Introduction to Video Series
A driver’s license comes with a lot of responsibility. Put safety first, study the driver’s handbook, check that your vehicle is in good working condition. The anticipation of taking the driving test can be overwhelming but don’t worry, we will prepare you with the tools you need to be a safe and confident driver.
Part of learning how to drive a car safely is developing safe driving habits. As you learn to drive do the following 7 things every time you get in the car. It will develop them into a habit. Experienced drivers have developed habits that keep them safe when driving a car.
1. Walk Around the Car
a) When learning how to drive a car get in the habit of walking around the car before you get in. Then you’ll see if there are any obstacles in front or behind you. There have been many tragic accidents when children were hidden behind cars that backed out of driveways.
b) You’ll also notice if there is any damage to your car. If someone scratched your car in a parking lot, you want to know before you drive away.
2. Adjust your Seat
You need to be high enough to see clearly and close enough to use the accelerator and brake. You also need to be at least 10 inches back from the airbag so if it explodes, you won’t get hurt.Tip: Use your measuring tape to make sure you’re at least 10 inches from the steering wheel. Once you have measured the distance use Lauren’s tip below to adjust your seat properly without the measuring tape.
3. Adjust Your Mirrors
On most modern cars, blind spots can be minimized or eliminated by setting the driver-side and passenger-side mirrors correctly.
Simply follow Lauren’s instructions below.
“Cars have blind spots because we adjust our mirrors improperly. When you look at your side mirrors you can probably see the side of your car.
Why do you want to see that? It’s going where the front of the car is going, and no one is going to steal your gas cap at 65 mph.
As drivers we have this notion that we need to see how our car is positioned in the lane through our rear view mirrors. (Just look out the windshield for that.) Your mirrors may also overlap with the rear view mirror. (Meaning, when you look in both your side mirrors and your rear view mirror, you see the same objects.) This isn’t taking full advantage of the visual possibilities of side mirrors.”
4. Adjust Your Headrest
The headrest has a purpose beyond comfort. If you get in a crash, the headrest will support your head and could keep you from getting whiplash. You need to make sure you position it properly before driving a car.
Position the headrest so it’s squarely behind your head. When you’re sitting upright (ready to drive) your head should be within a couple of inches of the headrest.
5. Adjust the steering wheel
Adjust the steering wheel so it’s comfortable. Slightly tilted is best.
6. Do your “Seatbelt Check!”
7. Lock the doors
(If they don’t automatically lock when you put the car in gear.)
Since you will most likely learn how to drive a car in your parent’s car you will need to do the above every time you drive the car.
