quote:

Originally posted by gjgalligan:

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
Two second following distance is the absolute minimal....make it even more when pursuing a suspect

How does that compute to "one car length for ever 10 mph that you are driving"? That is what was taught when I was learning to drive.
My personal opinion is most people tailgate these days.

It doesn’t. I was referring to pursuit techniques..the guy I learned from at the NCSHP track was a stay on their ass kinda guy...the other instructor had us stay at three seconds behind them and no closer.

Regular driving, I look thru other cars and deep into the traffic. I try to keep a safe distance and I drive defensively, “because all those idiots out on the roads are out to get you and wreck you...” a quote from my drivers Ed teacher (my grandpa)

On a divided highway at night, stay out of the left hand lane as much as possible. You just might avoid hitting the drunk or other impaired driver who is going in the wrong direction, forgot to turn their lights on and thinks they are in the right hand lane.

The "tip" on not pressing the brake when shifting into gear with an automatic is incorrect.

The clutch(es) and or band(s) engage when fluid pressure applies the clutch/band and you want the foot on the brake and pressing with sufficient force to keep the car from moving.

You also are "preloading" the driveline as the application of the clutch/bands, while it may feel "instant", is "cushioned" as it applies by either a "wave" plate in the clutch pack, along with springs on the apply piston and by the amount of fluid flow and pressure controlled by accumulator(s).

And years ago, GM had "variable pitch" torque converters that had a High and Low stall by pump controlled stator blades that was actuated by a switch that was applied to high stall when the brake pedal was pressed, to allow less harsh engagement when shifted from Park, to Reverse, or Drive, and to lessen the "tugging" at traffic lights.

There is more "shock" introduced to the u-joints, and rear end when shifting into gear, with out holding the brake, especially when going from Park, through Reverse and then to Drive (if intent is to go forward), as the clutches/bands apply, then release and apply as it first engages Reverse, then Neutral and finally Drive. The effect is damage to the clutch discs teeth and eventually these teeth will sheer.

Use the brake, come to a complete stop when shifting from forward/reverse/park.


On the "car length" rule, I was taught to say (in my head), "One chimpanzee, two chimpanzee" (2 seconds) to keep sufficient distance. Pick a stationary object in front, when the vehicle you are following is adjacent to that object, count the 2 seconds off and if you have not passed the object by the time you finish, you are at a reasonably safe reaction distance.

It became a habit, and I still find I do it, without realizing it.

It works at most speeds. (Now, that was almost 50 years ago and speeds were 60-65 highway, and now upwards around 80 and 85 as people drive (even above posted), but should still be relevant as braking efficiency is much better as well.)

If you're the first car waiting at a red light, look both ways after the green before proceeding. That's saved my life more than once.

When you stop behind another car at a light or stop sign, be sure you are far enough back to see the the rear tires touching the pavement. That gives you enough room to get around in a vehicular emergency or car jacking or robbery attempt.

Proper parallel parking technique is a lost but essential art.

Tires with low air pressure are much less safe than tires with too much air (within reason).

Don't go cheap on tires or brakes when replacing them. Know that manufacturers cut every corner possible so get at least OEM quality. They spent that money for a reason and you're not smarter/thriftier than they are.

The faster you are going, the farther ahead you should be looking.

If you have a Ford SUV (Explorer, Expedition, Excursion) check the operation of the third brake light. The bulb warning system does not cover that item.

Be extra careful driving, there are lots of bad drivers, crazy drivers and other hazards out there. More people die or are seriously injured each year by strangers with vehicles than by strangers with firearms.

When slowing to negotiate a turn, Apply brakes when your front wheels are straight. Reduces understeer through curves, especially when slick

Put the joint down when the wig wag flashers come on.

When in traffic, crack your left rear passenger window a bit. You will hear vehicles approaching or in your blind spot

quote:

Originally posted by sigmonkey:
...I was taught to say (in my head), "One chimpanzee, two chimpanzee"...

Of course you were.

quote:

Originally posted by darthfuster:
When in reverse, things come at you from behind.

-Vincent

It was a funny angle...

When making a right turn, ALWAYS look right again before actually turning right. Someone can appear out of nowhere and step right in front of you that wasn't there before.

I once put two people dressed in black on my pickup hood while making a right turn before sun-up. There was a lit sign to my right and my right window was iced over. I didn't see the two women dressed in black approaching until they were on top of my hood. It was pitch black that morning.

I have been hit someone making a right turn while riding my bike. The kid was in a jeep looking left and rolled right into his right turn without stopping to see if there was anyone in the crosswalk. He ran over the front tire of my 10-speed. I got lucky and suffered no injury except a scratched leg.

Tony.

Carry a small compressor. Your spare might be flat too.

quote:

Originally posted by braillediver:
When stopped at a red light, when the light turns green- Wait a moment before proceeding.

Hardly a day goes by I don't see some one running a red light. Especially early in the morning.

+1
I habitually count one Mississippi before advancing on a green light and look both ways before entering the intersection. I’ve avoided a couple of serious T bone accidents by so doing.

Silent

If you find yourself upside down and on fire, you did it wrong.

quote:

Originally posted by MagnumU:
On a divided highway at night, stay out of the left hand lane as much as possible. You just might avoid hitting the drunk or other impaired driver who is going in the wrong direction, forgot to turn their lights on and thinks they are in the right hand lane.

Also, when cresting a hill, single or double lane, keeping to the right. Try not to kill cyclists tho.

And remember, there's a dead skunk, in the middle of the road.

Rotate your tires.

quote:

I have been hit someone making a right turn while riding my bike. The kid was in a jeep looking left and rolled right into his right turn without stopping to see if there was anyone in the crosswalk.

that's why they say to ride with the traffic. When I run I always run against traffic. I want to see if anyone is coming at me but I know I have to watch out for people turning right in front of because they often do what the kid did.

 
Always be aware 360 degrees. Far ahead, far back, and blind spots. I've had drivers behind me honk and curse when I slow and pull off on the shoulder for an emergency vehicle that is still a ways back, which they obviously have not seen yet. If you are truly aware, you'll be taking measures before you even hear the siren.

Limo stops.

To help prevent glare blindness from oncoming headlights . When the glare starts look ahead to the right in the USA, and drive letting the right side of the road be your guide.

The advice here for parking on a hill sounds
backwards to me, but maybe I'm just reading it wrong.

If headed downhill, the wheels should be turned toward the curb so any movement forward is stopped by the curb. If headed uphill, the wheels ought to be turned away from the curb so any movement backward is stopped by the curb.