places, studies show it’s still a major cognitive distraction. Your brain is focused on the conversation, not the road.

2. “I drive better when I’m a little buzzed.”

• Reality: This is a dangerous myth. Even small amounts of alcohol impair reaction time, coordination, and judgment. “Buzzed driving is drunk driving.”

3. “Speeding slightly is no big deal.”

• Reality: Even 5–10 mph over the speed limit increases stopping distance and the severity of crashes. It’s also illegal and can still get you ticketed.

4. “I don’t need to use a turn signal if no one is around.”

• Reality: Using your signal is still essential—it’s a habit that promotes safety and is required by law. Skipping it can cause issues if someone appears unexpectedly.

5. “Four-wheel drive makes you invincible in snow or rain.”

• Reality: 4WD helps with traction but doesn’t improve braking or cornering on slick surfaces. Many crashes happen because drivers overestimate 4WD capabilities.

6. “Newer cars don’t need maintenance as often.”

• Reality: Modern cars are more reliable, but skipping oil changes, brake checks, or tire rotations can still lead to breakdowns and expensive repairs.

7. “It’s okay to coast in neutral to save gas.”

• Reality: Coasting in neutral can reduce control of the vehicle, especially downhill. Modern fuel-injected engines often use less fuel when you coast in gear.

8. “You only need to check your mirrors—not blind spots.”

• Reality: Mirrors don’t show everything. A quick shoulder check is critical, especially when changing lanes.

9. “If the speed limit is 70 mph, it’s safe to drive 70 mph in any condition.”

• Reality: Speed limits are for ideal conditions. You’re legally and morally expected to slow down in rain, fog, or heavy traffic.

10. “You can’t get a ticket for driving too slowly.”

• Reality: Driving significantly below the speed limit can be dangerous and illegal, especially if it disrupts the flow of traffic.

11. “I don’t need to practice driving before my road test! I’ll be fine.”

• Reality: No, you will not. The reality of driving is much different than our minds depict it to be. Before even attempting a road test you should have had 6-hours of driving lessons with an instructor!

 

Who is Joshua?

Joshua Robert Brown was a high achieving teen who was bound for great things, as he had been accepted into a prestigious music school in Boston, which he was supposed to attend after his high school graduation. Tragically these plans were cut short by a terrible accident. Joshua’s truck hit a puddle of water leading him to hydroplane and crash into a tree. Joshua fought for his life for nine days but his life was cut short on July 9th.

What is Joshua’s Law?

After Joshua’s death, his parents, Alan and Christy Brown, advocated for stronger driver education. With the help of Alan and Christy the requirements have developed safer roads!

For 16-year-olds to get a Class D license:

• Complete 30 hours of classroom instruction (or online equivalent)

• Do 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training at a driving school (or 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 of which must be at night)

• Hold a learner’s permit (Class CP) for at least 1 year and 1 day

• Pass a road test

17-year-olds must meet similar requirements, but the classroom and driving course isn’t always mandatory depending on their permit date.

Driving in a torrential downpour is dangerous, but if you must drive, here are critical tips to do it as safely as possible:

🚗 Before You Drive

1. Wait it out if possible – Avoid driving unless it’s absolutely necessary.
2. Check your wipers – Make sure your windshield wipers work well.
3. Turn on headlights – Even during the day, use low beams for visibility.
4. Inspect tires – Proper tread and inflation are essential to avoid hydroplaning.

🌧️ While Driving

1. Slow Down

• Rain reduces traction. Drive 10–20 mph slower than usual.
• Speeding increases the risk of hydroplaning.

2. Keep Distance

• Triple your following distance from other cars.
• Avoid sudden braking – brake gently to avoid skidding.

3. Avoid Standing Water

• Never drive through flooded roads. It only takes 6 inches of water to stall a car and 12 inches to sweep it away.
• If you can’t judge the depth, turn around.

4. Use the Center Lanes

• Water pools more in the outside lanes and along curbs.

5. Defog Your Windows

• Use AC or defroster to maintain clear visibility.
• Open windows slightly if needed.

⚠️ If You Start to Hydroplane

• Don’t brake or turn suddenly.
• Ease off the gas, keep the steering wheel straight.
• If your car starts to spin, turn gently in the direction you want to go.

🛑 If Visibility Is Near Zero

• Pull over to a safe area (not the shoulder if possible).
• Turn on hazard lights.
• Wait until the rain eases before continuing.

 

Hand-over-hand turning is a steering technique where one hand pulls the wheel down while the other crosses over to continue turning it. It’s widely taught in driver’s education and offers several key benefits:

✅ Benefits of Hand-Over-Hand Turning:

1. More control during sharp turns

• Especially useful for tight corners, U-turns, and parking.
• Lets you turn the wheel more quickly and accurately.

2. Keeps both hands on the wheel longer

• Compared to one-handed turning, this method keeps more consistent contact, improving control.

3. Better balance and body position

• Helps keep your upper body centered and balanced, which matters if you need to make quick corrections.

4. Safer for emergency maneuvers

• You can respond faster when swerving or recovering from a skid.

5. Improved precision at low speeds

• Ideal for slow maneuvers like parallel parking, 3-point turns, or driving in tight spaces.

⚠️ Note:

• At higher speeds, like on highways, you usually don’t need full hand-over-hand turns—push-pull steering (also called shuffle steering) is smoother and safer.
• In vehicles with airbags, some instructors now recommend keeping hands at 9 and 3 o’clock instead of crossing your arms fully, to avoid injury if the airbag deploys.

 

If you get in a wreck, here’s exactly what you should do step-by-step, as calmly and safely as possible:

 1. Check for injuries

• Check yourself and passengers for injuries first.
• If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.

 2. Move to safety (if possible)

• If the car is drivable and it’s safe, move it to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic.
• If not, turn on your hazard lights and stay in the car unless it’s unsafe (like fire, smoke, etc.).

3. Call the police

• Even for minor accidents, it’s usually legally required to call the police, especially if there are injuries or major damage.
• They’ll file an official report which is important for insurance.

4. Document everything

Take clear photos or videos of:

• Damage to both cars
• License plates
• The scene (position of cars, street signs, debris, etc.)
• Any injuries if visible

5. Exchange information

Get this from the other driver:

• Name
• Phone number
• Driver’s license
• License plate number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Take a photo of their insurance card if possible

Do not admit fault — just stick to the facts.

 6. Get witness info (if any)

• Ask for names and contact details of anyone who saw what happened.

7. Report to your insurance

• Call or use your insurance app to report the accident as soon as possible.
• Provide all details and photos you took.

8. Get a copy of the police report

• You may need this for your insurance claim.
• Ask the officer how to obtain it.

If you have any other questions about driving contact A1-Driving Schools @ a1drivingschools.com!

If you hydroplane (lose traction and start sliding on wet roads), stay calm and take these steps right away:

🚨 1. Don’t slam on the brakes

• Braking hard can make you skid more.

• Ease off the gas pedal slowly.

🛞 2. Steer gently in the direction you want to go

• Don’t jerk the wheel — just steer smoothly to stay straight.
• If your car’s back end is sliding out, gently steer into the skid to regain control.

⚙️ 3. Wait until you regain traction

• Your tires will eventually reconnect with the road.

• When they do, you can begin to gently steer or brake if needed.

⛔️ 4. Avoid sudden moves

• No sharp turns.

• No quick acceleration or hard braking.

🧠 Bonus: How to prevent hydroplaning

• Drive slower in rain or puddles.

• Make sure your tires have good tread and are properly inflated.

• Avoid using cruise control on wet roads.

• Drive in the tracks of the car in front of you if possible.

If you have any further questions about driving contact us at A1-Driving Schools! Courses like risk reduction can help deepen your understanding of situations like these, so try and take one!

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!