Essential Driving Tips for Class 5 and 7 Drivers
Whether you’re a new or experienced driver, following essential driving tips can significantly improve your driving safety and performance. Below are some key driving tips to help you stay safe and navigate with confidence.
1. Proper Seatbelt Usage
Ensure your seatbelt is fastened snugly over your chest and low across your hips. Never wear the shoulder strap behind your back or under your arm, as this can cause serious injuries in the event of an accident. Pregnant women should ensure the lap belt is snug and placed under the belly.
2. Daytime Running Lights
If your car does not have automatic daytime running lights, switch on the low beams during daylight hours. This increases visibility and reduces the chances of an accident.
3. Proper Pedal Use
Keep in mind that the clutch is controlled with your left foot, while the brake and gas pedals are controlled with your right foot. Get comfortable with this setup to ensure a swift and accurate response in an emergency situation.
4. Wear Appropriate Footwear
Always wear proper shoes when driving to ensure better control of the brake and accelerator pedals. Avoid wearing high heels or platform shoes, as they can impair your ability to drive safely.
5. Check Tire Pressure
Regularly check your tire pressure, especially when the tires are cold. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the sticker on the driver’s door for the recommended inflation level.
6. Follow Right-of-Way Rules
At intersections, if you’re unsure who has the right of way, always yield to avoid potential collisions. Emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens must always be given the right of way.
7. Yield to Pedestrians
When a pedestrian is crossing the street, be prepared to stop. Never stop and signal for pedestrians to cross mid-block, as drivers behind you may not expect your sudden stop.
8. School Zone Speed Limits
When driving through school zones, slow down to the posted 30 km/h speed limit. This speed limit is in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days or during the hours indicated on the sign.
9. Avoid Sudden Lane Changes
Always check your mirrors and perform a shoulder check before changing lanes, even slightly. This helps ensure your blind spot is clear and minimizes the risk of accidents.
10. Be Mindful of Large Vehicles
Avoid traveling in the blind spots of large vehicles. These vehicles may not be able to see you, which can increase the risk of accidents, especially when you are close to them.
11. Drive Safely Around Logging Trucks
If you’re on one of B.C.’s logging roads, always be cautious. Use your headlights even during daylight hours if your vehicle lacks daytime running lights. Yield to logging trucks and take extra care when approaching slopes or bends.
12. Never Idle for Long Periods
Idling wastes fuel and produces harmful emissions. If you are stopped in a work zone or other situation where you’re instructed to stop, turn off the engine to save fuel and reduce environmental impact.
13. Avoid Stopping on Train Tracks
Never stop on railway tracks when the signal is red at an intersection. Ensure you have enough space to clear the tracks before stopping.
14. Prevent Highway Hypnosis
Highway hypnosis can occur when driving for long stretches without much variation in the road. Take breaks regularly, scan your surroundings, and use stay-awake techniques to prevent fatigue.
15. Know Your Medication’s Effects on Driving
Some medications can impair your ability to drive. Always read the label of any prescription medication you are taking and consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns about the combined effects of multiple medications.
16. Use of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Practice ABS in a safe environment. Never pump the brakes, as this will disable the ABS. Brake noise and vibrations are normal when the system is engaged, so don’t be alarmed.
17. Driving in Poor Weather
In severe weather conditions, it’s best to stay home or use public transport. However, if you must drive in fog, consider using fog lights instead of headlights to improve visibility.
18. Proper Tire Maintenance
Ensure your tires are in good condition, properly inflated, and suitable for the road conditions. Poor tire maintenance can compromise your vehicle’s handling and safety.
19. Caution Around Horses
When passing a horse and rider, reduce your speed and give them plenty of room. Avoid honking your horn as this could startle the horse and cause an accident.
20. Reversing Safely
When reversing into a parking stall, ensure there’s enough room and always use your mirrors and check your surroundings before proceeding. When parking uphill next to a curb, turn the wheels to the right to prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic.
21. Maintaining Safe Distance
When stopping behind another vehicle at an intersection, leave a car-length of space to give yourself room to maneuver if necessary. Increase this gap when stopped behind larger vehicles.
22. Fuel-Efficient Driving
To save fuel and reduce emissions, maintain a steady speed and avoid abrupt accelerations or decelerations. Accelerating quickly and frequently braking can increase fuel consumption.
23. Understanding Lane Changes
When changing lanes, ensure you signal well in advance. Never change lanes in an intersection, as this can confuse other drivers and result in a collision.