As weird as this sounds, I feel like driving a manual definitely helps me stay more focused. Paying attention to the revs and trying to predict ahead the flow of traffic to determine what gear you should be makes me pay attention more. Also, parking lots are a big one. People running/cars jumping out are two big things to pay attention to.
Exactly that, we recently got a new car, which unlike our now "old" car which we still daily drive, is automatic. For the first couple of times I drove the automatic on my usual route I would sometimes drive a bit faster than usual through some areas with lower speed limits because with an automatic I didn't have that sense of speed because I didn't have to keep track of my gears and revs. So definitelly manuals can help with concentration over longer rides because of the fact that you need to keep track of more stuff in comparison with an automatic.
So true! Back when I had my auto, I would often get very sleepy on the way from work in traffic. Slow movement, not much input, drone of heater/AC. Perfect conditions to fall asleep. But with a manual, constantly shifting and clutching (while trying to be smooth at it) is really helpful. I know people say traffic is the worst part of manual driving but it can save you from rear-ending someone.
One thing to add for turn signals that some people don't seem to realize. Turn signals do not give the right of way. I have seen so many drivers think they can cut anywhere as long as they turn on their signal or turn without checking their blind spots.
Also, turn on turn signals in advance of your turn. I see way too many people slow down and brake, and then put on their turn signal the second they turn
This is number 1 on my list! Especially if you are at a Stop at an intersection and the jerk on his phone never signals! And just changing lanes in general. 💫🛣
I definitely owe a lot of thanks to my parents for making me learn how to drive in an old and slow car. No backup camera, manual, no ABS, etc... I sucked at first and it was frustrating but now I feel like I’m a much better driver than my peers
@@Zach_CR ABS has saved so many lives dude. Yeah, it doesn't do anything until you need to slam on the brakes and swerve. ABS is designed to keep the wheels from locking up during braking and losing the ability to steer or stop quickly. It's night and day difference for ice, snow, or rain. Traction control is one that is a creature comfort rather than actually important. Electronic stability control keeps you from oversteering into a tree.
Everything was perfect Yes everyone back then were nascar level type of drivers just experts now everyone sucks peoples logic man maybe driving is evolving? And it’ll continue to do so like everything else
I'd like to add tailgating, it makes people annoyed and can make them do sudden moves or pay too much attention to the driver behind, also if the car infront needs to brake hard the car behind is likely going to hit them
a lot of states around me have really started emphasizing "stay on the right except when passing," and I have noticed that except for rare occasions, people are actually following this rule. Much less tailgaiting from my pov, which is great. All tailgating does is make people mad and increase recklessness and danger.
Amen to matching the speed when merging. Difference of speed is what makes highways so dangerous. Also make sure you are fully in the exit lane before slowing down. Oh and turn SIGNALS. Use them to SIGNAL your intention not confirm your action. Signal before you start to brake for your turn not as you're making the turn.
That’s a vague and incomplete requirement for other common scenarios that can practically happen depending on what area you live in. What is the speed of “flow”? Is my flow the same flow as somebody else’s flow? What if the speed in that lane is always different based on the car in that lane? What if it’s not feasible to match 80mph in 30ft of on-ramp? What about existing spacing in that lane?
But also don’t speed up in the exit lane to basically ram the car ahead that is trying to slow to local traffic ( had a bmw driver do this , revved his engine and tailgated me on the exit lane to. A red light)
"Difference of speed is what makes highways so dangerous" 100% the truth. Yet logic escapes even our traffic enforcement. When the posted speed is 65 and everyone is going 75, the person going 55 "being safe" is more of a danger than the person travelling 80, but guess who's getting the ticket 100 out of a 100 times. Not trying to condone speeding, but instead pointing out the slow person is the one that will likely cause a crash.
Using the platform to bring awareness about drive. Yes this is what we all need and huge respect Ted for bringing this up. Little things add up to big picture. I hope more and more people watch this, be it any part of world, safety first. Be safe.
THIS is what I love to see a car journalist using their platform for. Thank you Tedward - for the reviews, and for ALWAYS reminding people to respect the drive. Well done
There is no better feeling than coming into a corner at the right speed and feeling the perfect balance of the vehicle through apex and then accelerating out of the corner. It’s addicting to drive smoothly
I think the most important point generally is to just pay attention, most accidents are caused by one or two people being completely distracted. Driving requires full attention to the road and traffic
Watching this living in a country like India where road rules are almost non existent and people just drive however they like I can only WISH the drivers here were even HALF as careful about road etiquette as in western countries lmao. American roads look immensely easy and relaxing to drive upon in comparison lol
He really spoke to my soul with the Merritt Parkway remarks. Another problem with getting up to speed for the Merritt is that it's kind of an unspoken rule that nobody (unless the shoulders closed and construction is going on) is ever going less than 70 at any given time. So to match the flow of traffic you really have to test your 0-60.
@@jackrizza99 Absolutely. Some of my friends and family ask why I pick up speed so fast on them. I keep telling them because I've experienced on multiple occasions somebody that lazily tried to merge on the Merritt at 35 while everybody is doing 70-75 and almost killed everybody in the right lane of traffic. And I don't want to be that guy.
The best thing my defensive driving teacher told me was "Pretend everyone else has no idea what they're doing, but don't get cocky. Because the second you get cocky is when you crash" Expecting someone to do something stupid will save you; it has saved me many times. There's been cars in a turning lane next to me, but I think "Well there's a chance they won't actually turn" and waiting that .01 second after the light changes, sure enough they don't turn and go straight. I can't emphasize enough how defensive driving should be THE way to learn. There is a fine line between being cocky and being overly cautious (which can also be dangerous) so that's why it's vital to have a professional teach you.
watched this and a few hours later got into my first accident after years of driving. really shows you how over confidence can hurt you. luckily no one was injured drive safe homies
it doesnt matter, the people that need to hear this the most wont care or listen. most people genuinely dont realize they are driving badly. they only focus 10 feet ahead and get surprised when they get into a situation they cant get out of.
PREACH. I drive 100 miles a day for work on 95 in MA and these are all the thoughts I have on a daily basis. It is crazy the lack of attention and care people have driving. Driving is not hard but you wouldnt know that from watching the average driver on the roads!
Also man, I remember this vividly, accident waiting to happen. I was towing my race car with my camper van, doing like 85 km/h, driving along A VERY LONG on-ramp from a gas station. Car on the on ramp, I left them plenty of space (because duh, car should easily be going faster). What happens? Brake lights come on(like, SHE HAD THE SPACE!!!!), at the end of the onramp the old lady stops, opens the fucking door and sticks her head out into traffic to watch for a gap. I shit you not that lady is going to get someone killed and be all like "But I wasn't going fast, I wasn't dangerous".
I drive a semi-truck. It takes time to get 40k-80k lbs up to speed. Very rarely, I will need to wait at the _START_ of a short on-ramp for a gap in heavy interstate traffic. NEVER do this at the end of a ramp.
My mom always preached defensive driving. I never really understood the point until I was going down the road and this car was trying to pull out. I had a weird feeling he wouldn't see me so I took my foot off the accelerator and hovered it over the break. Legit enough, he pulled out less than 40 feet in front of me and I had time to slow down to avoid the collision, barely. Since then I always anticipate other drivers to pull stupid things like that and it's avoided potential disasters more than a handful of times.
Do what you think is right. If you get into an accident, they are not the ones who are paying your insurance or damages, they will simply go on with their lives. If they are honking at you because they want you to go on a NO TURN ON RED, then let them honk.
I just get behind someone if you're on the freeway. They can't brake check you like that. Or just stop on the side of the road and put your phone to your ear very visibly, they'll either keep driving or stop and see you on the phone and think you're calling 911 and then leave
I think the reason why the general traffic and accidents are more prone to happen in the US is because a car is a necessity. Here where I live (The Netherlands) we have lots of good alternatives so driving is not a necessity but more so a luxury. Sure there are always people who really need it, but for the most part you can get around with a bicycle just fine. This is why our driving tests and lessons are so expensive and difficult compared to the US, not to mention you cannot learn with your parents unless they are a certified driving instructor. The positive outcome behind this is the fact you get more disciplined drivers. You don't generally need a driving license at any time in your life since public transport is great here. Thus if you want to drive, you are probably more invested into it and probably become a more disciplined driver by going down the expensive driving lessons and exam rather than a person who must drive because there is no other viable solution. Or as you said "Everyone with a pulse getting their license." Of course there is always that one piece of crap that cuts you off with double speedlimit, no indicator lights and brakes hard in front of you due to congestion, but that is a small group of the total traffic on the car roads here.
I'm a staunch conservative living out in the boonies, and even I understand the importance of walkable cities. American infrastructure is hostile to humans and I'm gonna talk about it.
Yeah, I’m in Canada and we also have pretty easy driving tests. I think the big issue though is the lack of continuous learning and refreshing of knowledge of the rules of the road. You can get your license and then never ever have to refresh your driving knowledge for 50+ years! That is wild! Just imagine how many things you will forget five or ten years after those first tests and lessons. Then extend that to most of the drivers on the road. We’re all just going by feel and that is something that varies widely by person.
As a CT resident, that bit about the Merrit is sooo true. I have a g37x and every time I take off from a stop and go on ramp, I think to myself this is literally impossible for any car under 300hp because it’s even scary for me lmao
im glad i found this video, im 19, i havent got a car or even a license yet, so i wanted to make sure i understand basic common car sense before i, y’know, get in a car
Thanks! I do plug everything in before moving, so that is 1 good thing. I stay in the far right lane, and set cruise control to 55, or 60, depending how fast traffic is moving. The 1 thing I don't do is merge on the highway at the flow of traffic, I normally make it to about 50, or 55 at the end of the on-ramp. I turn my left blinker on, and watch for a big spot to move into. It has worked for me. But I never slow down unless someone in front does. My car doesn't have any blind spot monitors or anything, so I 100% don't rely on them. Though it's forward collision braking system has saved me a few times. Once a truck pulled out in front, and the car slowed down before I could. Another time someone pulled out in front and it stopped. Another time a raccoon ran across the road, and it stopped. And the other time (kind of surprised by this), 2 lanes turned turned onto the freeway, I took the right lane, a speeding Prius took the left lane, and on the turn they went into my lane, very very close to ramming me. So I steered into the ditch. Either way, the car hit the brakes before I did. Also didn't get too far in the ditch. I need to add, 1 thing you should try to change is your following distance to the car in front. At times you're about 1 second behind, at 70+ MPH. That is too close. Try to get at least 4, to 5 seconds.
hey tedward, just wanted to say thank you so much for this video! i’m a pretty new driver (just a few months licensed) and i’m looking for ways to improve my skills and safety. thanks a bunch
Probably the most important thing that you can do is behave predictably on the road. Even if you're making a mistake, behaving in a predictable way is going to help show the other drivers on the road what you're going to do. For example, if you're going to change lanes, look, signal if it looks clear, edge over a bit, check again, then gradually finish the lane change. If you mess up and miss someone in your blind spot, you're giving them opportunities to notice your mistake before you make it. Signal your intent, and then move smoothly. As you gain driving experience you'll get a bit of a sixth sense watching other cars - you'll see when other drivers are going to make a lane change, even before they signal. The thing is, this skill doesn't work for erratic drivers.
Great pointers for everyone but especially for our fellow Bostonians! I used to ride a motorcycle and I really believe that helped me become a better and more aware driver. If I had kids I'd definitely teach them how to drive a manual as well since I think that helps driving engagement.
Love these tips, I remember watching POV driving videos on here and TheTopher's channels when learning to drive. Getting a license in america's way too easy, sad that these tips even have to be mentioned.
last week i encountered the first time nobody slowed down for a cop.... and out of all those people he pulled me over. good times! (not saying youre wrong just funny)
Haha I merged on the highway behind a state trooper in my GT350. Was just following him at his speed. Watched an X5 cheekily speed around me just to get gnabbed.
@@TedwardDrives I know he didn’t specify but could you do it for a manual transmission as well? Always been interested in the rate of fuel consumption compared to RPMs AND throttle input
Also, something I've seen quite a lot on dashcam videos and real life: for the most part, when two people crash, one of them made a mistake and the other tried to enforce their "right of way". If someone cuts you off, brake, swerve, do something to AVOID the crash. Don't speed up to "stand your ground" or something. It is impressive how many accidents are avoidable if one of the drivers just tried to avoid it
This is horrible advice. If someone cuts you off and you swerve and hit another car or God forbid a pedestrian, it's now 100% your fault. I've been in a number of accidents where I would have been at fault for hitting someone else by trying to avoid an idiot coming into my lane. I'll take a hit if I know it's not my fault and to avoid causing damage to other drivers.
3 years in with my Fiesta ST and im still hella scared of crashing it and losing all the money so i only hoon it when i am certain it will be OK and drive super defensively otherwise.
I have a Focus ST myself. Went on a back road hoon drive with a buddy and hit a dusty patch of road on a turn going too fast and lost all traction in my tires. Managed to keep it on the road but ended up completely sideways. It was scary but now I know the limit of my car and I’m thankful it worked out without any damage. The real important thing is making sure your tires are good!
Something that really annoys me is when people drive fast in parking lots. The last thing I want to happen is to get charged for running over a child. Also what you talked about at the end of the video. I usually only take the left lane in a double left turn because I know how often cars cross over into the next lane. I'm not trying to get side swiped lol.
1:50 this happened to me yesterday. I was walking to a mall with my brother, and this woman pulling out of an underground parking lot was putting her seatbelt on and focusing on everything but me and my brother, who were walking in front of her. Eventually, thank god she noticed and slammed the brakes and apologized but WOW it showed how distracted how everyone is.
Greetings from another central MA driver! I drive for a living and boy do I see some sketchy stuff every day. Moreso when I drive closer to I-95 and the Boston area of course. I will say my training for my motorcycle license has saved me a bunch of headaches by simply increasing my awareness up ahead. Even if you are in the right and someone is screwing around on their phone and swerving in traffic, it doesn't matter if you are dead. This is more applicable to motorcycles but it saves you a headache of a car accident nonetheless. Also, I believe driving a manual has led to me being more focused and safer as a driver.
I drive a modified Fox body Mustang occasionally. It's not the cars fault that automotive enthusiasts in North America ignore their need to learn to drive properly. It is foolish to emulate NASCAR drivers.
Here's one: If you're missing your exit, don't suddenly slam on the brakes and swerve across multiple lanes and that triangle to the off-ramp. Just take the next exit and get on the highway in the other direction.
Great insight Tedward. Driving off while putting your seatbelt on has been identified as a stupid act since at least June 14, 1969 when Jacky Ickx walked across the track at Le Mans and calmly put his seat belt on before driving off. He (and Jackie Oliver) ended up winning the race. If he could do it, so can the rest of us! At 5:20 you neglected to point out that you should always keep to the right on a highway UNLESS OVERTAKING. Yes, I'm talking to you Red Crossover! Don't encourage other drivers to pass you on the right (referred to as "undertaking" in the UK). The center lane is not intended "cruising lane" (nor the left lane) where you can idly park yourself and ignore other traffic while you check your mail, shave or converse with friends or family. Those lanes are there to allow other drivers the option of safely overtaking you if they choose, or for you to overtake other cars who chose to travel slower than you.
some people think its unmanly or cool to not use turn signals- but really its just annoying- because although u know where your going no one else does.
One of my driving pet peeves is when other drivers cut in front at the last second to make a right turn, forcing me to slow way down or even slam on the brakes. Getting into the right lane early before the turn or choosing the next exit (on freeways) would possibly prevent swerving and cutting.
"Most states." In California, in my 2018 Si coupe, I was stopped for going 75. I did a "Trial by Written Declaration" and beat the ticket, basically argued that I was going at a safe speed, with the flow of traffic. I also stated that going slower would possibly cause an accident.
The merging tip is the simplest thing no one does. It's like somehow everyone thinks it's better to merge on going like 20-30mph under the limit and make everyone else slow down while they speed up
Looking over your shoulder before changing lanes is a must and not tailgating another (2 good seconds between you and the vehicle in front, double with poor adhesion, which also results in a calmer, more comfortable and economical drive). Also clear all windows of dew, frost or snow before driving.
Oh man this should be required viewing for every driver out there. Entering the highway at a crawl is a huge pet peeve of mine and then you have the idiots who without any foresight or rationale accelerate to pass you and then slow down in front of you to exit.
Always use your turn signals!! I have seen numerous crashes because people don't feel like they have to let people behind them know which direction they are going. It seems to me this problem is more prominent in the South, I swear only about half the people in rural SC on the road actually feel like the need to use their turn signal and it drives me insane!
Another thing to add is people using their turn signals as they’re changing lanes. I used to do that. I’ve got a lot of other people here have done that past it’s kind of a habit but it’s easy to get passed if you don’t drive aggressively.
I needed this wake up call, to be honest. I've had a few close calls, with the latest one being yesterday, where I went to go around a car that was pulling into a parking space, but then decided to back up to better align themselves. Thankfully I was on that horn like flies on roadkill!
If you're having a bad day and you're not in a right mood to drive, step out of the vehicle and just... give yourself a break. You can be literally the most experienced driver and still make an oopsie when you're in a bad mood.
Some important things I've been doing at 17 is constantly using mirrors, I have an 88 Camry with a manual gear box, no ABS or traction control and definitely no fancy blind spot stuff or whatever, so using mirrors on the highway, when merging, doing blind spot checks, especially at night, looking in my rear view mirror when I'm coming up to a stop light, also I back in to parking spaces a lot and mirrors are excellent for that, not only that but parallel parking so super important especially in the city, use your mirrors as reference points and to find reference points. In traffic when your stoped I always leave enough room to either pull off or pull forward and check my rearview for texters or people goin a little too quick
@3:15 I can confirm that having a slow car on the Merritt is horrifying. Driving on the Merritt is part of my daily commute and I used to drive a 2008 Dodge Avenger. This thing had a 0-60 of like, 14 seconds. Luckily, I have a Model 3 so the Merritt is no longer a nightmare.
I've always liked the old saying for riding motorcycles "Drive like everybody is trying to kill you." Applies just as well to cars, although I replace kill with hit
The hardest thing about watching this video is knowing that the people that need to see it either won’t, or will just ignore everything they just heard
Got a 22 Civic Sport. It’s my first car and did a lot of saving and planning with parents to make it affordable but my point though is that though I am glad for the reverse camera, lane keep assist, and all of that, I mostly drive with none of that because I don’t want to rely on that tech unless I am on a long drive, or if I absolutely need it. Ik actually happy that my car doesn’t have blind spot and parking detection because it forces me to stay focused and be vigilant of my surroundings, as all drivers should be.
One word of advice is know when to practice accident avoidance versus accident mitigation. Avoid potential bad accidents as much as possible, but if someone is simply veering into your lane, yes honk, hug the opposite side of the lane, and if you have time, switch lane. But if you don’t have time, don’t swerve and over react because that can cause a deadly accident. Cars are designed to hit each other, even at the low impact speeds of someone swerving into your lane (speed differential would be only a few mph between cars )
Check your Mirrors OFTEN, and also look as far ahead as possible and NOT just the ass end of the vehicle in front of you. Maintain distance from forward vehicle, and use you INDICATER when changing lanes. Just a few more tips.
Yeah I hate when people brake while entering the highway. Common occurrence in Florida and they don't go more than 45mph while everyone else is going 75mph
On the highway always maintain a safe distance and use it as a buffer. The moment the car in front of you slows down also slow down. The minimum safe distance is smaller the lower the speed, which means you can slow down less than the vehicle in front of you. When the car in front of you is speeding up again speed up slower than they are and build that safety distance back up again. Basically smooth out the slowing down and speeding up. This not only is safer because you don't make sudden moves, but it will also make traffic flow better. This is something that gets especially important the faster you are. The faster you are (and/or the car in front of you) the more difficult it gets to judge by how much they are slowing down. One downside is that people might get into the space in front you and slow you down because you aren't speeding up fast enough. And sometimes people will do that even when they are just half your speed. Which is the opposite of safe... I don't know if this is the case anywhere but in Germany it certainly is something to keep in mind: Truck drivers either blink or look before changing lanes. Don't assume they are doing both!
In Australia you need to slow down to 40 Km/h if a cop is on the side of the road with the lights on. It's a bit wild and causes so many undesired chain reactions with people slamming the brakes.
Your experience mirrors my own, I've been in exactly one accident in my life, it involved 3 cars (1 totaled, 2 seriously damaged) my speed at the time? Exactly 0 mph. I was sitting still at a red light at the end of a long freeway offramp with a chevy van in front of me, and a drunk guy in a GMC Sierra truck that didnt realize he wasnt still on the freeway...and apparently didnt notice the stoplights or cars stopped in front of him until it was too late to stomp on the brakes in time. Nobody was hurt (drunk guy went to jail, truck towed) but the real victim was my prized 1991 Acura Legend coupe 5 speed stick🙈🙈Like you I automatically assume everyone else on the road with me is either drunk, high or inco0mpetent, never had another accident since, but admittedly the one I had was impossible to avoid unless I had just not gotten out that night.
I'm a city bus driver, and i would love to have a by-law officer just stand on the bus with me. They'd give out 1000 tickets a shift. The amount of times, i have to honk both cars at the front of a light that just turned green because they're still looking at their phone 6 seconds after the light changed..... holy i'd be rich if someone gave me a dollar every time.
it pisses me off when people slow down for cops. on highways a cop is more likely to pull over the disruptive driver who is slamming on the brakes, rather than the people who are going with the flow of traffic.
My favorite is not driving next to other cars longer than you have to. Always did this but realized it was especially important when I had a motorcycle. For one it keeps you out of their blind spot and the second even more important reason is the ability to change lanes quickly or even just move over a little bit to avoid an accident. Too many people think their only option is to brake but if you do it right you already have confidence you can change lanes with a quick check in addition to an open shoulder 90% of the time. With a good following distance you should be able to avoid 99.9% of accidents and even a rear end accident from the car behind you.
Yeah, not sure how common this is for drivers, but I absolutely never hang out in blind spots because I know damn well I'm just asking for it there. Both my Toyota hatch backs have good visibility, but the blind spots are hard to see even looking behind you.
I always have the feeling that you put on the blinkers too late. In Austria it's like this: Look in the rear view mirror, then the side mirror, then over your shoulder, then start inidcating, then wait 3 seconds and then pull over. Of course few people do that and it's no practical often, but you learn it that way in driving school. edit: spelling
Good advice Ted! I’ll add don’t go above the highway speed limit by more than 9 mph, no trooper will stop you at 74mph on a 65 mph zone. And mpg will be quite optimal and you will be relaxed while driving, the faster you go the more focused you need to be to drive safely. Use cruise control and lane assist when traffic is low to moderate. If you must text, use Siri or call, don’t type on your phone screen. Buy a Honda or Toyota that have buttons for the basic stuff. The trend of screen everything is total madness.
Those are all good tips, but I think you left out one huge one I see all the time- keep an appropriate following distance at all times and doubly so on highways. This gets even more important when the weather is less than ideal. I remember my first road trip to Ohio from MN in my 20s with my friends. I didn't get my license until 18 and wasn't comfortable driving on the freeway, but with a 12 hour drive I had to put in a few hours. I kept a comfortable distance between the next car, even when annoying drivers kept filling the gap. My friends were getting annoyed at me because it meant I had to go 60 in a 70 zone, but I ignored them. Once we got to Indiana the traffic suddenly dropped from 70-75 to a standstill. I had to hit my brakes more than normal during a slowdown but still stopped comfortably. Other cars either flew ahead of me on the shoulder or just barely avoided a crash. I looked at my friend in the front seat and said firmly "THAT is what I was driving the way I was" and nobody ever gave me crap for it again. I typically drive 5mph over the speed limit and will go as fast as the traffic and weather safely allows. Ideally as you mentioned I don't want to touch my brakes or throttle at all, but at the end of the day I want to get to my destination in one piece. It drives me nuts that people don't understand following distance.
Greetings from bannana land! Where everyone with a pulse can get a licence... (That's gold) I've never heard Australia described so colourfully. May I add: -Stay out of the overtaking lane unless overtaking (and thus reduce aggravation for everyone else) -Stay off your bloody phone! -Use your indicators -Pay attention to the road AKA Respect the drive
As a former Connecticut resident, agreed. The Merrit Parkway is literally automotive hell. It’s a risky game of stand on the gas and pray you’ll be good, or go above 80 because everyone’s riding your rear. I moved to South Carolina, and the drivers down here are pretty bad too. The worst aspects are definitely left lane hogs or using the right-most lane as a passing lane. We have a lot of routes/highways here so it feels inescapable. I drive through the same 30-35 minute route every time I go to work, and it’s insane how many people I see driving dangerously and getting into accidents. Some food for thought, I wish Americans would appreciate the roads we’ve been given and learn some common sense for a change.
another thing that really needs to be said. dont just learn your cars controls, learn the whole thing. find some open space, do some pulls to whatever speed. then try your brakes (make sure nobodys behind you), come to a stop as quickly as possible. if your car has no abs, learn how to let off to right before lockup. find empty parking lots or open dirt roads, try some sliding and drifting. dont learn sliding and drifting like i did, in the heat of the moment. i survived but you might not. learn it beforehand so if you lose traction at some point you can keep control of your car.
These are excellent! One of my biggest pet-peeves is people who slow down on highway on-ramps instead of matching their speed with the traffic already on the highway.
there is a special lever to the left side of the steering wheel for letting other drivers know when you are going to make a lane change. it actives small yellow-orange lights just by break lights. it's not very well known here so i thought i should add.
I’ve learned over the years to look ahead, and check side/rear mirrors for situational awareness. Also to anticipate the unexpected, such as someone changing lanes, not seeing you. I hate people that don’t merge properly, following them, puts me at risk too. And DON’T tailgate.
One thing i need to really fix is checking my side mirrors when changing lanes. I use them all the time, except when I know that the road is basically empty because I took into account people's speed and my speed, and I know where they are without looking. This isn't good though because any random person could've came out of nowhere speeding pass me. At least I realize I do it when it happens.
I always use cruise to stay at the speed limit on the highway, speeding just screws up your gas mileage and speeding when your not on the freeway doesn’t get you anywhere faster, the funniest shit is when I let someone pass me because the speed limits too slow for them and then I end up catching up to them anyways because they were stuck at a traffic light or stop sign
Im from CT😃, and i hate when people slow down for cops, or when they dont know how to merge every bad driver should watch this video a thousand times so they can learn
Hey you,you are 100 percent correct if your going within the speed limit or a little bit above there is no need to slow down. Definitely if your speeding tho going 85+ you’d want to slow down. Definitely even if they see you slowing they won’t pull you over because obviously your slowing down
As weird as this sounds, I feel like driving a manual definitely helps me stay more focused. Paying attention to the revs and trying to predict ahead the flow of traffic to determine what gear you should be makes me pay attention more. Also, parking lots are a big one. People running/cars jumping out are two big things to pay attention to.
This, parking lots are the worse. Drive slow and be ready to brake
Ain't this the truth.
Exactly that, we recently got a new car, which unlike our now "old" car which we still daily drive, is automatic. For the first couple of times I drove the automatic on my usual route I would sometimes drive a bit faster than usual through some areas with lower speed limits because with an automatic I didn't have that sense of speed because I didn't have to keep track of my gears and revs. So definitelly manuals can help with concentration over longer rides because of the fact that you need to keep track of more stuff in comparison with an automatic.
For sure. Ever since I got my 22 Si, I avoid driving directly in front of stores all together just so I can avoid idiots walking out into the road
So true! Back when I had my auto, I would often get very sleepy on the way from work in traffic. Slow movement, not much input, drone of heater/AC. Perfect conditions to fall asleep. But with a manual, constantly shifting and clutching (while trying to be smooth at it) is really helpful. I know people say traffic is the worst part of manual driving but it can save you from rear-ending someone.
Great reminders. I’d add: use your turn signals. Please. No one can read your mind.
haha truth! I think I could make a "6 Ways" series on this topic and die an old man before I run out of new ideas.
One thing to add for turn signals that some people don't seem to realize. Turn signals do not give the right of way. I have seen so many drivers think they can cut anywhere as long as they turn on their signal or turn without checking their blind spots.
Also, turn on turn signals in advance of your turn. I see way too many people slow down and brake, and then put on their turn signal the second they turn
@@emperorzz Yeah this is my pet peeve too lol. Thanks for telling me where you've already gone, genius.
This is number 1 on my list! Especially if you are at a Stop at an intersection and the jerk on his phone never signals! And just changing lanes in general. 💫🛣
No crashing!!
Hi
Love your new brz topher!
I definitely owe a lot of thanks to my parents for making me learn how to drive in an old and slow car. No backup camera, manual, no ABS, etc... I sucked at first and it was frustrating but now I feel like I’m a much better driver than my peers
yea except for the abs part imo, abs doesn’t even do anything 99% of the time so people don’t rely on it
@@Zach_CR oh hell no, it saved my ass today in the rain
@@Zach_CR ABS has saved so many lives dude. Yeah, it doesn't do anything until you need to slam on the brakes and swerve. ABS is designed to keep the wheels from locking up during braking and losing the ability to steer or stop quickly. It's night and day difference for ice, snow, or rain. Traction control is one that is a creature comfort rather than actually important. Electronic stability control keeps you from oversteering into a tree.
Everything was perfect Yes everyone back then were nascar level type of drivers just experts now everyone sucks peoples logic man maybe driving is evolving? And it’ll continue to do so like everything else
@@Floww23 I think it's phones and drugs. I see people smoking while driving and texting and driving all the time.
I'd like to add tailgating, it makes people annoyed and can make them do sudden moves or pay too much attention to the driver behind, also if the car infront needs to brake hard the car behind is likely going to hit them
big facts... it feels like you're using a urinal and someone came in and had to use the one right next to you
Yeah, fuck tailgaters.
@@jasonchen451 True man true
a lot of states around me have really started emphasizing "stay on the right except when passing," and I have noticed that except for rare occasions, people are actually following this rule. Much less tailgaiting from my pov, which is great. All tailgating does is make people mad and increase recklessness and danger.
I always turn the windshield wipers which in turn sprays the washer fluid directly onto the tailgaters windshield; harmless karma
Amen to matching the speed when merging. Difference of speed is what makes highways so dangerous. Also make sure you are fully in the exit lane before slowing down. Oh and turn SIGNALS. Use them to SIGNAL your intention not confirm your action. Signal before you start to brake for your turn not as you're making the turn.
Better to nail the throttle then hit the brakes when merging
That’s a vague and incomplete requirement for other common scenarios that can practically happen depending on what area you live in. What is the speed of “flow”? Is my flow the same flow as somebody else’s flow? What if the speed in that lane is always different based on the car in that lane? What if it’s not feasible to match 80mph in 30ft of on-ramp? What about existing spacing in that lane?
But also don’t speed up in the exit lane to basically ram the car ahead that is trying to slow to local traffic ( had a bmw driver do this , revved his engine and tailgated me on the exit lane to. A red light)
"Difference of speed is what makes highways so dangerous" 100% the truth. Yet logic escapes even our traffic enforcement. When the posted speed is 65 and everyone is going 75, the person going 55 "being safe" is more of a danger than the person travelling 80, but guess who's getting the ticket 100 out of a 100 times. Not trying to condone speeding, but instead pointing out the slow person is the one that will likely cause a crash.
Make sure you slow down before the exit lane when in Germany, or you will soon not be on the exit lane anymore.
Using the platform to bring awareness about drive. Yes this is what we all need and huge respect Ted for bringing this up. Little things add up to big picture. I hope more and more people watch this, be it any part of world, safety first. Be safe.
THIS is what I love to see a car journalist using their platform for.
Thank you Tedward - for the reviews, and for ALWAYS reminding people to respect the drive. Well done
There is no better feeling than coming into a corner at the right speed and feeling the perfect balance of the vehicle through apex and then accelerating out of the corner. It’s addicting to drive smoothly
I think the most important point generally is to just pay attention, most accidents are caused by one or two people being completely distracted. Driving requires full attention to the road and traffic
the problem is that it’s a game of chance, i guarantee you’ve looked away for a split second because something or someone distracted you
6:35 The shutter speed of your camera matched with the wheels of that truck, that was cool.
that is fucking trippy
thanks for pointing that out, very cool
nah i think the truck just glitched
Watching this living in a country like India where road rules are almost non existent and people just drive however they like I can only WISH the drivers here were even HALF as careful about road etiquette as in western countries lmao. American roads look immensely easy and relaxing to drive upon in comparison lol
have spent some time in south asia... can confirm! its wild
@@TedwardDrives Driving is probably one of the most stressful things you can do here 🥲
Look up videos of San Francisco in the early 1900s looks a lot like driving in India
fax. everything is havoc here.
i look forward to the day i drive in the philippines and experience all of that lmfao
He really spoke to my soul with the Merritt Parkway remarks. Another problem with getting up to speed for the Merritt is that it's kind of an unspoken rule that nobody (unless the shoulders closed and construction is going on) is ever going less than 70 at any given time. So to match the flow of traffic you really have to test your 0-60.
Some of those twisty onramps make you really make you hone your inner F1 driver for about 15 seconds.
@@jackrizza99 Absolutely. Some of my friends and family ask why I pick up speed so fast on them. I keep telling them because I've experienced on multiple occasions somebody that lazily tried to merge on the Merritt at 35 while everybody is doing 70-75 and almost killed everybody in the right lane of traffic. And I don't want to be that guy.
@@jackrizza99 don’t know if you are familiar with exit 57 going south, but that’s a scary one 😂
The best thing my defensive driving teacher told me was "Pretend everyone else has no idea what they're doing, but don't get cocky. Because the second you get cocky is when you crash" Expecting someone to do something stupid will save you; it has saved me many times. There's been cars in a turning lane next to me, but I think "Well there's a chance they won't actually turn" and waiting that .01 second after the light changes, sure enough they don't turn and go straight. I can't emphasize enough how defensive driving should be THE way to learn. There is a fine line between being cocky and being overly cautious (which can also be dangerous) so that's why it's vital to have a professional teach you.
The way this guy drives really hints at a lot of experience. I'd crap myself if I had to drive AND speak to the camera at the same time. What a legend
It's a GoPro on his head. This is more like casually talking with your passenger.
So you’re telling me that you don’t talk to anybody while you’re driving?
@@mokokoco4720 oddly enough, I actually prefer not to. It breaks my focus
Hell yeah. Always drive safe y’all. Love your content not only just dope reviews but actually informing people about safety. Love Tedward.
I Appreciate that! Thanks
@@TedwardDrivesomg tedward you teached my dad to drive a manual car
watched this and a few hours later got into my first accident after years of driving. really shows you how over confidence can hurt you. luckily no one was injured drive safe homies
it doesnt matter, the people that need to hear this the most wont care or listen. most people genuinely dont realize they are driving badly. they only focus 10 feet ahead and get surprised when they get into a situation they cant get out of.
this might sound like a cat poster, but I'd rather try and fail than not try.
I hope I can show this to every driver here in Los Angeles. They need to embrace your driving philosophy (including myself, admittedly).
PREACH. I drive 100 miles a day for work on 95 in MA and these are all the thoughts I have on a daily basis. It is crazy the lack of attention and care people have driving. Driving is not hard but you wouldnt know that from watching the average driver on the roads!
Also man, I remember this vividly, accident waiting to happen. I was towing my race car with my camper van, doing like 85 km/h, driving along A VERY LONG on-ramp from a gas station. Car on the on ramp, I left them plenty of space (because duh, car should easily be going faster). What happens? Brake lights come on(like, SHE HAD THE SPACE!!!!), at the end of the onramp the old lady stops, opens the fucking door and sticks her head out into traffic to watch for a gap. I shit you not that lady is going to get someone killed and be all like "But I wasn't going fast, I wasn't dangerous".
I drive a semi-truck. It takes time to get 40k-80k lbs up to speed. Very rarely, I will need to wait at the _START_ of a short on-ramp for a gap in heavy interstate traffic. NEVER do this at the end of a ramp.
My mom always preached defensive driving. I never really understood the point until I was going down the road and this car was trying to pull out. I had a weird feeling he wouldn't see me so I took my foot off the accelerator and hovered it over the break. Legit enough, he pulled out less than 40 feet in front of me and I had time to slow down to avoid the collision, barely. Since then I always anticipate other drivers to pull stupid things like that and it's avoided potential disasters more than a handful of times.
We need the guide to dealing with road rage. In Boston I'm constantly bullied by others wanting me to do something unsafe.
Do what you think is right. If you get into an accident, they are not the ones who are paying your insurance or damages, they will simply go on with their lives. If they are honking at you because they want you to go on a NO TURN ON RED, then let them honk.
I just get behind someone if you're on the freeway. They can't brake check you like that. Or just stop on the side of the road and put your phone to your ear very visibly, they'll either keep driving or stop and see you on the phone and think you're calling 911 and then leave
Dallas is the same way. I hate driving on the highway here.
I think the reason why the general traffic and accidents are more prone to happen in the US is because a car is a necessity. Here where I live (The Netherlands) we have lots of good alternatives so driving is not a necessity but more so a luxury. Sure there are always people who really need it, but for the most part you can get around with a bicycle just fine.
This is why our driving tests and lessons are so expensive and difficult compared to the US, not to mention you cannot learn with your parents unless they are a certified driving instructor. The positive outcome behind this is the fact you get more disciplined drivers. You don't generally need a driving license at any time in your life since public transport is great here. Thus if you want to drive, you are probably more invested into it and probably become a more disciplined driver by going down the expensive driving lessons and exam rather than a person who must drive because there is no other viable solution. Or as you said "Everyone with a pulse getting their license."
Of course there is always that one piece of crap that cuts you off with double speedlimit, no indicator lights and brakes hard in front of you due to congestion, but that is a small group of the total traffic on the car roads here.
I'm a staunch conservative living out in the boonies, and even I understand the importance of walkable cities. American infrastructure is hostile to humans and I'm gonna talk about it.
Yeah, I’m in Canada and we also have pretty easy driving tests. I think the big issue though is the lack of continuous learning and refreshing of knowledge of the rules of the road. You can get your license and then never ever have to refresh your driving knowledge for 50+ years! That is wild! Just imagine how many things you will forget five or ten years after those first tests and lessons. Then extend that to most of the drivers on the road. We’re all just going by feel and that is something that varies widely by person.
"We live in coo-coo banana land"
I just fell out of my chair laughing XD
As a CT resident, that bit about the Merrit is sooo true. I have a g37x and every time I take off from a stop and go on ramp, I think to myself this is literally impossible for any car under 300hp because it’s even scary for me lmao
i think the biggest takeaway here that most people can learn (espeically experienced drivers imo) is "be predictable." so important.
im glad i found this video, im 19, i havent got a car or even a license yet, so i wanted to make sure i understand basic common car sense before i, y’know, get in a car
Thanks!
I do plug everything in before moving, so that is 1 good thing. I stay in the far right lane, and set cruise control to 55, or 60, depending how fast traffic is moving.
The 1 thing I don't do is merge on the highway at the flow of traffic, I normally make it to about 50, or 55 at the end of the on-ramp. I turn my left blinker on, and watch for a big spot to move into. It has worked for me. But I never slow down unless someone in front does.
My car doesn't have any blind spot monitors or anything, so I 100% don't rely on them. Though it's forward collision braking system has saved me a few times. Once a truck pulled out in front, and the car slowed down before I could. Another time someone pulled out in front and it stopped.
Another time a raccoon ran across the road, and it stopped. And the other time (kind of surprised by this), 2 lanes turned turned onto the freeway, I took the right lane, a speeding Prius took the left lane, and on the turn they went into my lane, very very close to ramming me. So I steered into the ditch. Either way, the car hit the brakes before I did. Also didn't get too far in the ditch.
I need to add, 1 thing you should try to change is your following distance to the car in front. At times you're about 1 second behind, at 70+ MPH. That is too close. Try to get at least 4, to 5 seconds.
hey tedward, just wanted to say thank you so much for this video! i’m a pretty new driver (just a few months licensed) and i’m looking for ways to improve my skills and safety. thanks a bunch
Probably the most important thing that you can do is behave predictably on the road. Even if you're making a mistake, behaving in a predictable way is going to help show the other drivers on the road what you're going to do. For example, if you're going to change lanes, look, signal if it looks clear, edge over a bit, check again, then gradually finish the lane change. If you mess up and miss someone in your blind spot, you're giving them opportunities to notice your mistake before you make it. Signal your intent, and then move smoothly.
As you gain driving experience you'll get a bit of a sixth sense watching other cars - you'll see when other drivers are going to make a lane change, even before they signal. The thing is, this skill doesn't work for erratic drivers.
Very smart of you to tune into this video. Drive carefully and stay safe!
@@forbesjeff thanks for the advice! i appreciate it
Stay off the phone and keep eyes on the road. Use your indicators so other drivers know what you’re trying to.
Great pointers for everyone but especially for our fellow Bostonians! I used to ride a motorcycle and I really believe that helped me become a better and more aware driver. If I had kids I'd definitely teach them how to drive a manual as well since I think that helps driving engagement.
Love these tips, I remember watching POV driving videos on here and TheTopher's channels when learning to drive. Getting a license in america's way too easy, sad that these tips even have to be mentioned.
last week i encountered the first time nobody slowed down for a cop.... and out of all those people he pulled me over. good times! (not saying youre wrong just funny)
Haha I merged on the highway behind a state trooper in my GT350. Was just following him at his speed. Watched an X5 cheekily speed around me just to get gnabbed.
Could you please make a video on how to drive economically (fuel wise)?
Great idea. Yes.
@@TedwardDrives I know he didn’t specify but could you do it for a manual transmission as well? Always been interested in the rate of fuel consumption compared to RPMs AND throttle input
@@hahalongboy7256 Higher gears for lower rpm, lift & coast ahead of braking zones, And also planning your route ahead of your set journey.
Also, something I've seen quite a lot on dashcam videos and real life: for the most part, when two people crash, one of them made a mistake and the other tried to enforce their "right of way". If someone cuts you off, brake, swerve, do something to AVOID the crash. Don't speed up to "stand your ground" or something. It is impressive how many accidents are avoidable if one of the drivers just tried to avoid it
100% correct.
The road is no place to massage our egos.
Be the bigger man, and let it go
This is horrible advice. If someone cuts you off and you swerve and hit another car or God forbid a pedestrian, it's now 100% your fault. I've been in a number of accidents where I would have been at fault for hitting someone else by trying to avoid an idiot coming into my lane. I'll take a hit if I know it's not my fault and to avoid causing damage to other drivers.
3 years in with my Fiesta ST and im still hella scared of crashing it and losing all the money so i only hoon it when i am certain it will be OK and drive super defensively otherwise.
I have a Focus ST myself. Went on a back road hoon drive with a buddy and hit a dusty patch of road on a turn going too fast and lost all traction in my tires. Managed to keep it on the road but ended up completely sideways. It was scary but now I know the limit of my car and I’m thankful it worked out without any damage. The real important thing is making sure your tires are good!
Something that really annoys me is when people drive fast in parking lots. The last thing I want to happen is to get charged for running over a child. Also what you talked about at the end of the video. I usually only take the left lane in a double left turn because I know how often cars cross over into the next lane. I'm not trying to get side swiped lol.
1:50 this happened to me yesterday. I was walking to a mall with my brother, and this woman pulling out of an underground parking lot was putting her seatbelt on and focusing on everything but me and my brother, who were walking in front of her. Eventually, thank god she noticed and slammed the brakes and apologized but WOW it showed how distracted how everyone is.
Greetings from another central MA driver! I drive for a living and boy do I see some sketchy stuff every day. Moreso when I drive closer to I-95 and the Boston area of course.
I will say my training for my motorcycle license has saved me a bunch of headaches by simply increasing my awareness up ahead. Even if you are in the right and someone is screwing around on their phone and swerving in traffic, it doesn't matter if you are dead. This is more applicable to motorcycles but it saves you a headache of a car accident nonetheless. Also, I believe driving a manual has led to me being more focused and safer as a driver.
7. Don't drive a Mustang
nailed it
You know what, i agree.
Biggest one
I drive a modified Fox body Mustang occasionally. It's not the cars fault that automotive enthusiasts in North America ignore their need to learn to drive properly. It is foolish to emulate NASCAR drivers.
I want one so bad
Here's one: If you're missing your exit, don't suddenly slam on the brakes and swerve across multiple lanes and that triangle to the off-ramp. Just take the next exit and get on the highway in the other direction.
MORE TEACHING DRIVING VIDEOS PLEASE! THIS WAS AWESOME!
Truthfully i like this type of video more than the car reviews.
Great insight Tedward. Driving off while putting your seatbelt on has been identified as a stupid act since at least June 14, 1969 when Jacky Ickx walked across the track at Le Mans and calmly put his seat belt on before driving off. He (and Jackie Oliver) ended up winning the race. If he could do it, so can the rest of us!
At 5:20 you neglected to point out that you should always keep to the right on a highway UNLESS OVERTAKING. Yes, I'm talking to you Red Crossover! Don't encourage other drivers to pass you on the right (referred to as "undertaking" in the UK). The center lane is not intended "cruising lane" (nor the left lane) where you can idly park yourself and ignore other traffic while you check your mail, shave or converse with friends or family. Those lanes are there to allow other drivers the option of safely overtaking you if they choose, or for you to overtake other cars who chose to travel slower than you.
The double turning lane situation happens to me everyday at work and it blows my mind each time.
some people think its unmanly or cool to not use turn signals- but really its just annoying- because although u know where your going no one else does.
One of my driving pet peeves is when other drivers cut in front at the last second to make a right turn, forcing me to slow way down or even slam on the brakes. Getting into the right lane early before the turn or choosing the next exit (on freeways) would possibly prevent swerving and cutting.
"Most states." In California, in my 2018 Si coupe, I was stopped for going 75. I did a "Trial by Written Declaration" and beat the ticket, basically argued that I was going at a safe speed, with the flow of traffic. I also stated that going slower would possibly cause an accident.
The merging tip is the simplest thing no one does. It's like somehow everyone thinks it's better to merge on going like 20-30mph under the limit and make everyone else slow down while they speed up
As a beginner driver this video really helped me learn some important things. Thanks
i love your channel subscribed for quite a while now!!! Unimog was awesome!!!
We’re filming more with the mog this week if it all works out :)
@@TedwardDrives awesome
Looking over your shoulder before changing lanes is a must and not tailgating another (2 good seconds between you and the vehicle in front, double with poor adhesion, which also results in a calmer, more comfortable and economical drive). Also clear all windows of dew, frost or snow before driving.
This video is gonna help a lot of people and save lives
Oh man this should be required viewing for every driver out there. Entering the highway at a crawl is a huge pet peeve of mine and then you have the idiots who without any foresight or rationale accelerate to pass you and then slow down in front of you to exit.
Always use your turn signals!! I have seen numerous crashes because people don't feel like they have to let people behind them know which direction they are going. It seems to me this problem is more prominent in the South, I swear only about half the people in rural SC on the road actually feel like the need to use their turn signal and it drives me insane!
0:00, my drivers test was 8 minutes long. Drive down the street to the church on a road that's never ever busy, then drive back, boom, passed.
exactly, people hitting the brakes when the person directly in front is slower, rather than going around. Not efficient!
Another thing to add is people using their turn signals as they’re changing lanes. I used to do that. I’ve got a lot of other people here have done that past it’s kind of a habit but it’s easy to get passed if you don’t drive aggressively.
Driving a manual definitely makes me appreciate driving more. Actually have to drive the car instead of sit there and steer.
Merritt parkway is an absolutely insane road and definitely a dangerous spot I know so many people who have been in accidents there
I needed this wake up call, to be honest. I've had a few close calls, with the latest one being yesterday, where I went to go around a car that was pulling into a parking space, but then decided to back up to better align themselves. Thankfully I was on that horn like flies on roadkill!
If you're having a bad day and you're not in a right mood to drive, step out of the vehicle and just... give yourself a break. You can be literally the most experienced driver and still make an oopsie when you're in a bad mood.
Some important things I've been doing at 17 is constantly using mirrors, I have an 88 Camry with a manual gear box, no ABS or traction control and definitely no fancy blind spot stuff or whatever, so using mirrors on the highway, when merging, doing blind spot checks, especially at night, looking in my rear view mirror when I'm coming up to a stop light, also I back in to parking spaces a lot and mirrors are excellent for that, not only that but parallel parking so super important especially in the city, use your mirrors as reference points and to find reference points. In traffic when your stoped I always leave enough room to either pull off or pull forward and check my rearview for texters or people goin a little too quick
@3:15
I can confirm that having a slow car on the Merritt is horrifying. Driving on the Merritt is part of my daily commute and I used to drive a 2008 Dodge Avenger. This thing had a 0-60 of like, 14 seconds. Luckily, I have a Model 3 so the Merritt is no longer a nightmare.
Unless you’re driving a truck or bus slow 0-60’s are dangerous for highways.
I've always liked the old saying for riding motorcycles "Drive like everybody is trying to kill you." Applies just as well to cars, although I replace kill with hit
When at the helm of a semi-truck, drive like everyone else is trying to kill themselves.
The hardest thing about watching this video is knowing that the people that need to see it either won’t, or will just ignore everything they just heard
Got a 22 Civic Sport. It’s my first car and did a lot of saving and planning with parents to make it affordable but my point though is that though I am glad for the reverse camera, lane keep assist, and all of that, I mostly drive with none of that because I don’t want to rely on that tech unless I am on a long drive, or if I absolutely need it. Ik actually happy that my car doesn’t have blind spot and parking detection because it forces me to stay focused and be vigilant of my surroundings, as all drivers should be.
I cant wait to get drivers license when I’m 18. I’m 14 and my dream car is bmw e92 blue with beige leather seats and interior
One word of advice is know when to practice accident avoidance versus accident mitigation. Avoid potential bad accidents as much as possible, but if someone is simply veering into your lane, yes honk, hug the opposite side of the lane, and if you have time, switch lane. But if you don’t have time, don’t swerve and over react because that can cause a deadly accident. Cars are designed to hit each other, even at the low impact speeds of someone swerving into your lane (speed differential would be only a few mph between cars )
Check your Mirrors OFTEN, and also look as far ahead as possible and NOT just the ass end of the vehicle in front of you. Maintain distance from forward vehicle, and use you INDICATER when changing lanes. Just a few more tips.
4:36 Funny part is that CHP stops anyone going 5 to 6 mph over all the time.
Thank you for this video! I'm a newly licensed driver and safety to me is paramount!
Yeah I hate when people brake while entering the highway. Common occurrence in Florida and they don't go more than 45mph while everyone else is going 75mph
On the highway always maintain a safe distance and use it as a buffer.
The moment the car in front of you slows down also slow down.
The minimum safe distance is smaller the lower the speed, which means you can slow down less than the vehicle in front of you.
When the car in front of you is speeding up again speed up slower than they are and build that safety distance back up again.
Basically smooth out the slowing down and speeding up. This not only is safer because you don't make sudden moves, but it will also make traffic flow better.
This is something that gets especially important the faster you are. The faster you are (and/or the car in front of you) the more difficult it gets to judge by how much they are slowing down.
One downside is that people might get into the space in front you and slow you down because you aren't speeding up fast enough. And sometimes people will do that even when they are just half your speed. Which is the opposite of safe...
I don't know if this is the case anywhere but in Germany it certainly is something to keep in mind:
Truck drivers either blink or look before changing lanes. Don't assume they are doing both!
In Australia you need to slow down to 40 Km/h if a cop is on the side of the road with the lights on. It's a bit wild and causes so many undesired chain reactions with people slamming the brakes.
Your experience mirrors my own, I've been in exactly one accident in my life, it involved 3 cars (1 totaled, 2 seriously damaged) my speed at the time? Exactly 0 mph. I was sitting still at a red light at the end of a long freeway offramp with a chevy van in front of me, and a drunk guy in a GMC Sierra truck that didnt realize he wasnt still on the freeway...and apparently didnt notice the stoplights or cars stopped in front of him until it was too late to stomp on the brakes in time. Nobody was hurt (drunk guy went to jail, truck towed) but the real victim was my prized 1991 Acura Legend coupe 5 speed stick🙈🙈Like you I automatically assume everyone else on the road with me is either drunk, high or inco0mpetent, never had another accident since, but admittedly the one I had was impossible to avoid unless I had just not gotten out that night.
I'm a city bus driver, and i would love to have a by-law officer just stand on the bus with me. They'd give out 1000 tickets a shift.
The amount of times, i have to honk both cars at the front of a light that just turned green because they're still looking at their phone 6 seconds after the light changed..... holy i'd be rich if someone gave me a dollar every time.
it pisses me off when people slow down for cops. on highways a cop is more likely to pull over the disruptive driver who is slamming on the brakes, rather than the people who are going with the flow of traffic.
petition for tedward to make a new drivers guide because my brother just started learning how to drive
My favorite is not driving next to other cars longer than you have to. Always did this but realized it was especially important when I had a motorcycle. For one it keeps you out of their blind spot and the second even more important reason is the ability to change lanes quickly or even just move over a little bit to avoid an accident. Too many people think their only option is to brake but if you do it right you already have confidence you can change lanes with a quick check in addition to an open shoulder 90% of the time. With a good following distance you should be able to avoid 99.9% of accidents and even a rear end accident from the car behind you.
Yeah, not sure how common this is for drivers, but I absolutely never hang out in blind spots because I know damn well I'm just asking for it there. Both my Toyota hatch backs have good visibility, but the blind spots are hard to see even looking behind you.
I always have the feeling that you put on the blinkers too late. In Austria it's like this: Look in the rear view mirror, then the side mirror, then over your shoulder, then start inidcating, then wait 3 seconds and then pull over. Of course few people do that and it's no practical often, but you learn it that way in driving school.
edit: spelling
Good advice Ted! I’ll add don’t go above the highway speed limit by more than 9 mph, no trooper will stop you at 74mph on a 65 mph zone. And mpg will be quite optimal and you will be relaxed while driving, the faster you go the more focused you need to be to drive safely. Use cruise control and lane assist when traffic is low to moderate. If you must text, use Siri or call, don’t type on your phone screen. Buy a Honda or Toyota that have buttons for the basic stuff. The trend of screen everything is total madness.
Those are all good tips, but I think you left out one huge one I see all the time- keep an appropriate following distance at all times and doubly so on highways. This gets even more important when the weather is less than ideal.
I remember my first road trip to Ohio from MN in my 20s with my friends. I didn't get my license until 18 and wasn't comfortable driving on the freeway, but with a 12 hour drive I had to put in a few hours. I kept a comfortable distance between the next car, even when annoying drivers kept filling the gap. My friends were getting annoyed at me because it meant I had to go 60 in a 70 zone, but I ignored them. Once we got to Indiana the traffic suddenly dropped from 70-75 to a standstill. I had to hit my brakes more than normal during a slowdown but still stopped comfortably. Other cars either flew ahead of me on the shoulder or just barely avoided a crash. I looked at my friend in the front seat and said firmly "THAT is what I was driving the way I was" and nobody ever gave me crap for it again.
I typically drive 5mph over the speed limit and will go as fast as the traffic and weather safely allows. Ideally as you mentioned I don't want to touch my brakes or throttle at all, but at the end of the day I want to get to my destination in one piece. It drives me nuts that people don't understand following distance.
Always watch the car in front of you, even when you think they've already merged.
I was once pulled over for doing 76 mph in a 70 mph zone. I got off with a warning, but it was a pain in the butt getting stopped.
Same, got pulled over for 95 in Texas and just got a warning
Greetings from bannana land! Where everyone with a pulse can get a licence... (That's gold) I've never heard Australia described so colourfully.
May I add:
-Stay out of the overtaking lane unless overtaking (and thus reduce aggravation for everyone else)
-Stay off your bloody phone!
-Use your indicators
-Pay attention to the road AKA Respect the drive
As a former Connecticut resident, agreed. The Merrit Parkway is literally automotive hell. It’s a risky game of stand on the gas and pray you’ll be good, or go above 80 because everyone’s riding your rear.
I moved to South Carolina, and the drivers down here are pretty bad too. The worst aspects are definitely left lane hogs or using the right-most lane as a passing lane. We have a lot of routes/highways here so it feels inescapable. I drive through the same 30-35 minute route every time I go to work, and it’s insane how many people I see driving dangerously and getting into accidents.
Some food for thought, I wish Americans would appreciate the roads we’ve been given and learn some common sense for a change.
another thing that really needs to be said. dont just learn your cars controls, learn the whole thing. find some open space, do some pulls to whatever speed. then try your brakes (make sure nobodys behind you), come to a stop as quickly as possible. if your car has no abs, learn how to let off to right before lockup. find empty parking lots or open dirt roads, try some sliding and drifting. dont learn sliding and drifting like i did, in the heat of the moment. i survived but you might not. learn it beforehand so if you lose traction at some point you can keep control of your car.
These are excellent! One of my biggest pet-peeves is people who slow down on highway on-ramps instead of matching their speed with the traffic already on the highway.
My first accident was caused by slamming on the breaks. Getting on a off ramp car in front panic breaked. Had no chance to stop in time.
as someone who swims a lot in traffic this was nice to watch
there is a special lever to the left side of the steering wheel for letting other drivers know when you are going to make a lane change. it actives small yellow-orange lights just by break lights. it's not very well known here so i thought i should add.
I’ve learned over the years to look ahead, and check side/rear mirrors for situational awareness. Also to anticipate the unexpected, such as someone changing lanes, not seeing you. I hate people that don’t merge properly, following them, puts me at risk too. And DON’T tailgate.
One thing i need to really fix is checking my side mirrors when changing lanes. I use them all the time, except when I know that the road is basically empty because I took into account people's speed and my speed, and I know where they are without looking. This isn't good though because any random person could've came out of nowhere speeding pass me. At least I realize I do it when it happens.
I always use cruise to stay at the speed limit on the highway, speeding just screws up your gas mileage and speeding when your not on the freeway doesn’t get you anywhere faster, the funniest shit is when I let someone pass me because the speed limits too slow for them and then I end up catching up to them anyways because they were stuck at a traffic light or stop sign
You ain't catching up to me homie, red light or stop sign, I ain't stopping.
@@David-ys4xb that’s how you end up as someone’s hood ornament lmao
@@maxswagcaster5315 Or killing someone.
My uncle (experienced truck driver) always says "Everyone thinks they are good driver until they crash their car". Thank you for sharing your tips.
Im from CT😃, and i hate when people slow down for cops, or when they dont know how to merge every bad driver should watch this video a thousand times so they can learn
Hey you,you are 100 percent correct if your going within the speed limit or a little bit above there is no need to slow down. Definitely if your speeding tho going 85+ you’d want to slow down. Definitely even if they see you slowing they won’t pull you over because obviously your slowing down
THANK. YOU. I drive exactly like you and I have thee exact same thoughts. People please make it make sense