Good Driving Habits

Good Driving Habits

• Developing good driving habits begins the moment you step into the car
• Start by forming good habits immediately and use them for every trip

Entering the Car

• Develop a routine for entering and leaving your car
• Adjust the seat, mirrors, and check passengers to ensure they are properly seated and do not interfere with your driving
• Buckle your safety belt and ensure all passengers do likewise before switching on the ignition

Posture and Steering

• Good posture at the steering wheel is important for better vision, control, and ability to maneuver in an emergency
• Sit erect, comfortably gripping the outside rim of the steering wheel with both hands
• Keep a firm grip to maintain control, but avoid restricting reflexes

Starting from a Parking Place

• Look over your shoulder and in rear-view mirrors before pulling into traffic
• Indicate your intention by signaling before entering traffic
• Enter traffic in the nearest lane and remain in that lane until it is safe to change into another lane

On the Road

• Drive within a single traffic lane without weaving from one lane to another or straddling the lane marking
• A traffic lane is part of a street or highway wide enough to permit safe operation of a vehicle or line of vehicles

Rules for Turns

• Prepare for the turn before you get there
• Observe and be alert, and don't make the decision to turn at the last moment
• Get into the proper turn lane well ahead of the place where you will make your turn
• Signal your intentions at least 100 feet before making the turn
• Continue the signal until you are ready to make the actual turn
• Pedestrians have the right of way over the motor vehicle
• Reduce speed before making turns
• Always finish your turn in the proper lane
• Check to the front, rear, and sides for cars and pedestrians, and also watch for situations developing in the street you will enter upon turning
• Discontinue signals after completing a maneuver

Turning from Four-Lane Highways

• When making a right turn from a four-lane or divided highway, enter the right lane well in advance of the turn and make a tight turn into the right lane of the cross street
• For a left turn, move to the lane nearest the center line or traffic divider and turn from the inside lane
• Avoid a wide swing during your turn
• Enter the cross street just to the right of the centerline

Developing good driving habits is crucial for safety on the road. Learn techniques for entering and leaving your car, adjusting your seat and mirrors, and ensuring passengers are properly seated.