Driving Tips

AAA Driving Tips

Good driving is the result of sound techniques executed with courtesy and common sense. Observe posted speed limits and pay close attention to road signs and traffic lights. Pass only when you are certain of ample clear space ahead. Always signal your intentions. Be certain that your vehicle or combination can negotiate the road you plan to take. Most important, the way you drive should be appropriate for the prevailing road, traffic and weather conditions.

Superhighways
Driving such high-speed roadways as freeways, expressways or interstates requires some adjustments in your driving habits. Because access is limited, it is important to plan exit points and service stops well in advance. High speeds make it vital to look well ahead in order to spot potential hazards and to maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Entering and leaving a superhighway require special techniques. As you move down the ramp to enter the highway, check traffic with quick glances over your shoulder and in the outside mirror. Find a gap in the through lane, then time your approach to blend into the gap at traffic-flow speed. Do not stop unless there is absolutely no choice. You might have to adjust your speed in the acceleration lane to merge smoothly with other traffic. Always signal! When you leave a freeway, signal but do not slow down until you are completely in the deceleration lane, then slow to the posted exit speed. Once off the freeway, give yourself time to adjust to congestion and slower speeds.

Travel in the proper lane. On a two-lane freeway the right lane is the through lane and the left lane is for passing. On three-lane highways, slower through traffic stays to the right, moving to the center lane if possible when approaching merge areas. Higher speed through traffic uses the center lane; the left lane is for passing. As much as possible, use the passing lane for passing only. Watch well ahead for exit signs so you can be in the correct lane in plenty of time to exit safely. If you miss your intended exit, continue to the next one. To back up invites diaster, and is illegal.

Should your car become disabled, pull as far into the shoulder of the road as you can. Activate the four-way flashers or place warning devices to alert other drivers. If visibility is poor, do both, staying alert for oncoming traffic. A raised hood or trunk lid, or a cloth tied to an antenna or left door handle, should signal emergency personnel. Stay with your car until assistance arrives. To re-enter the freeway, accelerate on the shoulder and blend into the through lane at traffic speed.

Mountain Driving
On curves, keep to the right and obey the posted safe speed. Don't ride the brake when going down long, steep hills. Shift to a lower gear before starting downhill and let the engine compression slow the vehicle.

Should the engine stop, even though you have plenty of fuel, you may have a vapor lock. Pull over to a safe position and allow the engine to cool. If you are hauling a trailer or driving a heavy motorhome up a long grade, pull over occasionally to allow other vehicles to pass.

Desert Driving
Desert driving presents few of the risks of the past, but there are ways to increase comfort and safety. Consider driving during the relatively cooler hours of early morning and evening. Carry drinking water--at least 5 gallons in a plastic container. Stay on the main roads.

Check your tires in the morning to see that they are at the recommended driving pressure. Prevent excessive pressure buildup by driving for moderate periods of time. If you think the car is riding dangerously hard, pull over and let the tires cool.

Before you start out be certain not only that the radiator is in good condition and filled to the correct level with the proper combination of coolant and water, but also that all the hoses are sound; once underway, keep an eye on the temperature gauge. Check the oil when you stop for fuel.

Sandstorms and rainstorms can rise suddenly in the desert. If one does and your vision is so obscured that its dangerous to drive, pull off the road and wait until it's over. But don't stop in a low place that could become a raceway for a flash flood.

Winter Driving
Once you are underway, keep moving slowly and steadly. Increase following distances. On glare ice at 25 degrees Fahrenheit, a car traveling at 20 mph requires 150 feet to stop when equipped with regular tires, 120 feet with studded snow tires and 75 feet with reinforced tire chains. When slowing down or stopping, always apply the brake pedal slowly and gently, yet firmly to a point just before the wheels lock.

Steering on snowy or icy surfaces requires smooth, careful precise movements of the steering wheel. If a skid does develop keep your foot off the brake and disconnect the driving force from the drive wheels by disengaging the clutch on a manual transmission or shifting into neutral on an automatic transmission. Next, steer smoothly in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Take care not to over correct, or you might skid in the opposite direction.

On upgrades, keep far enough behind the vehicle ahead so that you won't have to slow down or stop. This will allow you to maneuver around obstacles and to gain a little extra speed at the bottom of the hill to give momentum that will help carry you over the top. At the hill crest, reduce speed to a minimum, then descend in a low gear with as little braking as possible. If you must brake, do so gently to avoid locking the wheels and skidding. Be especially watchful for ice that forms on bridges and overpases before it forms on roadways.

Night Driving
At night, drive at a speed that permits you to stop within your range of vision. As a rule, the speed limit that is reasonable for daytime is too fast at night. Be sure that your windshield is clean inside and out, and that the windshield wipers are clean and in good condition. Keep your headlights clean as well.

Never look directly into oncoming headlights; look instead at the right side of the road to stay on course. Never wear sunglasses to reduce glare. Inside your car, dim the light on the instrument panel. Be sure to dim your headlights for approaching traffic and for vehicles ahead of you. Your brights reflect from the mirrors of the car ahead and back into your own eyes.

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