You Need To Memorize These 5 Defensive Driving Tips Once And For All

Oct 11, 2018 by apost team

During any type of storm, braking becomes a source of danger. When driving, pay attention to winding turns, crosswalks, and common stops for busses--these are probably the most slippery locations you want to know about. Also, braking can be dangerous near certain landmarks such as on and off ramps to highways, bridges, tunnels, and any type of overpass.

When it starts to get colder, braking is dangerous even when there's seemingly plenty of distance between two cars. One way to improve your braking is to not only be aware of what's right in front of you but also what's ahead of cars in front of you. Being aware of what's ahead of you can help you brake in case of an accident. Also, if you have a clutch pedal, avoid pressing on it while also pressing on the brake because your tires can start to drift.

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When you start to lose control of your vehicle, you're likely drifting. Knowing which type of drift you're encountering can help you get control back. Here are the three main types of drifting:

Full Loss Of Control: This is when each of your four wheels starts to slide, and your car's movements are virtually impossible to predict.

When You're Sliding: This is known as a slide. Generally, your front wheels are in control, but your back ones are doing all the sliding. You might notice that your car will want to turn rapidly and unexpectedly.

When You're Drifting: This is known as a drift. It's opposite of a slide: your car's back wheels are in control but the front ones start to slide around. This can cause your car to have forward motion when turning.

Once you have a solid foundation of knowledge surrounding the types of drifts, you can begin imagining how to regain control of your vehicle. Here is a list of tips on how to control your car when it's drifting:

Your car has started drifting. You're tempted to stomp on the brake pedal, but don't do it. It's best not to brake.

If you have a car known as rear-wheeled, you want to turn the wheel of your car in the same direction that your car is drifting.

On the contrary, if your front wheel drive car starts to slide in a bend, you have to ease off the gas, not slam on it.

Once your car stops drifting, quickly get your wheel facing front as to avoid an opposite direction drift.

Be Aware Of The Road:

• Do brake checks in the winter. Gently tap on the brakes on an icy road.
• If your car acts like it wants to stop, you're good.
• If you feel your car is sliding, you'll want to be extra cautious.

The Half Rule: Speed limits are there for ideal conditions. In the winter, divide the speed limit in half to get a more accurate limit for the weather. For example, 50mph becomes 25mph in the winter.

Same Surface: Aim to keep all of the tires of your car on the exact same surface when possible.

A High Gear: In especially icy situations, you want to drive in a higher gear.

Use apps to your advantage! Have your phone send you reminders so you can keep your car as safe as possible.

Which of these driving tips do you already have down pat? Let us know in the comments and show this article to your friends and family to keep them safe, especially now that winter is coming up!