Month: August 2009

Time to tow safely

The summer brings with it a new set of rules for having fun. We see many people traveling for their fun, and often with something in tow. Whether you are towing a boat, camper, motorcycle or cargo trailer you’ll have to change your normal driving habits to adjust to the trailer. Most experienced trailer drivers…



Do you need a refresher?

Remember when you first learned how to drive? No, I mean do you really remember when you first learned how to drive? For some of us, it’s hard to remember everything we did to get our driver’s license. I was one of the lucky ones. I got my beginner’s license on December 9th and my…



My sun and I…

I was watching a driver the other day driving toward the bright sun, which was setting. She had one hand shielding the sun from her eyes, and the other hand on the steering wheel. At first I thought maybe she was saluting pedestrians and drivers as she drove, but then realized she wasn’t prepared to…



How close to the corner do you park?

When I’m teaching new students and licensed drivers at Young Drivers of Canada, I also have to teach them parking skills. Part of that skill of parking also means where they should park; not just how to park. Do you always park in safe places? In most jurisdictions, you must park at least 20 feet…




Who should do the teaching?

I spend a lot of my time volunteering. I coach sports, have been a leader in the boy scouts and I help out with school trips. I like to share my time with my kids and others kids and teach them things they should know. I know a lot of people who do the same,…



Can you handle a breakdown?

I was recently driving along the freeway when I saw a driver stopped on the shoulder on the opposite side of the freeway. Their vehicle was broken down. That’s a terrible feeling for most drivers. Do you know what to do if your vehicle breaks down? Get a roadside assistance membership, if you don’t already…



Did you bring it along?

I love driving. To be honest, it relaxes me. I know it doesn’t for a lot of people. For the 21 years as a driving instructor, I’ve spoken to many people who hate driving with a passion. Why? If there’s something they don’t like about driving, why not find out how to fix it? I’m…



When should you honk?

I was traveling along one of our busy roads the other day and happened to hear a few drivers honking at other drivers. I was a little curious as to the reasons why these drivers decided they needed to honk. The danger had already passed in one situation, so why honk? What’s the purpose in…