Question:

Why is it so important to develop safe driving habits?

Answer:

Have you ever tried to break a bad habit?  Most of us have and you know it is NOT an easy thing to do!  It is much easier to develop a good habit than it is to break a bad one!

It is much easier for a new driver to develop good habits than it is for them to break a bad habit later which is why it is so important to develop SAFE HABITS from day 1 as we learn to drive.  Whether you are the new driver, or the parent of a new driver, this is key!

I tell all my students during their first lesson that I will repeat myself a lot!  I warn them that you may think to yourself “Kim, I’m doing that”, but I’ll still repeat myself ...

Question:

Why is it so important to focus when driving?

Answer:

I would like to tell you that you need to be focused on driving 100% of the time when behind the wheel, but that is just not possible.  We are human – occasionally our attention moves to something else and we lose focus.  Having said that, it is critical to stay focused on driving when behind the wheel and the best way to do this is to focus on the things that make you a safe, defensive driver.

There is SO MUCH going on around you when you are driving, here are some of the main things you should focus on:

• Focus on your safe driving habits
• Focus on other drivers and pedestrians
• Focus on signs and lines
• Focus on crosswalks and markings on ...
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Question:

What are some important key words we should always keep in mind when we drive?

Answer:

We have already covered the words RESPONSIBLE and RISK in the last two months and this month we will cover another very important word, or two words, that will help keep drivers and those around them safe – COMMON SENSE!

COMMON SENSE

What is common sense?  The actual definition of common sense is:

            Good sense and sounds judgement in practical matters.

Common sense does not require specialized training or education, it simply means using your sound judgement and good sense and applying it to situations you come across in life, including while on the road.  You&...

Question:

What are some important key words we should always keep in mind when we drive?

Answer:

In April we touched on one of the key words we should always keep in mind when driving – responsible.  This month we will talk about another very important word – RISK.

RISK

What is “risk”? 

“Risk” is defined as when you put yourself in DANGER!!

When you take a risk, you put yourself in a position that makes it more likely you will get into an unsafe situation.  This can be something as simple as getting a ticket, or something as serious as a crash.

If you choose to take a risk, you need to remember that it is NOT just about YOU!!!  How about the passengers in your car?!?  ...

Question:

What are some important key words we should always keep in mind when we drive?

Answer:

There are so many words I could talk about when I am asked this question but will share a few of the main words that will help you be a safer driver in the next few Ask Kim blogs.

The first and most important word that we will tackle this month is:

RESPONSIBLE

Parents often ask me “is my child responsible enough to drive at 16 years old?”.  While most of the young people I have taught at that age have been ready for the responsibility of driving, you as the parent know your child better than anyone and are ultimately the best one to make that decision. 

Over my years of teaching kids to drive, I ...

Question:

This month it’s not so much a question but rather a reminder of some rules we may be forgetting based on what I see out on the roads as an instructor.

Answer:

1. School and playground zones:  If the sign has a 30 km/h speed limit restriction underneath, you MUST GO 30 km/h or slower.  Just because you don’t see children as you enter the speed zone doesn’t mean they aren’t close by, so be sure to obey the speed limit!  Remember that children and their parents may be focused on other things and not paying attention to traffic – slow down below 30 km/h when kids are out!

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2. “L” drivers:  If you see a car with an “L” on the back, it indicates that ...
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Question:

What should I do when making a left turn from a left turning lane?

Answer:

As mentioned last month in our review of left turns at lights, it is important to remember that left turns could be the most dangerous turns you will ever make!  Be sure to focus, take your time, and ensure you make the turn safely! 

When approaching an intersection with a left turning lane it is always a good idea to check your mirror, turn on your left indicator, and to shoulder check before transitioning into the left turning lane.  This is especially important at intersections where the median before the left turn lane is yellow painted lines instead of a concrete median.  People may drive on the median to get around traffic ...

Question:

What should I know about turning left at a light?

Answer:

Left turns could be the most dangerous turns you will ever make!  Be sure to focus, take your time, and ensure you make the turn safely! 

To make a safe left turn when there is no left turn lane, be sure to use your left indicator as you approach the intersection to tell the drivers behind you that you will be turning.  Then:

1.    If the light is green and there is NO car in the intersection, SCAN the intersection to ensure it is safe to proceed, then enter the intersection – ensure nobody is running the light on your left or right. Then:

• Slowly creep into the intersection, looking for oncoming traffic.
• If there is no on-...
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Question:

What should we do as safe drivers in the wintertime?

Answer:

In November I covered the first part of the answer to this question and reviewed what you can do to check your vehicle to help keep you safe in the wintertime.  The second – and very important part – to this answer is what WE can do behind the wheel to help stay safe this time of year.

While I could talk for hours on the many points of safe driving, I’m going to keep it simple and outline a few easy things to keep in mind every time you are setting out on the road in the winter months.

1. Clean the snow off your vehicle.  Always be sure to clean ALL the snow off your vehicle before driving away.  This includes not just your windows ...
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Question:

What should we do as safe drivers in the wintertime?

Answer:

I’m going to break this down in to two segments since there are so many components to being a safe driver in the winter!  First, we will address our vehicle, and next month we will discuss our driving skills.

OUR VEHICLE

When was the last time you checked your vehicle?  I don’t mean mechanically – going for a tune-up or changing a spark plug – I mean simple checks that we can all do.  Here are some very easy checks that anyone can perform on their own vehicle to help keep our roads safe.

1. Check your headlights.  Are they both working?  Be sure to also check your daytime running lights if your ...

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