Another episode of “did you know?”
Life is always about learning something new. Sometimes we set out to find something new and other times it’s just as if it slaps us in the face. Well, instead of slapping yourself, I thought I would bring you a few things you may not have known in regards to driving. So, without further delay, here’s another installment of “did you know?”
Did you know… hitting the gas to get through the intersection when the light changes from green to amber (yellow) won’t help you beat the light anyway? The millisecond that it may save you isn’t enough to help you beat the light. Instead, make a decision when the green light has been green for a while, that if the light was to change would you stop or go. This is a more proactive way to deal the changing of traffic lights.
Did you know… tucking the seat belt under your arm can cause serious injuries? It’s true. That technique can crack ribs or damage organs in the event you have to hit the brakes hard. Wearing the seat belt over your shoulder helps protect those internal organs, plus helps to keep you upright in case you need to make a sudden swerve.
Did you know… if you add vinegar to regular washer fluid it can clean bugs off your windshield? Vinegar was a cleaner well before we put it on our french fries. That’s mainly due to the acetic acid in vinegar. Adding1/3 part vinegar can do the job to clearing off those dead bugs. Adding more than that and you’ll be craving french fries each time you clean your windshield.
Did you know… you should sit at least 10 inches/25 centimetres from the centre of the steering wheel? This is to help protect you in case the airbag goes off. Being too close to the steering wheel may cause unnecessary injuries if the airbag deploys. Sitting closer than that will also affect your steering control. To help shorter drivers achieve the proper seating distance, many vehicles have telescoping steering wheels. Pushing the steering wheel toward the dash as much as possible will still allow the shorter driver to reach the pedals and stay at least 10 inches/25 centimetres away from the airbag.
Did you know… when turning left from a one way street you should begin the turn from the most left you can get on that one way street? Think of it this way…when your turning left from a 2-way street you move beside the yellow line – the closest to the left you’re allowed to go. The same can be said for turning from a one-way street. Move toward the left hand curb before making the turn. This helps you make the turn safely without confusing or cutting off any driver beside you.
Did you know… that’s the end of this version? I hope you learned something or at least reminded yourself of something you did know but may have forgotten.
A driver should always be sitting so that if they fully extend their right leg on the brake pedal as far as they can, the leg is NOT straight. It should still have a slight bend in it. The steering wheel position comes second 😉