Everyone else is the problem, I'm a good driver! Despite the current average of about 960 crashes each day in B.C. we all tend to think that we are better than average drivers. Well, it's time to prove it to yourself (or not).
I've always been interested in driving and technology, so when I had the opportunity to combine the two, I jumped at it. eDriving provided access to their Mentor app for me to test. How would I measure up?
I installed the Mentor app on my tablet as I don't own a personal cell phone. The app is meant to be used on a cell phone but appeared to work properly on the tablet. It was just a bit awkward to put in my truck because of the size.
If you are like me, you were taught to hold the steering wheel with your hands in the 10 and 2 position when you first learned how to drive. With the advent of the driver's side airbag, this is no longer a safe practice. We should now hold the wheel at either 8 and 4 or 9 and 3. This video from the American Automobile Association explains:
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is the internationally recognized developer of the comprehensive, research-based, Rider Education and Training System (RETS). RETS curricula promotes lifelong-learning for motorcyclists and continuous professional development for certified RiderCoaches(SM) and other trainers.
I.C.B.C., the Government of British Columbia and the Federation of B.C. Youth in Care Networks have announced $50,000 in funding to set up two bursaries that will aid youth in care. The Take the Wheel program will fund driver training and support in the coming year to enable at least 50 youth and young adults to learn to drive properly. Having a driver's licence is often critical to be able to obtain and keep a job in our society.
One of our local newspapers has a Beefs and Bouquets section that I often find entertaining. Many of the beefs concern drivers who don’t follow the rules but occasionally I scratch my head and wonder if the “beefer” might not need a bit of brushing up too.
What have you done in the recent past to learn something new or review what you already know about driving?
Here are two videos on shoulder checking featuring Rick from Smart Drive Test. He tends to wave his arms a lot, but the messages that he delivers are clear and concise. If you find them useful, there are currently 86 videos on the YouTube Smart Drive Test channel.
From @TranBC: For a variety of situations, such as a considerable volume of traffic making left hand turns at an intersection or a significant history of collisions, a roundabout is a preferred choice rather than traditional intersections. If you don't have a lot of experience using roundabouts, they can appear a little intimidating at first, but we've got a few tips to make things easier.
Every once in a while a visitor to DriveSmartBC will pose a question that makes me go “hmm...” This week brought one of those moments with the query “Does a driver supervisor have to be sane?” Without thinking, my response was that of course a supervisor would have to be sane, but after I thought about it, the only thing that a supervisor requires is a minimum age and a valid driver's licence.
I've always been interested in driving and technology, so when I had the opportunity to combine the two, I jumped at it. 
