Driving at night can be dangerous because your vision is simply isn't as good as that is during the day. So help yourself and others stay safe by following a few key guidelines.
First you must use your headlights between thirty minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise, use your highbeams in areas with few street lights and when visibility is low. But make sure you dim them when an oncoming vehicle is within 500ft or when you are following a vehicle at a distance of 300ft or a less. You should also use your headlights when precipitation is following. This will make your vehicle more visible to other drivers under these condition use a low beams no matter the time of day.
Speaking of poor road conditions you must never drive faster than its safe for the kind conditions, regard less of what the speed limit is. If its raining snowing or foggy out there, you'll most likely have to slow down to a more appropriate speed. Keep in mind the roads are almost slippery after the first rain of the season, so drive accordingly.
When the roads are slippery its best to down shift to a lower gear especially when traveling down hill. When its cold and the roads are wet bridges and overpasses typically freeze before the rest of the road. So be extremely cautious when you encounter either of these. If rains, snow or fog ever get so heavy that you can't see the road ahead, pullover, activate your hazard lights and wait for the elements to set aside. There are a few other pieces of information you need to know, even though they down fit neatly into a category these tit bits of knowledge is necessary for you to know in order to pass the written test.
While you may never drive on a side walk as if it was a road; you may drive across one when entering or exiting a driveway or alley. Any cargo extending beyond four feet of your bumper must be marked with warning lights or a simple red flag. When an emergency vehicle is approaching, pullover to the right edge of the road and stop to allow them to pass. If this occurs at an intersection, continue through the intersection and then pullover. When approaching bicyclist allow at least three feet between your vehicle and their bicycle if and when you pass them.
Your vehicle is equipped with the horn, so that you may warn other drivers of errors they are making or are about to make. It is not to be used to say hello to your friends in the street or as a form of road rage. If you are involved in a minor fender-bender move your vehicle off the road and out of traffic before getting out and exchanging information with other parties that involved.
If you've damaged parked car and can't find the owner; you must to leave a note including your name, address and phone number. You must then report the accident to the police. If you're involved in an accident resulting an injury or death; you must follow written report with the department of motor vehicles and notify the police. Also if you're involved in an accident or stopped for a citation, you must show proof of insurance to the police officer.
Being alert and aware of your surroundings is of up most important when you're driving, that's why you must keep you mind and body free of drugs and alcohol when getting behind the wheel. It is illegal for anyone of any age to drive with the blood alcohol concentration of .08 or greater. Further more minors or any one under the age of 21 must abide by the zero tolerance law. This law states that a minor may not purchase, attempt to purchase, posses or consume alcohol. It is illegal for a minor to have any detectable trace of alcohol in their system.
It is also illegal for anyone to drive with an open container of alcohol on their vehicle unless its in their trunk. Beyond a elicit drugs and alcohol its illegal to drive under the influence of any medication that impairs your ability to drive. Along the lines of impartibility to drive, driving while sleepy is dangerous. If you start to tire while driving, pullover to a safe spot and rest is long is necessary to regain alertness.
Using a cell phone while driving is not only extremely dangerous but its also illegal in some states. Check your states drivers manual to see if yours is one of them. Finally it's also illegal to listen to music through dual headphones while driving. Doing so prevents you to being able to hear any approaching emergency vehicles.
We have covered a lot of information in a short period of time and you need to know all of it to increase the likelihood of your passing the written test. However in addition to this video, we strongly suggest you read your states driving manual thoroughly.
Each state has a unique set of laws and we couldn't possibly have covered them all. If you don't already have a copy of your state's manual, you can obtain one online or pick one of at your local DMV. Watching this video, completing our interactive practice test and reading the manual gives you the best opportunity for success. Remember earning your permit is only the first step, in order to become a safe skillful driver, watch the rules of the road DVD in it's entirety including all of the awesome inside for bonus section. Hopefully I'll see you on a road soon. Good luck.
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