Whether you're driving on the road or on the race track, you and your vehicle need to be in optimal condition. Often we take ourselves and our driving skills for granted. We forget to check our tires, think the noise in our brakes will just go away on its own, or tailgate the person in front of us when we know it isn't the safest thing to do.
Driving in such a manner will catch up with you. You may start hydroplaning on a rainy day when a newer set of tires would have prevented it. The noise in the brakes might worsen, and suddenly you find yourself unable to stop your car when you need to most. Or you are confronted with an unpleasant situation when the person you're tailgating comes to a sudden emergency stop.
We see these situations every day. Whether in Phoenix, Detroit or Atlanta, it's all the same. Here is a list of driving tips that everyone can follow to help make driving safer and more enjoyable for all of us on the road.
- Adjust the seat properly. Sit close enough to be able to rest your right foot underneath the brake pedal against the floor and still have a slight bend in your knee.
- Hold the steering wheel at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock hand positions. This allows you to control the steering wheel with more precision.
- Sit upright in the driver's seat. This will keep you more alert and ready to react to what is happening around you.
- Know your vehicle. Check that all fluids are full, the windows are clean and all the lights are working. Maintain the recommended amount of pressure in the tires to minimize chances of a blowout.
- Application of the throttle should always be smooth. Not only will the car respond in a more predictable manner, but you will use less gas, and your engine will last longer.
- Application of the brakes also should be smooth. Incorrect use of the brakes accounts for many accidents.
- For accident avoidance, don't take anything for granted on the road. Always act as a defensive driver by watching out for yourself and other drivers. Leave yourself plenty of room so that you will be able to steer around a possible accident situation instead of driving into it.
- Always look ahead while driving. You will be able to see what is happening in front of you before it is too late.
- Be courteous to other drivers. Treat them as you would like to be treated.
- ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT. I cannot stress this point enough.
Most of all, use common sense. If you know something is wrong with your car, have it repaired. Likewise with your driving. If you are getting tired or irritated and know that you're driving foolishly, then take a break. Enjoy your driving!
Bob Bondurant, racer and entrepreneur, owns and runs the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving in Phoenix, Ariz. For more information on classes and schedules, click over to www.bondurant.com or call (800) 842-RACE (7223).
